The Fundamentals
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salvation, and the way to secure it. It is even possible to en tertain some true conception of sin, and of salvation, without comprehending, or, at all events, without submitting to God’s method of salvation. One may realize that to be saved from sin is to overcome its power as well as to escape its penalty, and yet suppose that this is not impossible to fallen men by way of profound penitence, radical reformation, and precise piety. RIGHTEOUSNESS IS ESSENTIAL One thing is evident—righteousness is essential. But what must be the nature and quality of that righteousness, and how and whence is it to be obtained? Shall it be home made, or shall it be of God and from above? Shall I go about to establish my own, or shall I subject myself to God’s? Shall salvation be of works, or by faith? Is Christ to be a Substitute for the sinner, or will the sinner be a substitute for the Saviour? Shall the altar smell of sacrifice, God- appointed and God-provided, or will we prefer to deck it with flowers that wither and with fruits that shrivel, howsoever fair they seem at first? Is personal goodness, or is God’s grace, as revealed in Jesus Christ, to bring us to the world where all is well? The one is a ladder that we ourselves set up, and painfully ascend; the other is an elevator which God provides, into which, indeed, we pass by penitential faith, but with which the lifting power is God’s alone. Salvation by works is the choice of the Pharisee, salvation by Grace is the hope of the Publican. ONE OR OTHER Nor can these two principles be combined. They are to tally distinct; nay, more, they are at variance the one with the other. A blend of the two is impossible. “If it is by grace, it is no more of works; otherwise grace is no more grace.” One cannot merit mercy. This field must not be
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