‘We urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain’ (2 Corinthians 6:1)

By the ‘grace of God’ quoted in this passage, we are to understand the everlasting gospel, which is a glorious proclamation of favour displayed to the vile and unworthy. It proclaims that God has come down to us in the person of Christ; that He has accepted the labour, sufferings and death of Jesus, His Son, as the ground of our deliverance from death.

Now He sends His ambassadors to assure us that He is our Friend; that He will not impute our trespasses unto us; that He views us in Jesus as a NEW CREATION. All former things have passed away and are forgotten; and He will make all who receive His word and believe in His Son, the righteousness of God in Him.

Therefore, let us not receive this glorious message in vain. We do so if we indulge the thought that God is angry with us; if we doubt our acceptance of God in Christ; if we fear that He will be angry with us. He informs us of His grace, to encourage us to believe, to quicken us in His ways, to embolden us at His throne, to produce love to His name, and to furnish us with an answer to all objections.

Oh, what amazing words of grace
Are in the gospel found!
Suited to every sinner’s case,
Who knows the joyful sound.
May I this glorious grace receive,
And to my Saviour’s glory live.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘It is as if the Lord said to me, “You have my word, believe that. Walk by faith. Give me credit. Trust ME.’