‘He will subdue our iniquities’ (Micah 7:19)

Sin must not only be pardoned, but corruption must be subdued; both are freely promised. The grace of God pardons, the power of God subdues; but grace and power always go together in the salvation of a sinner. Pardon comes first, and sanctification follows.

Light shining upon the understanding, discovers corruption working in the soul; holiness seated in the heart, produces hatred and opposition to it; prayer ascends to God for deliverance from it, and power descends and subdues it.

But like a fire apparently quenched, it will break out again and again; like rebels in a state, it will seize every opportunity of disturbing the peace and happiness of the soul. Listen, then, what the Lord says to you this morning: “I WILL SUBDUE YOUR INIQUITIES.”

Carry your complaint to His throne, plead His faithful word, and expect His promised power to subdue your iniquities. Sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under the law, but under grace. Grace reigns, and will conquer every rival lust.

Jesus, thy boundless love to me
No thought can reach, no tongue declare;
O knit my thankful heart to thee,
And reign without a rival there.
O grant that nothing in my soul
May dwell, but thy pure love alone:
O may thy love possess me whole,
My joy, my treasure, and my crown.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘Jesus must be all. It must be what Jesus is, and not what Jesus gives. Jesus, and not comforts. I want to receive all as immediately from God, and especially to receive truth as from God; because I conceive that when truth comes from God, and is attended with his light and power, it has a sanctifying effect. It convinces me more and more of my want of internal and external conformity to the will of God’.