‘The gospel of our salvation’ (Ephesians 1:13)

Our salvation is our deliverance from sin, the curse, and the wrath of God; this was impossible to man, but God sent His own Son in our nature, to save us freely, fully and eternally.

The gospel is the “good news of our salvation.” It is sent to inform us that God is love; that grace reigns; that heaven is opened; that provision is made for our guilt, weakness, and fears; that God waits to receive us, bless us, and glorify us with Himself for ever. It sets before us all Christ has done, all He possesses, and invites us to come and receive, to use, and be happy.

It requires nothing of us to entitle us, it presents all it has, and gives it freely to the poor, the maimed, and the blind. It has all our misery requires, all our wants demand; we cannot wish for more than it brings; it is full of grace, and full of glory.

Precious gospel! Glorious news! May we receive it, act upon it daily, and so be happy. It is intended to fill us with joy and peace in believing, to lead us to abound in hope, and to make us more than conquerors over despondency, doubt, and fear.

For you the purple current flowed,
In pardons from His wounded side;
Languished for you the eternal God;
For you the Prince of glory died;
Believe, and all your sins forgiven;
Only believe, and yours is heaven.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘We have had many removals of late, and not so many additions, so that I feel sad, and somewhat unsettled, for I feel as if I could not live, much less be happy, if souls are not constantly brought to God. I have spoken to the church on the subject.’