"GRACE AND TRUTH BY JESUS CHRIST"

“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17).

"Grace reigns through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 5:21). The grace that saves the sinner is not mere pity and sentiment such as we find in the creature. The grace that saves sinners is established on the principles of an honored law and a satisfied justice, (Romans 3:23-26). Grace does not ignore the law nor set aside its requirements. No! It establishes the law, (Romans 3:31). Grace establishes the law because it has a Substitute who perfectly fulfilled the law and endured the death penalty for all who believe, in order that God may be both just and justifier.

Law manifests what is in men- SIN! Grace manifests what is in God- LOVE! Law demands righteousness from men! Grace brings righteousness to men! Law sentences men to death! Grace brings dead men to life! Law speaks of what I must do! Grace tells what Christ has done! Law gives knowledge of sin! Grace puts away sin!
Pastor Henry T. Mahan

“By the grace of God, I am what I am.”

(1Cor. 15:10)

I am not one of God's elect because of something good God saw in me. There never was, is not now, and never will be any good in our flesh. "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing." Paul said he knew it. The problem with most religious folks is that they don't know it, and until they do, they will continue to brag and boast of what they have done for God.

I am not one of God's elect because of something God saw I would do. Left to my own will, I would have continued in darkness and even now would depart from God.

I am not one of God's elect because God needed me. It bothers me when we leave the impression with anyone that God or the church of the Lord Jesus can profit in any way from our presence, influence or gifts. When will we ever learn that we are receivers and beggars? There is not one ounce of goodness in any son of Adam that could be used to commend one's self to God. “What hast thou that thou didst not receive?”

“By the grace of God, I am what I am.” It was grace that set me apart before time was. It was His grace that laid hold of me when I was in the pit and brought me to the Lord Jesus. And if it be my lot to continue in the faith, to grow in faith and love, to die in hope, and be raised in glory, it will be all of grace.

Thanks be unto Him who alone is worthy of all glory and honor!

“Here I raise my Ebenezer; Hither by Thy help I'm come, And I hope by Thy good pleasure; Safely to arrive at home.”

Pastor Scott Richardson

THE ATONEMENT OF THE LORD JESUS

“Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation (atonement) for the sins of the people” (Heb. 2:17).

Those who are blessed to hear and believe the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ do not embrace or prescribe to a theory of atonement. In the Lord Jesus Christ and Him crucified we have a glorious atonement for all our sins by His precious blood (1John 4:10). We don't have an "attemptment" we have an effectual and full atonement for our sin.

Here are four things we know about His redeeming sacrifice and High Priestly work.

1). It is particular. The Lord Jesus laid down His life for His covenant people, all those chosen and given to Him in eternity (Matt. 1:21; John 6:37; 10:17; Eph. 1:3-6).

2). It is powerful. His blood sacrifice puts away all sins of His elect to the complete satisfaction of the holy law and infinite justice of God. The Lord says of our sins that they are remembered no more (Psalm 103: 10-12; Heb. 9:11-2; 10:17).

3). It is perpetual. His blood cleanses from all sins continuously (1John 1:7); sins past, sins present and sins future through His constant intercession (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25), powerful advocacy (1John 2:1) and prevailing meditation for His people (1Tim. 2:5).

4). It is permanent. His blood atonement is not a temporary solution or a stop-gap measure. The Lord Jesus obtained for His people eternal redemption (Heb. 9:12). He purchased for His people eternal salvation and eternal life (Isa. 45:17; John 10:27-30). Listen to the words of this sweet promise, "I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him" (Eccl. 3:14).