Encouragement in Christ JESUS ~ 06 February, 2023 A.D.

"Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also?" —Romans 4:9 [KJV]  

"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the traditions of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."—Colossians 2:8. Why this caution from the voice of inspiration? Our daily danger makes it expedient, "lest any man beguile you of your reward. Beware of men. Call no man Rabbi," saith thy Lord, lest any man judge against your privileges, impair your comforts, or distress your mind.  

Here is every blessing to make poor sinners happy. Righteousness imputed without works; iniquities forgiven, and sins covered; sin not imputed. This trinity of blessings flow from the unity of free grace. Such blessedness COMETH, free as the air, unmerited as the light, comforting as the sun: possessed by the unworthy, enjoyed by the ill-deserving, sure to all the redeemed, the inestimably rich privileges of every believer in Jesus.  

Here the wise God and vain man differ in judgment. Legal hearts are ever thinking of obtaining a righteousness by works, and pardon upon conditions: but God imputes a righteousness without works, even the best robe. None but untoward children find fault with the father's gifts; none but proud children object to the father's clothing. For thy righteousness, even if perfect, O soul, is at best but the righteousness of a creature; but Jesus' righteousness is the righteousness of the God-man; infinite in value like His precious blood, by which our sins are atoned. They are not imputed to us, because laid upon Jesus. God pardons them in justice to Him. Christ hath performed every condition for us. Faith takes its views, and forms its judgments from revealed truths. So it evidences its divine original. Thus it gives all glory to God; while the sense of pardon is applied to the soul by the Spirit, Who comforts the soul in truth. And thus a living, vital union is preserved between Jesus and His members through faith. From a joyful sense of pardon, love is increased, holiness incited, man is humbled, Jesus exalted, free grace gloried in, hope encouraged, slavish fears ejected, and the heavenly inheritance longed for as a free gift by Jesus. Thus all is of God, all is of grace, all cometh freely. Even eternal life is the free gift of God by Jesus Christ, Who saith, "Fear not, little flock, it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."—Luke 12:32.  

And doth the Lord impute no sin? Art thou thus blessed, O my soul! Spurn unbelief, and Satan's wiles, And let them not thy peace control.  

Reject the legal prate of those Who make God debtor to their terms, Who strip free grace of its just due, And rob God's glory of its charms. 

-William Mason (1724-1797 A.D.) 

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