IN every dispensation many have been found who, misunderstanding God’s reasons for giving to His people visible ordinances designed to picture different aspects of His redemptive grace and His purpose for His saints, have exalted these outward signs to such a place as to make salvation depend upon their observance, thus nullifying the truth of justification by faith alone. This is always true of ritualists, to whom sacramental observances mean more than the truths they illustrate. But the most punctilious attention to rites and ceremonies and the keeping of holy days can never produce the new birth or clear the soul from the guilt of sin. When our Lord was on earth, His chief conflicts were with those who hoped by dead works to purchase that which God offered to give freely to all who came to Him in faith.
“‘All of grace’—from base to summit,
Grace on every course and stone
Grace in planning, rearing, crowning,
Sovereign grace, and grace alone!
‘All of grace’—for useless strivings
Perfect pardon’s sweet content!
Life and light for death and darkness!
‘All of grace,’ omnipotent.
‘Grace for grace,’ and ‘grace sufficient.’
‘Grace abounding,’ Grace that reigns,
Grace the guarantee of glory!
Grace, grace! grace! How sweet the strains!”
—Thos. Spurgeon.