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Not Works
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us” (Titus 3:5).
I recently read a biography of the reformer John Wesley. One day, in the north of England, he stopped to speak to a man about his need of salvation. The man was sure his good works would gain him entrance into Heaven. Wesley asked him what he would do in Heaven, which was something the man had not considered, and in return asked what others would do there. Wesley told him that they would sing, “Glory to God …” But Wesley added, “Your song will be glory to myself, for I have qualified myself for Heaven!”
The man listened to the gospel as John Wesley presented it in its simplicity. After listening awhile, the man exclaimed, “What you say is enough to drive anyone to despair.”
“Yes,” replied the preacher, “It is well for a man to despair of saving himself that he may be driven to the Lord Jesus to be saved by Him.”
Indeed, God and Christ will have all the glory and praise in that day. We will sing, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory …” (Revelation 5:12).
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