THE GLORY OF CHRIST RECEIVED BY FAITH
There is no truth more frequently spoken and yet more frequently misunderstood than this, that Jesus Christ is altogether sufficient to save the soul. Men will readily confess His greatness, and even admire His sacrifice, yet fall short of resting wholly in Him as the only ground of acceptance before God.
The Scriptures leave no room for uncertainty on this matter, for they declare that in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Colossians 2:9), and that of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace (John 1:16). If Christ is full, then man must be empty; if Christ is sufficient, then human merit must be excluded (Ephesians 2:8-9).
It must be understood that faith is the appointed means by which the soul lays hold of Christ. This faith is not a mere acknowledgment of facts—for even the demons believe and tremble (James 2:19)—but it is a trusting reliance upon the person and work of the Lord Jesus. When the weary sinner hears the gracious invitation, “Come unto Me” (Matthew 11:28), he does not bring a price in his hand, but comes in his need, persuaded that Christ is able to save to the uttermost those who come unto God through Him (Hebrews 7:25). Such faith looks away from self and fixes its gaze upon the crucified and risen Savior (Hebrews 12:2).
The cross stands at the very center of this saving work. It is not merely an example to stir the affections, but a sacrifice that satisfies divine justice. The Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6), and He Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree (1 Peter 2:24). Here mercy and truth meet together (Psalm 85:10), for God remains just while justifying the one who has faith in Jesus (Romans 3:26). The sinner, therefore, does not plead his own righteousness, which is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), but rests in the righteousness of Christ, which is received by faith (Philippians 3:9).
Yet this reliance upon Christ does not produce indifference or carelessness in life. On the contrary, the same grace that brings salvation teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts (Titus 2:11-12). Faith works through love (Galatians 5:6), and the one who abides in Christ will bear fruit (John 15:5). Obedience is not the root of salvation, but it is certainly its fruit, for we are created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:10). Where there is no transformation of life, there is every reason to question whether true faith is present (2 Corinthians 5:17).
It is also necessary to guard against the error of dividing Christ. He cannot be received as Savior while being rejected as Lord. The same Scriptures which promise salvation to those who believe also declare that we must confess Him as Lord (Romans 10:9), and that we are not our own, but bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). True faith bows before His authority even as it rests in His grace, for His commandments are not burdensome to the one who loves Him (1 John 5:3).
At the same time, care must be taken not to place confidence in the outward forms of religion. Many have drawn near with their lips while their hearts were far from God (Matthew 15:8). External acts, however commendable they may appear, cannot cleanse the conscience nor reconcile the soul to God (Hebrews 9:14). Salvation is found in Christ alone (Acts 4:12), and it is received through faith, not earned by works of righteousness which we have done (Titus 3:5). The sinner stands justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:24).
The preaching of the gospel, therefore, must hold these truths in proper balance. Christ must be exalted as the all-sufficient Savior (1 Corinthians 2:2), faith must be proclaimed as the means of receiving Him (John 3:16), and holiness must be urged as the necessary evidence of a renewed life (Hebrews 12:14). When these are kept together, the gospel is preserved in its purity, and God is honored in both His grace and His righteousness.
Let every reader consider carefully where he stands. It is not enough to speak of Christ; one must be found in Him (Philippians 3:9). It is not enough to admire His teaching; one must believe on His name (John 1:12). The promise remains sure, that whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13), but that call must arise from a heart that truly trusts Him.
May each soul, therefore, look to Christ, rest in His finished work (John 19:30), and walk in the newness of life which He alone can give (Romans 6:4).
BDD
