THE LAW OF FAITH

 
DECEMBER 29.
 
The law of faith.
Romans 3:27
 
THIS is just the opposite of the law of works.
 
THAT was intended for perfect persons;
  THIS is for sinners.
 
THAT required obedience in order to life;
  THIS presents life in order to obedience.
 
THAT says, “Do;” THIS says, “Believe.”
 
THAT says, “Work;” THIS says, “Trust.”
 
THIS is a law of love - it is it flows from the love of God,
  breathes love to men,
  requires love of men, and
    produces love in man.
 
It is the law of peace - by which peace and reconciliation with God
  is published and enjoyed.
 
It is a law of grace - proclaiming that every sinner shall be pardoned,
  on confession;
  shall be justified freely on believing;
  shall be saved perfectly, by trusting;
  and be dignified eternally, by receiving.  John 1:12
 
It is a law of holiness – it contains precepts, requiring;
  cautions, warning;
  exhortations, urging; and threatening, alarming.
 
It is intended to exhibit God’s mercy, and
  to prevent man’s ruin,
  the sinner’s boasting, and
    Satan’s designs.
 
It lays us under everlasting obligations.
 
Every Christian should carefully observe the law of faith,
   and learn to distinguish it from the law of works.
 
True faith always takes Christ’s law, and obeys it.

 

By the works of the law, we can never obtain

Salvation and peace, or God’s favour regain;

But believing in Jesus, each blessing is given

To fit us for duty, and meeten for heaven.

 
James Smith 1849