March 16

"Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Romans 3:24.

IT is delightful, when clear views and perceptions of Gospel truth are connected with the experimental enjoyment of its blessings, and a practical regard to its duties. The most important inquiry we can possibly make is, "How can man be just with God?" This passage furnishes us with a satisfactory answer. Note

WHAT IT IS. With regard to justification, two things may be observed.

What it implies. There is the supposition of a charge preferred, and that charge is sin against God. There is not only the fact of alienation from God, but the act of enmity to God — thus we are under the law, and amenable to it.

What it includes. To be justified, is to be freed from imputed guilt, and thus released from threatened punishment. It is to be acquitted in the court of heaven, and to find acceptance with God.

HOW IT IS BESTOWED. "Freely by his grace." The agent is God himself; the source, "his grace," which is an overflowing fountain, sending forth the streams of light and life, love and joy, and every blessing. The manner is "freely" — as an act of Divine mercy, and not the fruit of human merit.

WHENCE IT COMES. "Through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."

He died to procure it. No price of less value than he paid could obtain our acquittal from punishment, and our acceptance with God; and the whole universe could not produce a more costly ransom.

He rose to insure it. When he died on the cross, justice arrested him with her strong arm; when he arose from the tomb, she led him forth with a smile, mingling her shouts with mercy's triumphs; while wisdom, holiness, truth, and power, followed in the train.

He lives to confer it. He is exalted to the highest honors, and for the discharge of the most important work. Let me never seek to be justified at the tribunal of the law, alone; but take with me the Advocate, whose skill enables, and whose compassion will prompt him to plead my cause.