The grace of God in Christian preaching highlights His unmerited favor freely given to sinners, transforming lives and sustaining spiritual growth (Ephesians 2:8-9). Illustrations often use images of abundant gifts, free offers, and continuous supply to emphasize God's generosity and the believer's response of faith and surrender (Romans 5:15-17).
God is the inexhaustible giver, and we cease begging when we trust His generosity.
Sir Walter Raleigh was continuously submitting requests to Queen Elizabeth on behalf of convicts. Once the Queen said to him: "Sir Walter, when will you stop being a beggar?" "When Your Majesty ceases to be a giver," was the wise answer. Oh, how wonderful to know that God is the inexhaustible source of blessing!
God blesses those who give themselves fully to Him with rich spiritual gifts.
Socrates had a trusted servant who, seeing others giving presents to his master, came to him one day and said, "Because I have nothing else to give you, Master, I here give you myself." Socrates saw the earnestness of the servant and said, "Do so." After bestowing upon him gifts, and advancing him to the head of his servants, he called him one day and said, "I now give you back to yourself better than when I received you." God bestows rich spiritual gifts on the one who gives his life to Him. The King with the Open Hand There is a legend told of an ancient kingdom whose sovereign had just died, and whose ambassadors were sent to choose a successor from twin infants. They found the little fellows fast asleep, and looking at them carefully, agreed that it was difficult to decide, until they happened to notice one curious small difference between them. As they lay, one infant had his tiny fists closed tight; the other slept with his little hands wide open. Instantly they made their selection of the latter. The legend very properly concludes with the record that, as he grew up in his station, he came to be known as the King with the Open Hand. We could say the same thing of our God. His hand is always open to give.
God's grace is abundant and continually given, never exhausted.
A rich man and a poor man were both members of a certain congregation. The rich man desired to do an act of benevolence, so he sent a sum of money to a friend, asking him to give it to the poor man as he thought best. The friend sent him only twenty-five dollars and said in the note: "This is yours. Use it wisely. There is more to follow." After a while he sent another twenty-five dollars and said, "More to follow." Again and again, he sent money to the poor man, always with the cheering words, "More to follow." So it is with the wonderful grace of God. There is always more to follow. We shall never be able to exhaust it.
Heaven's blessings enrich and sustain the fruitful garden of the soul.
A philosopher was asked by a friend to show him the splendid garden of which he was always boasting. He led him to a bare rocky space behind his house. "Where is your garden?" the friend asked. "Look up," said the philosopher; "heaven is a part of my garden." Every good gift in the garden really comes from above; should God command the clouds to send no rain, the earth would soon be like iron. Heaven shields, broods over, and enriches every fruitful plot of ground. Turn, then, your whole being fully toward the sunshine of God's grace, and pray that the garden of your soul may always be as ready to receive heavenly blessing as is the garden around your dwelling. When, by God's enablement, you become a planter, remember that the seed is God-made, and when you become a waterer, remember that the water is also God-made.
God offers free spiritual nourishment, but man must choose to partake.
Picture a table set with delicious food. Hungry people are gathered around it. God has prepared the food. It is free. If there are some who sit at this table and do not taste the food, it is their own fault. To be in the midst of plenty and to go hungry is certainly unreasonable behavior. Yet that is what is happening all the time. God's bounty is not taken advantage of. God provides spiritual food, but He will not force it on anyone. Man must reach out and partake of it.
Boasting in spiritual progress is foolish; grace sustains humble, steady faith.
It was in a large prayer meeting that a rather pompous man arose and said, "Brethren, I am on board the old ship Zion, and I am sailing heavenward, and I am going at the rate of sixteen knots; I shall soon sail up the harbor of the blessed." Then another man with more arrogance rose and said, "I, too, am on board the old ship Zion, and I am sailing heavenward at the rate of thirty knots; I shall soon sail up the harbor of the blessed," and he sat down. Then another man with even more arrogance got up and said, "I, too, brethren, am on board the old ship Zion. It is a steamship with a terrific horsepower, and on this steamship I shall soon sail up the harbor of the blessed," and he sat down. Then a plain Christian woman rose and said, "Well, brethren, I have been going to heaven seventy years, and I have been going afoot; I suppose from the looks of things that I shall have to go afoot the rest of the way. If some of you people that are going by steam don't look out, you'll burst your boilers." As a dear saint of God said, let us make our boasting as follows: "I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I wish to be, I am not what I hope to be; but by the grace of God I am not what I was." Never leave the grace of God out.
God's grace offers trust and a new start despite a person's sinful past.
A convict, who has just finished his term of penal servitude, wishes to lead an honest life. He comes to a man who has a large jewelry establishment and who requires a night watchman. He is engaged to watch this building through the quiet hours of the night when he has everything under his care and every opportunity to rob his employer. On the first evening, he meets one of his old companions, who questions him, "What are you doing here?" "I'm the night watchman." "Over this jeweler's shop?" "Yes." "Does he know what you are?" "No, keep quiet; if he knew, I should be dismissed." "Suppose I let it out that you are a returned convict!" "Oh, please don't; it would be my last day here, and I wish to be honest." "Well, you have to give me some money to keep quiet." "Very well, but don't let anyone know." Thus the poor man would live in fear, lest it should come to the ears of his employer what his previous character had been. Let us suppose, however, that instead of the employer's engaging the man in ignorance of his character, he went to the convict's cell and said, "Now I know you-what you are, what you've done, every robbery you've committed, but I am about to give you a chance of becoming honest. I'll trust you as my night watchman over my valuable goods." The man is faithful at his post. He meets an old companion who threatens to inform his employer about his past. He asks, "What will you tell about me?" "That you were the ringleader of thieves." "Yes, but my master knows all that; he knows me better than I know myself." Of course, this silences his companion forever. Jesus Christ is the only Master who is "full of grace and truth." Jesus Christ is gracious to you and me because He knows the truth about us, that we deserve nothing but hell. But through His grace heaven can be our share, if we personally and by faith appropriate His grace. An Example of Plenty A poor woman who had had a hard struggle to make ends meet, and knew what it meant to have very little food, was taken on an outing to the seaside. She was delighted with the scene. As she looked out over the vast expanse of waters, tears filled her eyes and she exclaimed, "Thank God for a sight of something there is enough of!" That is how it is with the soul when it gets its first vision of the infinite fullness of God's grace in Christ. His grace is quite enough for the soul's every need. The First Step to Heaven Sometimes I go to the store to buy cheese. Almost invariably I ask for a taste before I make my purchase, and the grocer very cheerfully gives it to me. Why is he willing to do this? Because he knows that his cheese is of superior quality. God does not hesitate to have us taste His grace. He is sure we shall want more once we have had a sampling of it. Now would it not be stupid of me to stand before the grocer's counter and, without sampling his cheese say to him, "No, I don't think I'll take any of your cheese. It is not good." I would have no right to pronounce an opinion about something of which I have no personal knowledge. The valid challenge of the grocer is "Taste and see." We have often done that. We did not want to eat, but we finally decided to take a taste, and then we wanted to keep on eating. Oh, that initial step, that initial experience is so important! The first step is most of the way to heaven. Our Gracious Savior God's attention is attracted by our weakness. A mother responds in exactly the same way. She loves all her children, but if she has one who is weak and sickly, while the others are healthy and strong, her care and attention are lavished upon the one who has most need of her protection, most claim upon her love. Her other children are able to take care of themselves, but the little delicate one, whose life hangs almost by a thread, appeals by his very weakness to her strongest instincts of maternal love. So it is with our gracious Savior. He loves us, oh, so tenderly because of our very weakness. Not a Rascal by God's Grace A good Scotsman called to see Rowland Hill, that eminent English clergyman who did so much for the betterment of his countrymen. Without saying a word, he sat still for some five minutes looking into Rowland Hill's face. At last Mr. Hill asked him what held his attention. Said the Scotsman, "I was looking at the lines of your face." "Well, what do you make out of them?" "Why," said he, "that if the grace of God hadn't been in you, you would have been the biggest rascal living!" Do We Question the Blessings? A young girl in an institution for the handicapped was approached by a well-meaning but tactless woman who wrote on her slate, "My dear, why are you deaf and dumb?" Tears came into the girl's eyes. Then, after a pause, taking the pencil and slate she wrote, "Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight." She could very well have asked in turn, "Why do you hear and speak?" Isn't it strange that we ask all our questions about life's sufferings and not about its blessings? Do we take it for granted we deserve them?
God's grace transforms us from slaves of sin to new creations despite imperfections.
Two or three years before the death of that eminent servant of Christ, the Rev. John Newton, an aged friend and brother in the ministry called on him at breakfast. Family prayer followed, and the portion of Scripture for the day was read to him. In it occurred the verse, "By the grace of God, I am what I am" (1 Corinthians 15:10). After the reading of this text, he uttered this affective soliloquy: "I am not what I ought to be-ah! how imperfect and deficient! I am not what I wish to be. I abhor what is evil, and I would cleave to what is good. I am not what I hope to be. Soon, soon, shall I put off mortality, and, with mortality, all sin and imperfection. Yet though I am not what I ought to be, nor what I wish to be, nor what I hope to be, I can truly say I am not what I once was-a slave to sin and Satan; I can heartily join with the apostle and acknowledge, 'By the grace of God, I am what I am.' "
Wesley gently rebuked pride, leading to repentance and commitment to Christ.
John Wesley and a preacher of his acquaintance were once invited to lunch with a gentleman after the service. Wesley's preacher friend was a man of very blunt speech. This well-meaning man, while talking with their host's beautiful daughter, who had been profoundly impressed by Wesley's preaching, noticed that she wore a number of rings. During a pause in the meal he took hold of the young lady's hand and raising it, called Wesley's attention to the sparkling gems. "What do you think of this, sir," he asked, "for a Methodist hand?" The girl turned crimson. The question was extremely awkward for Wesley whose aversion to all display of jewelry was well known. With a quiet, benevolent smile he looked up and simply said, "The hand is very beautiful." He had not denied the implied rebuke but had taken the sting out of it. The young lady appeared at evening worship without her jewels and became a firm and dedicated Christian. A Gracious Reproof John Wesley once had for a fellow-passenger in a coach an officer who was intelligent and agreeable in conversation; but there was one serious drawback-his profanity. When they changed vehicles, Wesley took the officer aside, and after expressing the pleasure he had enjoyed in his company, said he had a great favor to ask him. The young officer replied, "I will take great pleasure in obliging you for I am sure you will not make an unreasonable request." "Then," said Wesley, "as we have to travel together some distance I beg that, if I should so forget myself and swear, you will kindly reprove me." The officer immediately saw the motive, felt the force of the request and smiling said, "None but Mr. Wesley could have conceived a reproof in such a manner." It worked like a charm.
Grace and forgiveness can transform a thief into a faithful, changed person.
A Quaker had a bundle of hides stolen from his warehouse. He wondered what steps he should take to prevent a repetition of such an act. Instead of putting the machinery of the law in motion, he placed the following ad in the newspapers: "Whoever stole a quantity of hides on the 5th of this month is hereby informed that the owner has a sincere wish to be his friend. If poverty tempted him to take this step, the owner will keep the whole transaction secret and will gladly help him to obtain money by means more likely to bring him peace of mind." A few nights later, when the family was about to retire to rest, a man knocked at the door of the Quaker's house, carrying with him a bundle of skins. "I have brought them back," he said. "It is the first time I ever stole anything, and I have felt very bad about it." "Let it be the last, friend." said the Quaker. "The secret still lies between ourselves." He spoke to the man faithfully and affectionately about the folly of dishonesty and of the claims of the gospel. He also took him into his employment, and the man became a changed character, living an exemplary life from then on.
God's grace is freely given, yet believers often selfishly fight over it.
Jay E. Adams writes that under the roof in his back yard hangs a hummingbird feeder that he keeps filled with sugar water. There are four openings in it from which birds may suck the nectar. Yet, day after day, from early morning until after dusk, the feeder is the source of their own private version of star wars. One bird chases all the others away. "As I said," Adams writes, "there is room for four birds at a time, and fully that number attempt to feed. But the top dog (excuse my use of this metaphor for a hummingbird!), who now 'owns'the feeder, will not let them. All day long he sits on the branch of a nearby apricot tree guarding 'his'feeder and defying others to transgress on what he has established as 'his'territory. "This ongoing slice of life confronts us throughout the day as green and red Annas hummers streak across the yard, the king hummer in hot pursuit of an intruder. While the chase is on, others sneak a sip or two, only to be driven off when he returns. "The whole business has become a sort of parable for our family. Here is an example of grace: I bought the feeder; I supply the sugar water. The birds do not earn it; they receive it all gratis. Yet, day after day, they fight over who may enjoy it. "How like the people of God! All we have or are that is worthwhile is the gift of God's pure grace. And yet we are proud, self-centered, envious, and quarrelsome. Often we fight over God's good gifts rather than expressing our gratitude in humility and sharing what we have been given with others. Just as I am confronted daily with rivalry in my yard, even so God is confronted daily with rivalry in His."
People doubt God's free offer of salvation, suspecting a catch despite clear promises.
“I told you, and ye believed not.” John 10:25
The unwillingness of the human heart to rely on the promise of grace in Christ Jesus is well illustrated in the story of an eccentric Irish landlord on whose vast estates dwelt a number of very needy tenants. Upon becoming converted, this wealthy man was anxious to make clear to these people the marvelous provision God had made for their salvation. So he caused to be posted in prominent places on his wide domains, notices to the effect that, on a given day, he would be in his office down by the lodge gates, from ten o’clock in the morning until twelve noon. During that time, he would be prepared to pay the debts of all his tenantry who brought their unpaid bills with them.
For days the notices were the cause of much excitement. People talked of the strange offer and some declared it a hoax. Others were certain “there must be a catch somewhere.” A few even thought it indicated that the landlord was going out of his mind, for “who had ever heard of any sane man making such an offer?”
When the announced day came, many of the people could be seen making their way to the office, and as the time approached a great crowd had gathered about the door. Promptly at ten the landlord and his secretary drove to the gate, left the carriage and, without a word to anyone, entered the office and closed the door. Outside a great discussion had begun; it became more vehement every minute. Was there anything to it? Did he really mean it? Would he only make a fool of one who brought the evidence of his indebtedness? Some insisted that it was his actual signature at the foot of the notices, and surely he would not dishonor his name. But an hour passed and no one had gone in to present his claim. If one suggested to some one else to venture, he would be met by the angry response, “I don’t owe so very much. I have no need to go in. Let some one else try it first — some one who owes more than I do!” And so the precious moments slipped away.
Finally, when it was nearing twelve o’clock, an aged couple from the farthest bounds of the estate came hobbling along arm in arm; the old man had a bundle of bills clutched tightly in one hand. In quavering tones he inquired. “Is it true, neighbor, that the landlord be paying the debts of all who come today?”
“He ain’t paid none yet,” said one.
“We think it is just a cruel joke,” said another.
The old couple’s eyes filled with tears. “Is it all a mistake? We hoped it was true and thought how good it would be to be able to die free of debt.”
They were turning disconsolately away, when somebody said, “No one has tried him yet. Why not go in? If he pays your bills, come out quickly and tell us and we’ll go in, too.”
To this the old folks agreed and timidly opened the door and entered the office, where a cordial welcome awaited them. In answer to their question as to whether the notice was true, the secretary said, “Do you think the landlord would deceive you? Let me see your bills.”
They were all presented, carefully tabulated, and a check made out to cover them. Overwhelmed with gratitude, the old man and his wife arose to leave, but the secretary said, “Just be seated. You must remain here till the office closes at noon.”
They explained that the crowd outside was waiting for verification from them of the strange offer.
But the landlord said, “No, you took me at my word. They must do the same if they want their debts paid.”
And so the minutes passed. Outside, the people moved restlessly about, watching the closed door, but none lifted the latch. At high noon the door opened and the old folks came out first.
“Did he keep his word?” the throng asked.
“Yes, neighbors. Here is his check and it’s good as gold.”
“Why didn’t you come out and tell us?” angrily asked many.
“He said we must wait inside and you must come as we did and take him at his word.”
A moment later the landlord and his secretary came out and hurried to the carriage — the crowd pressing about them, holding out hands full of personal bills, and crying, “Won’t you do for us as you did for those folks?” But rising in his carriage, the landlord said, “It is too late now. I gave you every opportunity. I would have paid for you all, but you would not believe me.”
Then he likened the events of the morning to the way men treat God’s offer to free the sinner of all that divine justice has against him. Solemnly he warned them of the folly of passing up so great salvation until the day of grace was over and it was too late to be saved.
God's grace is freely offered even to the broken and hopeless, inviting all to receive it.
I remember preaching one night in winter--one of the coldest winters we had--the winter after the Chicago fire. I had been studying up grace, and it was the first time I had spoken of it, and I was just full of it. I started out of the house, I remember, and the first man I met I asked him if he knew anything about the grace of God, and I tried to preach to him. This man thought I was crazy. I ran on and met another, and finally got up to the meeting. That night I thought I was speaking to a lot of people who felt as I did about grace, and when I got through I asked anyone who would like to hear about grace--who had any interest in it, to stay. I expected some would have stayed, but what was my mortification to see the whole audience rise up and go away. They hadn't any interest in grace; they didn't want to learn anything about grace. I put my coat and hat on and was going out of the hall, when I saw a poor fellow at the back of the furnace crying. "I want to hear about the grace of God," said he. "You're the man I want, then," said I. "Yes," the poor fellow said, "you said in your sermon that it was free, and I want you to tell me something about it." Well, I got to talking to him, and he told me a pitiful story. He had drank away twenty thousand dollars, his home had been broken up, and his wife and children had left him. I spoke to him, and it was not long before we were down together praying. That night I got him a night's lodging in the Bethel, and next day we got him on his feet, and when I went to Europe he was one of the most earnest workers we had. He was just a partaker of grace--believed that the peace of God was sufficient for him, and he took God at his word and he was a saved man.
Many accept God's crumbs but hesitate to receive His full abundant grace and blessings.
I remember when Dr. Arnott, who has gone to God, was delivering a sermon, he used this illustration. The sermon and text have all gone, but that illustration is fresh upon my mind to-night and brings home the truth. He said: "You have been sometimes out at dinner with a friend, and you have seen the faithful household dog standing watching every mouthful his master takes. All the crumbs that fall on the floor he picks up, and seems eager for them, but when his master takes a plate of beef and puts it on the floor and says, 'Rover, here's something for you,' he comes up and smells of it, looks at his master, and goes away to a corner of the room. He was willing to eat the crumbs, but he wouldn't touch the roast beef--thought it was too good for him." That is the way with a good many Christians. They are willing to eat the crumbs, but not willing to take all God wants. Come boldly to the throne of grace and get the help we need; there is an abundance for every man, woman and child in the assemblage.
God invites believers to boldly ask for abundant grace, honoring Him by trusting His provision.
There is a story told of Alexander the Great. A general in his army was a great favorite with him, and he told him to draw anything from his treasury that he wanted. Well, he presented a bill to the treasurer, and the treasurer wouldn't honor it. It was for such an enormous amount that the treasurer was astonished. The General went rushing to the Emperor and told him, and he called the treasurer and said, "Didn't I tell you to honor the draft of the General." "But," replied the treasurer, "do you understand its amount?" "Never mind what it is," replied the Emperor, "he honors me and my kingdom by making a great draft." And so we honor God by asking for grace in abundance. I tell you, my friends, it is a pity there are so many half-starved, mean Christians around when God says, "Come and get all you want."
God gives grace to be used fruitfully, not to be wasted or neglected.
"Grace is not only DONUM, but TALENTUM. Grace is not given, as a piece of money, to a child to play withal, but as we give money to factors, to trade withal for us." Everything is practical in the great gifts of God. He plants his trees that they may bear fruit, and sows his seed that a harvest may come of it. We may trifle and speculate; God never does so. When a man imagines that grace is given merely to make him comfortable, to give him a superiority over his fellows, or to enable him to avoid deserved censure, he knows not the design of the Lord in the bestowal of grace, and, indeed, he is a stranger to the grand secret. God works in us that we may work, he saves us that we may serve him, and enriches us with grace that the riches of his glory may be displayed. Are we putting out our talents to proper interest? Do we use the grace bestowed upon us? "He giveth more grace," but not to those who neglect what they have. Men do not long trust ill stewards. Lord, help us so to act that we may render our account with joy and not with grief.
God's blessings are freely given but must be sought at appointed places like prayer and Scripture.
"Wisdom's dole is given at wisdom's gates." Those who wish for it must go there for it. Go to the gate of hearing if you would obtain the gift of faith. Resort to the beautiful porch of the temple if you would obtain that healing which is given by the gospel. Search the Scriptures if you would find eternal life. Hasten humbly to the gate of prayer if you would obtain God's covenant blessings. Above all, wait at the cross-foot for the purchased boons of Jesu's love. The dole is free and large, but God hath his place appointed for its distribution: be often there. Lord, I would not be out of the way when thine alms are being distributed, for I am as poor as poverty itself. See, I am even now waiting at the portal of thy grace. Give me, I pray thee, my daily bread from heaven, and send me on my way rejoicing.
God's answers to prayer often exceed the original request, showing His abundant grace.
When poor men make requests to us, we usually answer them as the echo does the voice: the answer cuts off half the petition. We shall seldom find among men, Jacl's courtesy giving milk to those that ask water, except it be as this was, an entangling benefit, the better to intro uce a mischief. There are not many Naanans among us, that, when you beg of them one talent, will force you to take two; but God's answer to our prayers is like a multiplying glass, which renders the request much greater in the answer than it was in the prayer.
— Bishop Reynolds
Like leeches, besetting sins must be removed gently by God’s grace, not by our own strength.
A traveller in Burmah fell asleep upon the damp hot ground. He was awakened by pricking pains over all the surface of his body. On getting up, he discovered that a swarm of small gray leeches had fastened on his flesh, and were busy sucking his blood. His first impulse was to tear them off with his hand. A native servant, observing his purpose, interposed, with earnest entreaties that he should not touch them. He knew, that, if the creatures were violently torn off, a portion of their bodies would remain, and produce disease by their corruption. Forthwith the servant gathered a quantity of a pungent herb, steeped it in water; and with the water he bathed his master. The leeches all dropped off harmless. The man went through the bath scathless; but it paralyzed and destroyed his tormentors. From besetting sins we can be delivered only by another, by the grace of God in Christ.
By God's grace, we grow and change, becoming better than we once were.
I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I wish to be, I am not what I hope to be; but, by the grace of God, I am not what I was. John Newton.
Worldly riches cannot prevent calamity; only God's grace brings true comfort in suffering.
Nugus, the Scythian king, despising the rich presents and ornaments that were sent unto him by the Emperor of Constantinople, asked him that brought them if these things could drive away sorrow, disease, or death. Such are all the riches and glories of this world: they cannot prevent the least calamity, nor make up the want of the least mercy. It is not the crown of gold that can cure the headache, nor the gilded sceptre that can stay the shaking hand, nor the honorable garter that can ease the gout, nor the necklace of pearl that can take away the pain of the teeth; and a bag of gold will form but a hard pillow to rest on. Miserable comforters are they all; only the useful riches of grace give ease and refreshment under all pains and torments whatsoever. Spencer.
Christ's sacrifice makes us lifelong debtors, compelled to love and serve Him wholeheartedly.
Like as, if thou fallest into a deep river, being in apparent danger of drowning, if any man should cast thee a rope, or himself leap into the water to save thy life, thou canst not sufficiently confess and acknowledge thyself his debtor to do him pleasure and service all the days of thy life; so, likewise, we were not only in danger of falling into hell, but were already fallen, even from our infancy, and daily, through our sins, fell deeper and deeper; yet Christ cast us not In a rope to pull us up and save us, but threw himself into our sea of woe, into our hell; to be short, into horrible death, wherein we were drowned, to pluck us forth: and therefore, with great zeal and affection we are bound to say, "Lord, we are bound to love, honor, serve, please, and obey thee in all that we may, with our whole hearts, all the days of our life."
— Cawdray
Without God's restraining grace, even the godly would fall into sin like criminals.
Melanethon entered enthusiastically upon his ministry, but soon complained, as many another has felt to do, "that old Adam was too hard for young Melanethon." Rev. Ralph Erskine said to a robber about to be executed, "But for restraining grace, I had been brought to the same condition with this unhappy man."
God's grace reveals the deep corruption hidden in the human heart.
When the light of God's grace comes into your heart, it is something like the opening of the windows of an old cellar that has been shut up for many days. Down in that cellar, which has not been opened for many months, are all kinds of loathsome creatures, and a few sickly plants blanched by the darkness. The walls are dark, and damp by the trail of reptiles: it is a horrid filthy place, in which no one would willingly enter. You may walk there in the dark very securely, and, except now and then for the touch of some slimy creature, you would not believe the place was so bad and filthy. Open those shutters, clean a pane of glass, let a little light in, and now see how a thousand noxious things have made this place their habitation! Sure, 'twas not the light that made this place so horrible; but it was the light that showed how horrible it was before. So let God's grace just open a window, and let the light into a man's soul, and he will stand astonished to see at what a distance he is from God.
— Spurgeon
A wealthy man’s journey through suffering leads to repentance and seeking God's mercy.
DISSATISFACTION, Legend of Krummacher tells of one Baruch, who possessed the treasures of India and Arabia, to whose riches there was no end, whose magnificent surroundings ministered every temporal delight, whose amiable wife and lovely children felt nothing to be desired; yet, in the midst of all, he was most miserable. His complaints grieved all about him. He was ready to destroy his own life to be rid of his troubles. Then he heard that there was in Memphis, in the land of Mizraim, a great prophet; and taking two camels and a trusted servant, with much treasure, he started to see the prophet. In the desert through which they had to pass, they lost their way; and both men and beasts were ready to perish with thirst. Then Baruch began to appreciate the water that flowed in his fountains at Damascus, and would have given a camel's-load of jewels for a single draught. They killed one of the camels, but found no water in it. The servant was struck blind, but faltered not in his devotion to his master. Baruch now felt himself to be the cause of the misery in his own house, and the misery of his servant, and bewailed greatly. Then he cried to God, saying, "Destroy me, for I am not worthy of the mercy which thou hast shown me; and the burden of my sins oppresses my soul grievously." Then there was a noise like the rushing of a brook from the rocks. The camel stretched out its neck, and Baruch hastened to the place, and found a clear and abundant fountain. Then Baruch praised the Lord for this wonder. When all were refreshed by the fountain, the servant proposed to prepare to pursue the journey; but Baruch said he had found in the desert the wisdom he sought from the prophet of Mizraim, and was now ready to return home. Baruch's wife and children wondered at his quick return, and wept for joy. Then Baruch told them, how in the desert he had learned humility, and to see the grace of the All-merciful; and that he now returned to them a new man, with a peace in his heart more precious than gold and silver. Henceforth, he walked meekly and cheerfully, helping the poor, and doing good in all the country.
Sailors unknowingly surrounded by fresh water illustrate God's grace freely available to believers.
A ship was sailing in the southern waters of the Atlantic, when they saw another vessel making signals of distress. They bore down towards the distressed ship, and hailed them. "What is the matter?" — "We are dying for water," was the response. "Dip it up, then!" was the answer. "You are in the mouth of the Amazon River." There those sailors were thirsting and suffering and fearing and longing for water, and supposing that there was nothing but the ocean's brino around them, when, in fact, they had sailed unconsciously into the broad mouth of the mightiest river on the globe, and did not know it. And though to them it seemed that they must perish with thirst, yet there was a hundred miles of fresh water all around them; and they had nothing to do but to "dip it up!"
Free grace offers assurance and love beyond harsh doctrines, comforting the broken-hearted.
FREE GRACE versus the Decree. As I sat in the church in Geneva where Calvin used to thunder, I blessed God for all the hard blows the brusque old reformer struck at Popery, and also that we have now a better Protestantism than he taught. And, as the minister there sprinkled the water of holy baptism on a babe, I could but think of what Calvin termed "the horrible decree," and of the dread uncertainty with which many of his followers used to contemplate the destiny of deceased infants, and of the blessed certainty with which all evangelical Christians contemplate it now. I fell back on Mrs. Stowe's "Theology of the Bones," and blessed God that it has become the theology of the best brains in Christendom. When the broken-hearted, bereaved mother had worked herself into a despairing frenzy over her conception of the God of Edwards and Hopkins, the old colored nurse gathered the pale form to her bosom, and said, "Honey, darlin', ye ain't right: dar's a drefful mistake somewhat. Why! de Lord ain't like what ye tink: he loves ye, honey! Why! jes' feel how I loves ye, — poor ole black Candace; an' I ain't better'n him as made me... Dar jes' ain't but one thing to come to, an' dat ar's Jesus. Jes' come right down to whar poor ole black Candace has to stay allers: it's a good place, darlin'! Look right at Jesus... Dar's a God ye can love!" C. D. Foss.
A dying man trusts solely in free grace, discarding all works for salvation.
Mr. McLaren and Mr. Gustart were ministers of the Tolbooth Church, Edinburgh. When Mr. McLaren was dying, Mr. Gustart paid him a visit, and put the question to him, "What are you doing, brother?" His answer was, "Doing! I'll tell you what I am doing, brother. I am gathering together all my prayers, all my sermons, all my good deeds, all my evil deeds; and I am going to throw them all overboard, and swim to glory on the plank of free grace."
Wesley's simple gospel witness led a highwayman to Christ through the blood of Jesus.
Wesley said to a highwayman who had demanded his money, "The time may come when you may regret the course of life in which you are engaged. Remember this: 'The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin.'" Years after, he was met by the same man, who told him that he had been led to Christ through the influence of that verse.
Salvation is by God's mercy and grace, not by human works or righteousness.
He who garnishes the heavens beautifies the soul; he who renews the face of the earth, also restores the forfeited powers of the mind: for "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy, hath he saved us, by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost." As no human skill could beautify the earth with the treasures of spring, so no mortal power could have provided the robe of righteousness with which every soul must be clad ere it can enter heaven. Sooner could you weave the glorious web of summer beauty, than prepare a garb of acceptable righteousness. J. Parker.
God's grace transforms trials into triumph and blessings for the soul.
Wonderful alchemy of God's grace it is which transmutes tribulation into triumph, turns waters of Marah into a healthful fountain, enables one to gather grapes of thorns, and figs of thistles, causes the rose to bloom through a whole winter of trials, and helps the soul to regard afflictions as promises, not threatenings!
The word 'whosoever' in John 3:16 gave a despairing sinner universal hope and assurance.
A restless, wounded soldier in the hospital, when informed that the surgeon was coming, said, "It ain't such help that I want. I am a dreadful wicked man." The Christian nurse tried to comfort him with the promises of the Bible; but he could not be comforted. At length he read, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish." The despairing soldier grasped at the word "whosoever," but thought it could not include such a wicked sinner as he was. He was assured, that he, so vile, hardened, wretched, and sick, was included in it. This word "whosoever" saved him. He went into the vale of death, supported by it, believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. This word gives universal hope.
Grace energizes believers, making them active and fervent in love and service to God.
Grace infuseth a spirit of activity into a person. Grace doth not lie dormant in the soul; it is not a sleepy habit, but it makes a Christian, like a seraphim, swift-winged in his heavenly motions. Grace is like fire: it makes one burn in love to God.
— T. Watson
By God's grace, believers are transformed from slaves of sin to new creations in Christ.
Two or three years before the death of that eminent servant of Christ, Rev. John Newton, an aged friend, and brother in the ministry, called on him to breakfast. Family prayer followed; and the portion of Scripture for the day was read to him. In it occurred the verse, "By the grace of God, I am what I am." After the reading of this text, he uttered this affecting soliloquy: "I am not what I ought to be, — ah! how imperfect and deficient! I am not what I wish to be. I abhor what is evil, and I would cleave to what is good. I am not what I hope to be. Soon, soon, shall I y'nt off mortality, and, with mortality, all sin and imperfection. Yet though I am not what I ought to be, nor what I wish to be, nor what I hope to be, I can truly say I am not what I once was, — a slave to sin and Satan; and I can heartily join with the apostle, and acknowledge, 'By the grace of God, I am what I am.'"
God lets believers draw from Christ's fullness as needed rather than giving all at once.
Do not give me ready money now: give a check-book, and let me draw what I like. This is what God does with the believer. He does not immediately transfer his inheritance to him, but lets him draw what he needs out of the riches of his fulness in Christ Jesus. Spurgeon.
God's love melts the heart, producing grace like water-flowers forming in icy hearts.
Tyndale tells us, that a block of ice under the converged sunbeam will suddenly (an inch or inches below the surface) seem to resolve itself into a cluster of glittering stars, each with six petal-rays, shining with the lustre of burnished silver. "Those petal-rays are a tiny water-flower, formed around a star-like vacuum, and vying in beauty with the frost-works of a winter's morning." So, down deep in the icy heart of the worldling, the little water-flowers are forming around the vacuum that glitters in the consciousness, under the melting power of love; and the little water-drops trickle out here and there, when none but the All-seeing notes their fall. S. H. Platt.
Spiritual life requires continual renewal of grace and the Holy Spirit's ongoing work.
The acts of breathing which I performed yesterday will not keep me alive to-day: I must continue to breathe afresh every moment, or animal life ceases. In like manner, yesterday's grace and spiritual strength must be renewed, and the Holy Spirit must continue to breathe on my soul from moment to moment, in order to my enjoying the consolations, and to my working the works, of God. Toplady.
God's graces can decay and fall away in the wicked like leaves falling from trees.
As leaves fall from the trees, so the graces of God decay, and drop away, in the wicked, one after another, as if there was a consumption. Cavedraw.
Satan works to diminish believers' grace, causing loss of zeal and spiritual decline.
If Satan cannot hinder the birth of graces, then he labors to be the death of graces. This is too ordinary, to see a Christian lose his first love, and to fall from his first works. This love that was formerly an ascending flame, always sparkling up to heaven, is now, like a little spark, almost suffocated with the earth. The godly sorrow that was once a swelling torrent, like Jordan overflowing his banks, is now like Job's summer brook, which makes the traveller ashamed. His proceedings against sin, once furious, like the march of Jehu against Ahab; but now, like Samson he can sleep in Delilah's lap while she steals away his strength. Before, he could not give rest to his eyes till God had given rest to his soul; but now he can lie down with sin in his bosom, and wounds in his conscience. At first, his zeal did eat him up; but now his decayings have eaten up his zeal.
Even small grace, properly used, grows and accumulates until full spiritual maturity is reached.
A little grace from Christ is better than none at all, just as a little money is better than no money. A computation has been made, showing how a single penny, by a process of accumulation in use, — by interest and compound interest, — might grow into a sum equal to the national debt. Even so the smallest amount of divine grace, if properly appreciated and used, will increase in the soul until all the "fulness of God" is possessed and enjoyed. "Grow in grace," according to its life and power, and you shall ultimately come to perfection and heaven. Bate.
Grace is more powerful and sustaining than any natural remedy or charm.
Pliny mentions a fragrant myrtle, abounding in his day, which possessed a peculiar virtue, a sprig of which, carried in the hand, was imagined to possess the power of sustaining the vigor of the body, that it would not tire; and to have an exhilarating effect upon the mind, so that no one would become faint or discouraged. Grace surpasses this in fragrance and virtue; for it cures all maladies of body and soul.
Believers can lose grace due to external circumstances or inner corruption.
It is possible to begin in the Spirit, and to end in the flesh; it is possible to be seriously hindered; it is possible to come short of the promise of the grace of God. Clouds sometimes obscure the brightest evening and the sunniest morning. A slight atmospheric change may transform an Alpine ascent from a safe excitement into an imminent peril. It is thus in the natural world; and so is it in the realm of grace. There are numberless causes, arising from the circumstances of external things, or from the inbred and unsubdued corruption of our own traitorous hearts, which may endanger the constancy of the Christian, and cause his goodness to be even as the morning cloud and as the early dew, goodly and sparkling in promise, but, by the fierce heat of the sun, very speedily exhaled.
— W. M. Punshon
True reformation depends solely on free grace, not on human works or zeal.
Had I all the faith of the patriarchs, all the zeal of the prophets, all the good works of the apostles, the constancy of the martyrs, and all the flaming devotion of seraphs, I would disclaim them all in point of dependence, and rely only on free grace. I would count all but dung and dross when put in competition with the infinitely precious death and meritorious righteousness of my dear Saviour Jesus Christ; and, if ever a true and lasting reformation of manners is produced amongst us, it must (under the influence of the Eternal Spirit) be produced by the doctrines of free grace. Till these doctrines are generally inculcated, the most elegant harangues from the pulpit, or the most correct dissertations from the press, will be no better than a pointless arrow or a broken bow.
— Hercey
Sweet spiritual fruit grows from bitter nature only by faith and repentance in Christ.
Plutarch asks how it is that the fig-tree, whose root, stem, branches, and leaves are so extremely bitter, should bear such sweet and pleasant fruit. It may also be asked how the sweet fruits of the Spirit can grow on the bitter stock of Nature. Not otherwise but by faith and repentance being grafted into the stock of Christ Jesus.
— Spencer
Spiritual growth by grace is often imperceptible until seen over time.
As a man looking at a dial cannot see the shadow move, yet after a while he perceives that it has moved; so it is in the use of the means of grace.
Grace can grow and flourish even in difficult or barren spiritual environments.
Grace may be, and often is, found where there is no natural softness or amiableness of temper. Where this exists, it will grow with greater rapidity, and expand to greater magnitude, and flourish in greater beauty, like the mountain-ash in the rich mould of the valley; but still it may be planted, like that noble tree, in less congenial situation, and thrive, in obedience to the law of its nature, amid barrenness and rocks.
Illustrations of Truth.
God uses seemingly dark things to enhance the brightness and beauty of grace in us.
Gotthold inspecting the operations of a goldsmith who was setting a diamond, saw him place a dark leaf in the capsule which it was intended to fill. On inquiring for what purpose this was done, he was told that it improved the brightness and sparkling of the jewel.
Grace in the soul can only be rekindled by the rays of the Sun of Righteousness.
If by any mischance the vestal fires of Greece were allowed to go out, they could only be rekindled by the rays of the sun. So with grace in the soul of man: if it should expire, nothing but the rays of the Sun of Righteousness can rekindle it.
Grace must be alive in us before it can increase and grow like a living plant.
The being of grace must go before the increase of it; for there is no growth without life, no building without a foundation. Put a dry stick into the ground, and dress and water it as much as you will, it will continue the same till it rot; but set a living plant by the side of it, and though much less at first, yet it soon begins to shoot, and in time becomes a wide-spreading tree.
— Lavington
Divine grace remains invincible and purifies us through adversity and fiery trials.
Divine grace, even in the heart of weak and sinful man, is an invincible thing. Drown it in the waters of adversity, it rises more beautiful, as not being drowned indeed, but only washed: throw it into the furnace of fiery trials, it comes out purer, and loses nothing but the dross which our corrupt nature mixes with it. Leighton.
Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.
Donate