Jehovah's Grace
Jehovah's grace is a rich, free, and sovereign gift that saves sinners while others perish, bringing peace and freedom from indwelling sin.
Anne Dutton preaches about the contrast between standing before God as sinners without Christ, like dry stubble before a devouring flame, and standing in Christ where the glories of the Godhead shine in the form of love. She emphasizes that God, in Christ, is the God of peace to sinners who approach Him through the Lamb's blood, showcasing His rich, free, and sovereign grace. Dutton marvels at the blessing of recognizing the plague of our own hearts, feeling the presence of indwelling sin, and yearning for complete freedom from it.
Text
Dear brother,
Out of Christ, God is a consuming fire; and we, sinners, can no more stand before Him than dry stubble before a devouring flame. But in Christ all the glories of the Godhead shine in the bright form of love!
God is the God of peace to every poor sinner who draws near to Him through the Lamb's blood. Fury is not in Him unto such souls. Oh, how rich, free, and sovereign is Jehovah's grace unto us, that the Lord should thus save us, while thousands round about us sit in darkness and the shadow of death! We must say, "Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight."
Indeed it is a very great blessing to see the plague of our own hearts, to have a living and painful sensation of the being and working of indwelling sin, and earnest longings and inexpressible groanings wrought in our souls after a full and eternal freedom from it.
Sermon Outline
- I. God's Nature Without Christ
- A. Consuming fire to sinners
- B. Unapproachable glory
- II. God's Nature in Christ
- A. Love shines in the Godhead
- B. Peace to poor sinners
- III. Jehovah's Grace
- A. Rich, free, and sovereign
- B. Saves sinners while others perish
Key Quotes
“But in Christ all the glories of the Godhead shine in the bright form of love!” — Anne Dutton
“Oh, how rich, free, and sovereign is Jehovah's grace unto us, that the Lord should thus save us, while thousands round about us sit in darkness and the shadow of death!” — Anne Dutton
“Indeed it is a very great blessing to see the plague of our own hearts, to have a living and painful sensation of the being and working of indwelling sin, and earnest longings and inexpressible groanings wrought in our souls after a full and eternal freedom from it.” — Anne Dutton
Application Points
- We must acknowledge God's sovereignty and say, 'Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.'
- We can experience the plague of our own hearts and respond with earnest longings and inexpressible groanings for freedom from indwelling sin.
- We can receive God's peace and salvation through faith in Christ's love and sacrifice.