BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED
By C. H. Spurgeon
It
is by the grace of God that ungodly men are preserved instant death. The sharp
axe of justice would soon fell the barren tree if the interceding voice of
Jesus did not cry, "Spare him yet a little." Many sinners, when
converted to God, have gratefully acknowledged that it was of the Lord's mercy
that they were not consumed. John Bunyan had three memorable escapes before his
conversion, and mentions them in his "Grace Abounding" as illustrious
instances of long-suffering mercy. Occasionally such deliverances are made the
means of affecting the heart with tender emotions of love to God, and grief for
having offended him. Should it not be so? Ought we not to account that the
longsuffering of God is salvation? (2 Peter 3:15.) An officer during a battle
was struck by a nearly spent ball near his waistcoat pocket, but he remained
uninjured, for a piece of silver stopped the progress of the deadly missile.
The coin was marked at the words DEI GRATIA
(by the grace of God). This providential circumstance deeply impressed his
mind, and led him to read a tract which a godly sister had given him when
leaving home. God blessed the reading of the tract, and he became, through the
rich grace of God, a believer in the Lord Jesus.
Reader, are you unsaved? Have you experienced any noteworthy deliverances?
Then adore and admire the free grace of God, and pray that it may lead you to
repentance! Are you enquiring for the way of life? Remember the words DEI
GRATIA, and never forget that by grace we are saved. Grace always pre-supposes
unworthiness in its object. The province of grace ceases where merit begins:
what a cheering word is this to those of you who have no worth, no merit, no goodness whatever!
Grace comes to us through faith in Jesus. Whosoever believeth on Him is not
condemned. O, sinner, may God give thee grace to look
to Jesus and live. Look now, for to-day is the accepted time!
___________________________