March 17

Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. - Romans 5:1.

THE apostle is here referring to a matter of unspeakable importance. The blessing of free justification and its consequent privileges will apply to the believer exclusively; and in his esteem, in his constant experience, it is a doctrine of the deepest interest and of incalculable value. Let us view the man who is justified with God in five respects. First, With regard to his enemies. They are very numerous, subtle, powerful, and malignant; but all their plans will be disconcerted, all their assaults will prove abortive and without avail. The man who is justified with God enjoys a sure, permanent, and immutable defence.

Secondly, With regard to his duties. His services, however defective in themselves, are accepted in the Beloved. They rise to the throne of God like grateful offerings; and the mediation and atonement of Christ always render them acceptable. Besides, not only is the justified man accepted in the performance of duty, but he is aided also. He has divine power afforded that he may serve God appropriately; and, as his exigencies arise, so spiritual energy is imparted.

Thirdly, With regard to his enjoyments. His tranquility is abiding and divine. He realizes the sublimest happiness amidst all the fluctuations and distresses of the wilderness. His mercies are all sweetened by the conviction that they proceed from a God of love; and he can drink his wine or water “with a merry heart,” because he is conscious that all his supplies flow from that beneficent Being who is his covenant God and Father, by virtue of the blood and intercession of Jesus Christ.

Fourthly, With regard to his trials. Those trials may be numerous, diversified, often exceedingly severe, but the Christian knows that they are all desirable and indeed requisite; and he rejoices in the assurance that all his afflictions are sent by an indulgent Parent, who is acquainted with his case, who knows what he requires, and who appoints every trial and calamity for his benefit and happiness. The man who is justified knows that there is nothing that is penal connected with any of the trials he realizes.

Lastly, With regard to death. The Christian may sometimes tremble when anticipating his mortality; but when his graces are in lively exercise he is all composure. The thought does not alarm him. He recognises in death a friend. Hence Dr. Gouge was accustomed to say, “I have two friends, Christ and death; Christ is my first friend, and death my second.” This is the sentiment of the justified man.