D.L. Moody emphasizes the contrast between human perceptions and divine truths, illustrating that our self-assessments often fall short of God's standards. He points out that while we may think we are not as bad as others, all have sinned and need redemption. Moody stresses that salvation is not based on our works or efforts but solely on faith in Jesus Christ. He also addresses misconceptions about God's love and the reality of hell, urging listeners to recognize the necessity of being born again to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Charles Finney emphasizes the necessity of faith over works in the pursuit of sanctification, arguing that many Christians mistakenly rely on their own efforts to achieve holiness rather than fully embracing Christ's role as their Savior and sanctifier. He critiques the 'religion of works' that leads believers to think they can earn God's favor through good deeds or preparatory distress, rather than coming to Christ as they are. Finney calls for a radical shift in understanding, urging Christians to receive Jesus in all His functions, including as their King and source of wisdom, to truly overcome sin and grow in holiness. He warns that without this complete reliance on Christ, the Church will remain spiritually stagnant and ineffective. Ultimately, he encourages believers to draw upon the promises of God found in Scripture for their sanctification and spiritual growth.

R.A. Torrey addresses the issue of false hopes in salvation, emphasizing that many rely on their own righteousness or mere profession of faith rather than true belief in Christ. He highlights that salvation is not achieved through good works or feelings but through faith in Jesus, as outlined in Scripture. Torrey uses various biblical passages to illustrate that self-righteousness leads to condemnation and that true faith must be accompanied by repentance and a transformed life. He warns against the dangers of assuming salvation based on outward appearances or feelings, urging listeners to seek a genuine relationship with God through faith. Ultimately, Torrey calls for a reliance on God's Word as the foundation for hope in salvation.

R. Edward Miller emphasizes the superiority of Jesus Christ over Moses and the law, illustrating that while the law provided a framework for living, it did not offer true rest. He explains that true rest comes from faith in Christ, who invites us to cease from our own works and find peace within. Miller highlights the struggles of a restless generation, burdened by fears and anxieties, and contrasts this with the inner rest that Jesus promises to those who believe. He encourages listeners to embrace the rest that God offers, which is not dependent on external circumstances but rooted in faith and acceptance of God's will. Ultimately, Miller calls for a deeper understanding of God's rest, urging believers to let go of their striving and trust in Christ's finished work.

Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the distinction between fruit bearing and fruit producing in the Christian life. He explains that fruit bearing is the natural overflow of Christ's life within us, resulting from faith and leading to eternal good works, while fruit producing is a struggle to live by our own efforts, often leading to short-lived results. Thomas highlights that true fruitfulness comes from abiding in Christ, which brings peace and rest, contrasting it with the anxiety of self-effort. He reminds us that our identity in Christ shapes our character and actions, and that genuine faith is evidenced by divine activity flowing through us. Ultimately, he calls believers to embrace their identity as fruit-bearers, relying on God's grace rather than their own strength.

In his sermon 'Christian Perfection (2)', Charles Finney emphasizes the necessity of seeking sanctification through faith rather than works, arguing that many Christians fail to attain perfection because they rely on their own efforts instead of fully embracing Christ in all His roles. He identifies various misconceptions about sanctification, including the belief that one can prepare themselves for Christ through works or that good deeds can earn God's favor. Finney stresses that true sanctification is attainable in this life and requires a complete reliance on Christ as Savior, King, and source of wisdom. He calls for a deeper understanding of Christ's multifaceted role in the believer's life to overcome sin and achieve holiness.

Theodore Epp emphasizes the importance of understanding God's grace and warns against three significant errors that can distort true faith: legalism, false liberty, and Galatianism. Legalism mistakenly teaches that salvation is earned through works, while false liberty suggests that grace allows for a careless lifestyle. Epp highlights that true faith must produce good works, as stated in James 2:17, and cautions against the belief that grace is supplemented by the Law for salvation. He asserts that salvation is solely by grace through faith, and not dependent on human effort or adherence to the Law.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of focusing on Jesus rather than merely performing religious duties. He illustrates that true acceptance, justification, and reconciliation with God come from a relationship with Christ, not from the reliance on our own works. Brooks warns that trusting in our duties can lead us astray, creating a deceptive path that ultimately leads to destruction. He encourages believers to deny self-reliance and instead find joy and fulfillment in Jesus alone.

K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the futility of living by sight rather than by faith, using Mahatma Gandhi as an example of someone who, despite his adherence to the Sermon on the Mount, ultimately did not place his faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. He illustrates that mere obedience to laws, like that of the rich young ruler, does not equate to true faith, as the Bible states that 'whatever is not from faith is sin.' Yohannan warns that many Christians today may be engaged in ministry that appears good but lacks the foundation of faith, which is essential for God's blessing. He calls for believers to ensure that their actions align with God's will and are rooted in faith, as this is the only way to function effectively in God's kingdom.