The Meaning of God's Pardoning Love, Part 2

By Ellen G. White

Many think that they must wait for a special impulse in order that they may come to Christ; but it is necessary only to come in sincerity of purpose, deciding to accept the offers of mercy and grace that have been extended to us. We are to say: "Christ died to save me. The Lord's desire is that I should be saved, and I will come to Jesus just as I am without delay. I will venture upon the promise. As Christ draws me, I will respond." The apostle says, "With the heart man believeth unto righteousness" (Rom. 10:10). No one can believe with the heart unto righteousness, and obtain justification by faith, while continuing the practice of those things which the Word of God forbids, or while neglecting any known duty.

Genuine faith will be manifested in good works; for good works are the fruits of faith. As God works in the heart, and man surrenders his will to God, and cooperates with God, he works out in the life what God works in by the Holy Spirit, and there is harmony between the purpose of the heart and the practice of the life. Every sin must be renounced as the hateful thing that crucified the Lord of life and glory, and the believer must have a progressive experience by continually doing the works of Christ. It is by continual surrender of the will, by continual obedience, that the blessing of justification is retained.

Those who are justified by faith must have a heart to keep the way of the Lord. It is an evidence that a man is not justified by faith when his works do not correspond to his profession. James says, "Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was his faith made perfect?" (James 2:22). The faith that does not produce good works does not justify the soul. "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only" (James 2:24). "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness" (Rom. 4:3).

Imputation of the righteousness of Christ comes through justifying faith, and is the justification for which Paul so earnestly contends. He says: "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. . . . Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law" (Rom. 3:20-31).

Grace is unmerited favor, and the believer is justified without any merit of his own, without any claim to offer to God. He is justified through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, who stands in the courts of heaven as the sinner's substitute and surety. But while he is justified because of the merit of Christ, he is not free to work unrighteousness. Faith works by love and purifies the soul. Faith buds and blossoms and bears a harvest of precious fruit. Where faith is, good works appear. The sick are visited, the poor are cared for, the fatherless and the widows are not neglected, the naked are clothed, the destitute are fed. Christ went about doing good, and when men are united with Him, they love the children of God, and meekness and truth guide their footsteps. The expression of the countenance reveals their experience, and men take knowledge of them that they have been with Jesus and learned of Him. Christ and the believer become one, and His beauty of character is revealed in those who are vitally connected with the Source of power and love. Christ is the great depositary of justifying righteousness and sanctifying grace.

All may come to Him, and receive of His fullness. He says, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28). Then why not cast aside all unbelief and heed the words of Jesus? You want rest; you long for peace. Then say from the heart, "Lord Jesus, I come, because Thou hast given me this invitation." Believe in Him with steadfast faith, and He will save you. Have you been looking unto Jesus, who is the author and finisher of your faith? Have you been beholding Him who is full of truth and grace? Have you accepted the peace which Christ alone can give? If you have not, then yield to Him, and through His grace seek for a character that will be noble and elevated. Seek for a constant, resolute, cheerful spirit. Feed on Christ, who is the bread of life, and you will manifest His loveliness of character and spirit.

First published in April 1893, and reprinted in Selected Messages, Book 1, pp. 396-398.




 
 

God's Word Our Assurance
Christ Our Righteousness A Morning Talk
Through Faith Alone Part 1
Through Faith Alone Part 2
What Was Secured by the Death of Christ
Seek Those Things Which are Above Part 1
Seek Those Things Which are Above Part 2
Christ, Our Loving Comforter and Restorer
Work to Show Christ to the World
"Let Him Take Hold of My Strength"
Ellen G. White's Last Recorded Letter
The Joy of Giving
A New Year's Day Letter
Christ Our Hope
A Letter of Comfort and Assurance
Prevailing Prayer
A Prayer of Consecration
Help for the Tempted
God Will Provide
Christ's Righteousness Avails
Trusting Christ
The Fair Flowers of Promise
How God’s Love is Manifested, Part 1
How God’s Love is Manifested, Part 2
"Ye are Complete in Him," Part 1
"Ye are Complete in Him," Part 2
"Ye are Complete in Him," Part 3
"I Will Give You Rest"
Working as Christ Worked
A Life-Changing Experience
The Character of God Revealed in Christ
What God Desires Us to Be
God's Plans the Best
A Peculiar People
God With Us
Ask and it shall be given you, Part 1
Ask and it shall be given you, Part 2
The Meaning of God's Pardoning Love, Part 1
The Meaning of God's Pardoning Love, Part 2
The Foundation of Our Peace
One Thing Impossible With God
Windows Wide Open
The Only Foundation
Christ Spans the Gulf of Sin, Part 1
Christ Spans the Gulf of Sin, Part 2
Homeward Bound
A New Year's Day Letter
Asking to Give
The Mighty and Inspiring Conflict
God's Word a Treasure House
True Success
Little Things
You May Trust Him
Hearts Filled with Thankfullnes to God
Calamities and God’s Love; Sin, Judgment, and the Shortness of Time
Lord is Risen
The Sabbath
Some Thoughts for the New Year