Salvation is by free grace alone!

Salvation is by free grace alone!

(James Smith, “The Believer’s Companion in Seasons of Affliction and Trouble” 1842)  LISTEN to Audio!  Download Audio

“By graceyou are saved!” Ephesians 2:8

Salvation is by free grace alone! In eternity past, the Lord fixed upon the objects whom He intended to deliver from sin, Satan, and the curse–and whom He designed to raise to holiness, happiness, and honor. He assigns no reason but His sovereign good pleasure: “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy; and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion!”

He chose His people out of the vast mass, and recorded their names in the book of life. He gave them to our dear and adorable Immanuel–to be His care, charge, and bride. He appointed them to life, sonship, and conformity to Jesus–and all of free grace!

Grace scatters blessings upon millions, but never utters a curse against any. She provides salvation for her objects, but is in no sense the cause of the damnation of the rest. Her language is SAVE; but never DESTROY.

Sovereign grace, rightly viewed–embodies everything that is sweet, pleasant, charming, and delightful. It is . . .
  as free as the summer breeze,
  as pure as the sun’s bright ray,
  and as pleasant as the morning light!

All who know it, love it;
all who have seen it, admire it;
and all who enjoy it, adore it!

Grace finds . . .
  a depth for our sins,
  a fountain for our needs,
  a covering for our persons, and
  a Heaven for our eternal habitation.

Oh that Heaven would coin language sufficiently grand, and furnish ideas sufficiently noble–to speak of the glories of sovereign grace, or to show forth half its praise!

Salvation, then . . .
  originates in the free grace of God,
  flows in the channel of the Redeemer’s blood, and
  aims at the glorification of Jehovah in all His perfections.

Salvation was . . .
  planned in eternity,
  executed in time, and
  shall be realized and enjoyed until eternity can end!

Salvation is . . .
  divine in its contrivance, execution, and application;
  holy in its character, tendency, and design;
  and free in its bestowment and operations.

Salvation is . . .
  of God,
    by grace,
      to holiness,
        forever!

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