“Think not to satisfy the Divine justice by any poor performances of your own.
Think not to cleanse or expiate the evil of your hearts by any of your own inventions.
But, ‘behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world,’ (John 1:29).
He died that you may live: He lives that you may live forever. Put, therefore, your trust in the Lord; for with him is plenteous redemption.
His sufferings and death are a complete final propitiation for sin. ‘He is able to save to the uttermost;’ and He is as willing as He is able.
It was this brought Him down from heaven; for this He emptied Himself of all glory, and submitted to all indignity.
His humiliation expiates our pride. His perfect love atones for our ingratitude.
His exquisite tenderness pleads for our insensibility. Only believe; commit your cause to him by faith and prayer.
As a Priest, he shall make atonement for your sins, and present your persons and your services acceptable before God.
As a Prophet, He shall instruct you in the true wisdom, which maketh wise to salvation: He shall not only cause you to know His commandments, but to love them too: He shall write them in your hearts.
As a King, He shall evermore mightily defend you against all your enemies.
He shall enable you to withstand temptations, to support difficulties, to break through all opposition.
He shall supply you with everything you need, for this life or a better, out of the unsearchable riches of His grace.
He shall strengthen you to overcome all things; to endure to the end.
And then He shall give you a place in His kingdom; a seat near His throne; a crown of life; a crown of glory; incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away.”
–John Newton, The Works of John Newton, Volume 2 (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1988), 2: 275.
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