The Treasured Merit of Christ
By C. P. Bollman
THE twin systems, heathenism and Romanism, teach that a person can be saved by his own merits, if by those of the saints, or that such merits are instrumental in securing his salvation; but Christianity teaches that salvation is secured through the merits of Christ alone. The truth is beautifully expressed in the following words from the pen of another: “Christ accepts the surrender of the soul. He has pledged Himself to be our substitute and surety, and He neglects no one. There is an inexhaustible fund of perfect obedience accruing from His obedience. How is it that such an infinite treasure is not appreciated? In heaven, the merits of Christ, His self-denial and self-sacrifice, are treasured up as incense to be offered up with the prayers of His people. As sincere, humble prayers ascend to the throne of God, Christ mingles with them the merits of His life of perfect obedience. Our prayers are made fragrant by this incense. Christ has pledged Himself to intercede in our behalf, and the Father always hears His Son. Pray, then, without ceasing; an answer is sure to come. But let me speak in warning: ‘If any man regard iniquity in his heart, the Lord will not hear him.’”