How Are We Saved? by R. M. Thurston

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 21, 1858

How Are We Saved?

By R. M. Thurston

By grace are ye saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast. Eph. ii, 8. 9. Grace is favor, "as it relates to God; it is free favor and love to us-ward," and "in this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him." 1 Jno. iv, 9. Even while we were yet dead in sin, that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness, through Christ Jesus. Eph. ii, 7. And now let grateful emotions possess our heart, while we briefly contemplate the goodness and condescension of God to us. He who created the vastly expanding heavens, adorning them with so many brilliant luminaries, he who caused the dry land to appear, calling it earth, and beautified it with such a variety of scenery, bestows upon frail man the capacity for communing with him, likewise the privilege of addressing him by the endearing name of Father. Yes, by grace we become heirs of God, on the condition of faith in Jesus, by whom also we have access by faith into this grace, wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Rom. v. 2. Then to become the recipients of that grace which bringeth salvation; that grace which preserves the equilibrium between retiring justice, and wooing mercy, we have only to comply with God's plan or condition of salvation, which we understand is faith in Jesus. Whom God hath sent 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. Rom. iii, 25, 26. God has uniformly wrought out, and harmoniously arranged a condition of salvation which includes the whole human family in its benevolent scheme. For the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise might be given to them that believe. Gal. iii, 22; Rom. xi, 32; iii, 23; Titus iii, 4, 5; also Rom. iii, 26, 31, inclusive. Why then so much solicitude to merit salvation by works, since it is attainable only through the righteousness of faith?

Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness, even in uncircumcision and he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the faith which he had yet, being uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all that believe. Rom. iv, 2, 16, inclusive. We do not consider faith to be an act, or step, but an assent of the mind to a revealed truth. Hence when we are convicted on Bible truth, and that conviction is seasoned with the grace of God, and enlightened with the Holy Spirit, we shall be found walking in the steps of obedience, which wrought with Abraham's faith. By, or through works was Abraham's faith manifested, as ensamples to all who believe. In doing (not for doing) the will of God, there is great reward. We do not suppose that works impart life to faith, but they are manifestations of life, and spontaneously grow out of a living faith. See how faith enabled the confiding fishermen to obey the simple injunction, Follow me; and many who were healed received the blessed assurance, as it fell warmly from the Saviour's lips. Thy faith hath saved thee. Again, Peter, when about to sink, was reminded, that as he commenced walking by faith, and not by sight, thus he must continue or perish. True the devils also believe, and so do the great mass of mankind believe in an existing God, a once crucified, but now risen Saviour, and coming judgment; but their belief is not of that faith which worketh by love, and purifieth the heart. Gal. v, 6; Acts xv, 2. All who believe through the righteousness of faith, must be justified, as long as they continue to walk in the light. 1 Jno. i, 7. God has promised to forgive our sins, if we confess and forsake them. 1 Jno. i, 9. R. M. THURSTON. Hancock, Wis.