THE WORK OF CHRIST LIMITED TO JUSTIFICATION

THE WORK OF CHRIST LIMITED TO JUSTIFICATION

In the present controversy (1885) I have been much grieved to find that after all the teaching we have had, it is evident that many have not in their souls more than ————’s doctrine. The measure of grace in it could not lead one to comprehend the ground of the assembly; a soul could be saved who knew as much, but he would not be farther on than a believer in the Establishment. There is great defect in it, and it involves a most serious question. I do not say it is heresy, but as a system it subverts Christianity, as the ‘Book of Common Prayer’ does; though there be many true Christians who hold the doctrine of it. This defect is, alas! too common in Christendom; that is, limiting the death or work of Christ to justification only. The same blood which shelters me from judgment, and clears me in the presence of God, is that which entitles me to a place in the Holiest of all. The thief on the cross went straight from the deepest degradation to the highest elevation. The death of Christ effected all. The error is, making the Spirit to supplement or add to the work of Christ. Christ, blessed be His name, has by His own work opened the whole way for me from the death of judgment up to the enjoyment of His own life in the sphere where He is.