WHAT a precious promise. How many of the Lord's people have been cheered and encouraged by it. Sin lives in us, works in us, fights in us, but it shall not reign. It may annoy, it shall not destroy. Its authority is destroyed by the Lord; its power is weakened by grace; it is warned to quit its old residence, and it will soon be ejected. We are not under the condemning power of the law, it is not our rule of justification, but we are under favour; God dealeth with us as with children. He pardons, pities, and delivers us. He will not allow sin to hold us in perpetual bondage, or to condemn us at the last day; but He will set us at liberty, and justify us fully. The flesh will lust against the Spirit, corruption will rise and fight; but we shall be strengthened, assisted, and counselled until we finally overcome. Grace shall reign through righteousness unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord. The law will be honoured in our endless blessedness, and Jesus will be glorified in us throughout eternity. By grace we are saved.
On such love, my soul, still ponder, Love so great, so rich, so free! Say, while lost in holy wonder, Why, O Lord, such love to me Hallelujah, Grace shall reign eternally.
Written by James Smith for his own flock around 1840, but such was the demand that by 1846 over thirty thousand copies where in circulation.
James Smith was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841-1850. He also ministered with great blessing in Cheltenham. His devotional, The Believer's Daily Remembrancer, subtitled Pastor's Morning and Evening Visit, was very popular in its own day, and has received a new lease of life through recent republication.
WHAT a precious promise. How many of the Lord's people have been cheered and encouraged by it. Sin lives in us, works in us, fights in us, but it shall not reign. It may annoy, it shall not destroy. Its authority is destroyed by the Lord; its power is weakened by grace; it is warned to quit its old residence, and it will soon be ejected. We are not under the condemning power of the law, it is not our rule of justification, but we are under favour; God dealeth with us as with children. He pardons, pities, and delivers us. He will not allow sin to hold us in perpetual bondage, or to condemn us at the last day; but He will set us at liberty, and justify us fully. The flesh will lust against the Spirit, corruption will rise and fight; but we shall be strengthened, assisted, and counselled until we finally overcome. Grace shall reign through righteousness unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord. The law will be honoured in our endless blessedness, and Jesus will be glorified in us throughout eternity. By grace we are saved.
On such love, my soul, still ponder, Love so great, so rich, so free! Say, while lost in holy wonder, Why, O Lord, such love to me Hallelujah, Grace shall reign eternally.