Acts 13:38-39 Be it known to you therefore, men and brothers, that through this man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins:… The law cannot save, "for by the deeds of the law no flesh is justified"; but the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. The law is all righteousness — the gospel all grace. The law can only justify the just; the gospel justifies the sinner. The law is a royal chariot that will convey the perfect man to heaven, but it is a Juggernaut car which crushes the rebel under its wheels. The law can only declare a man just; the gospel makes him just. The law demands obedience, but it never helps men to obey; the gospel effectually helps those who cannot help themselves. The law cries out, "Do this and live"; the gospel, in gentler tones, says, "Believe and live." The law has a prison in which to punish; the gospel has a reformatory in which to save. The law is a taskmaster sternly commanding; the gospel is a philanthropist generously helping and inspiring. The law can only show the sins; the gospel, with an almighty fling, casts them into the depths of the sea. The law can say, "If Thou, Lord, shouldst mark iniquities, who shall stand?" The gospel gives the grand reply, "There is forgiveness with Thee." The law can say, "Sin hath abounded"; the gospel, "Grace hath much more abounded." The law has not saved one soul; the gospel has saved its myriads. Thank God that where the law fails the gospel triumphs. (J. Ossian Davies.) Parallel Verses KJV: Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: |
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