The Seventeenth of January

CHRIST HATH REDEEMED US --- Galatians 3:13-14.

"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree: that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." --- Galatians 3:13-14.

The spirit of sanctification is the gift of Christ. Consequently there is a great difference between moral actions done by our own strength, and true sanctification of the Spirit.

The latter cannot take place before the soul truly receives Christ, and abides in him as its only propitiation, righteousness and peace; for he being first made to us of God our righteousness, will then be made our sanctification likewise; (1 Corinthians 1:30.) and the kingdom, work, and image of God will go on best when we trust least to our own strength.

Sanctification is now become a more easy task since Christ lives and works in us, and we, in child like temper, live henceforth to him who died for us.

The law commands and makes us know
What duties to our God we owe;
But 'tis the gospel must reveal
Where lies the strength to do his will.

The law discovers guilt and sin,
And showed how vile our hearts have been,
Only the gospel can express
Forgiving love and cleansing grace.