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“To him that worketh not, but believeth,” says the apostle, speaking of the way in which we are reckoned just before God.

Does he by this speech make light of good works? Does he encourage an unholy walk? Does he use a rash word, which had better been left unspoken?

No, truly. He is laying the foundation of good works. He is removing the great obstacle to a holy life, viz. the bondage of an unforgiven state. He is speaking, by the power of the Holy Ghost, the words of truth and soberness. The difference between working and believing is that which God would have us to learn, lest we confound these two things, and so destroy them both. The order and relation of these two things are here very explicitly laid down, so as to anticipate the error of many who mix up working and believing together, or who make believing the result of working, instead of working the result of believing.
This month's article is by one of the more well known men that lived in the 19th century and who was a pastor, theologian, teacher and author who served in the Free Church of Scotland. The subject of this article is the proper understanding of 'good works' which are an integral part of sanctification in distinction from saving faith which is the instrument that leads to justification. Most certainly, the Bible teaches that justification is by grace, through faith, in Jesus Christ... apart from works. And no less certain does the Bible teach us that one who has been justified must do good works and live a life of holiness, but he/she will do good works and live a life of holiness; not perfectly to be sure, but most assuredly, there will be a marked, radical change of life in those who have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit, and Who dwells within, empowering and guiding that individual in the way or righteousness.

Unfortunately, these two truths and their distinction yet inseparableness are often misunderstood, conflated or by some even denied, which results in either Legalism or Antinomianism, to one degree or another.

Bonar writes with precision and biblical soundness as he opens this most important topic that surely cannot be ignored by anyone who professes to belong to Christ.

ENJOY!

You can read this article by clicking: HERE.

Or, it can always be accessed from Article of the Month archive section.

In His service and grace,

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simul iustus et peccator

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