To open their eyes … that they may receive …

     — Acts 26:18

This verse is the grandest condensation of the propaganda of a
disciple of Jesus Christ in the whole of the New Testament.

The first sovereign work of grace is summed up in the word – ""that
they may receive remission of sins."" When a man fails in personal
Christian experience, it is nearly always because he has never
received anything. The only sign that a man is saved is that he has
received something from Jesus Christ. Our part as workers for God is
to open men’s eyes that they may turn themselves from darkness to
light; but that is not salvation, that is conversion – the effort of
a roused human being. I do not think it is too sweeping to say that
the majority of nominal Christians are of this order; their eyes are
opened, but they have received nothing. Conversion is not
regeneration. This is one of the neglected factors in our preaching
today. When a man is born again, he knows that it is because he has
received something as a gift from Almighty God and not because of his
own decision. People register their vows, and sign their pledges, and
determine to go through, but none of this is salvation. Salvation
means that we are brought to the place where we are able to receive
something from God on the authority of Jesus Christ, viz., remission
of sins.

Then there follows the second mighty work of grace – ""and inheritance
among them which are sanctified."" In sanctification the regenerated
soul deliberately gives up his right to himself to Jesus Christ, and
identifies himself entirely with God’s interest in other men.

On this day...

• You Will Know the Truth and the Truth Will Set You Free - 2011
• No One Will Take Your Joy from You - 2011
• You Will Never See Death - 2011
• Why Was This Child Born Blind? - 2011
• My First Love - 2010
• 2 Timothy 1 - 2009
• Titus 3 - 2009
• Our Purpose - 2009
• Titus 2 - 2009
• Titus 1 - 2009