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Reflecting on what Grace and Faith are really about

I mentioned in a previous post the story of the 33 Chilean Miners who were rescued three years ago this week.  They had buried 2300 feet under the surface and after two months of drilling a rescue hole, a 13 foot capsule, 19 inches around, was lowered to the trapped miners.  One by one, they got in until they all were saved.
I used that story yesterday in teaching on Romans 4.  I'm teaching the book of Romans in our church fellowship and this story illustrates so well the point of what it means to be saved by Grace Alone, Through Faith alone.
Grace is the vehicle lowered from above...the work is all done on top and the trapped miners could do nothing to help themselves out.
Grace brings us the ability to be rescued...faith is "getting in" the capsule.  Choosing to say "yes, Lord" to Jesus Christ's offer to save us.  All were saved because by faith they "got in".  So also, any of us who say yes to Christ Jesus have received that grace to faith.

Many years ago I read the works of the Scottish preacher, Horatius Bonar.  A preacher from a long line of preachers (some 350+ years of them), he wrote several works, some hymns, and poems.  I ran across this poem in one of my readings, and feel it an appropriate way to end this blog...

Not what these hands have done
Can save this guilty soul;
Not what this toiling flesh has borne
Can make my spirit whole.
Not what I feel or do
Can give me peace with God,
Not all my prayers and sighs and tears
Can bear my awful load.
Thy work alone O Christ,
Can ease this weight of sin;
Thy blood alone, O Lamb of God,
Can give me peace within.
Thy grace alone, O God,
To me can pardon speak,
Thy power alone, O Son of God,
Can this sore bondage break.
I bless the Christ of God;
I rest on love divine;
And, with unfalt'ring lip and heart,
I call this Savior mine.


-      Horatius Bonar, 1861


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