There are but two methods whereby any son of Adam can be justified – either by perfect obedience to the law or because Christ Jesus has kept the law perfectly and died in our stead.
The law knows nothing of mercy! The gospel knows nothing else! By the law I learn that I am guilty and depraved before God; but by the gospel of Christ, I learn that I am justified freely by His grace. By the law I learn that I have ruined myself by sin and am exposed to Divine vengeance; but by the gospel I learn that my Redeemer was made sin for me, that I might be made the righteousness of God in Him. By the law I became acquainted with my Father's holiness, and by the gospel I learn His mercy and love. In a word, by the law I am stripped, exposed, and slain; but by the gospel I am quickened, justified, accepted, and clothed in His beauty.
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