WHAT surprising grace is this! For what are we? Poor, vile, depraved, unworthy sinners. So base by nature that we had not one redeeming quality, and even now, apart from the work of the Spirit, there is in us no good thing. But we were predestinated to the adoption of children; we were born again of the Spirit; and grace has put us among the children, for its own glorification. Beloved, now, while we feel so much corruption, while despised by the world, harassed by Satan, tormented with fears, NOW are we the sons of God. And will God neglect or disregard His beloved sons? No: let us then cherish the thought, believe the fact, and rejoice in the relationship. Let us walk and act as the sons of God, coming out from among the formal, the self-righteous, and the profane; and devoting ourselves entirely to the Lord's service and glory. Let us remember in trouble, in sickness, and in death itself, God is our Father, Jesus is our Brother, and heaven is our home. Let us approach God as children, and plead with Him as sons. He says to us, "Come near unto Me, My son, that I may bless thee." His blessing maketh rich.
The God who reigns above, we call Our Father and our Friend; And, blessed thought! His children all Shall see Him in the end.
Written by James Smith for his own flock around 1840, but such was the demand that by 1846 over thirty thousand copies where in circulation.
James Smith was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841-1850. He also ministered with great blessing in Cheltenham. His devotional, The Believer's Daily Remembrancer, subtitled Pastor's Morning and Evening Visit, was very popular in its own day, and has received a new lease of life through recent republication.
WHAT surprising grace is this! For what are we? Poor, vile, depraved, unworthy sinners. So base by nature that we had not one redeeming quality, and even now, apart from the work of the Spirit, there is in us no good thing. But we were predestinated to the adoption of children; we were born again of the Spirit; and grace has put us among the children, for its own glorification. Beloved, now, while we feel so much corruption, while despised by the world, harassed by Satan, tormented with fears, NOW are we the sons of God. And will God neglect or disregard His beloved sons? No: let us then cherish the thought, believe the fact, and rejoice in the relationship. Let us walk and act as the sons of God, coming out from among the formal, the self-righteous, and the profane; and devoting ourselves entirely to the Lord's service and glory. Let us remember in trouble, in sickness, and in death itself, God is our Father, Jesus is our Brother, and heaven is our home. Let us approach God as children, and plead with Him as sons. He says to us, "Come near unto Me, My son, that I may bless thee." His blessing maketh rich.
The God who reigns above, we call Our Father and our Friend; And, blessed thought! His children all Shall see Him in the end.