Opening Prayer:
My ever-speaking Heavenly Father, attune my ears to hear your voice today, that I may respond to your grace as I journey toward the cross with Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.
Read: From John Wesley’s Sermon “On Salvation by Faith”:
Some may object by saying, “Might speaking about the mercy of God as justifying us freely by faith alone (that is, saving us) invite us to sin?” Indeed it might, and it will do so if we join with those who say that we can “continue in sin in order that grace may abound.” However, such people are responsible for their own destruction. The goodness of God should lead them to repentance. And it will do so for those who have sincere hearts. When they know that God will still forgive them through faith in Jesus, they will cry aloud that he would blot out their sins. And if they earnestly and steadfastly repent, if they seek God through the means he has provided, and if they refuse to be satisfied until the Lord comes to them, “the one who is coming will come and will not delay.”
Reflect: What does Wesley say is the danger of understanding faith as a gift that saves us? What leads people to repentance? How does Wesley add to our understanding of justification by faith alone?
Prayer: for the church, for others, and for myself
Hymn: “Grace that is Greater than all our Sin”
Verse 1
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord, Grace that exceeds our
sin and our guilt, Yonder on Calvary’s mount out poured,
there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt!
Refrain
Grace, grace, God’s grace, grace that will pardon and cleanse within!
Grace, grace, God’s grace, grace that is greater than all our sin!
Verse 2
Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold, threaten the soul with
infinite loss. Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
points to the refuge, the mighty cross.
Verse 3
Dark is the stain that we cannot hide. What can avail to
wash it away? Look! There is flowing a crimson tide;
whiter than snow you may be today.
Verse 4
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace, freely bestowed on
all who believe! You that are longing to see His face,
will you this moment His grace receive?
Benediction:
Almighty God, walk with me all this day as I seek to know your grace in the inmost parts of my life. Amen.
