We have now reached the end of another year. Look hack with humility: look up with hope: look forward with joy: for consider what great things God hath done for us: "Now is our salvation nearer than when we (first) believed." Rom. 13:11.
But, before the Sun of Righteousness arose upon us and displayed the glory of his finished salvation to our hearts, alas! what dark, proud, ignorant notions of salvation did we entertain! Instead of seeing righteousness as a gift by Jesus Christ, and justification of life coming by free gift, and eternal life the gift of God through Jesus Christ, Rom. 5:17, 18; 6:28–we vainly thought that salvation was to be procured by some deeds or righteousness of our own. In our natural state of blindness, before we saw Jesus, we thought enduring to the end might give us a claim to he saved; now we see that we are "saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation.'' Isa. 45:17.
We began the year seeing Jesus. O, in this blessed sight let us endure to the end. In him we see a complete salvation. We hear and believe his cry from the cross, "It is finished." We hear him proclaim from his throne in glory, "It is done." "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end." Rev. 21:6. In him we are "chosen to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth." 2 Thess. 2:13. He "of God, is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption.'' 1. Cor. 1: 30. In the faith of this we persevere. By faith we "endure (every fight of affliction) seeing him who is invisible." Heb. 11:27. We "run with patience the race set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith." Heb. 12:2. Consider these precious words, ye who tremble lest your faith shall not endure to the end: the same Jesus who is the author is also the finisher of your faith. It is the glory of gospel faith to live upon Jesus, who is our life and salvation; and to enjoy life and salvation in Christ every step we take in the way to endless life and glory: where in spite of all the deceitfulness of sin, and the art and malice of Satan, we shall "receive the end of our faith, the salvation of our souls." 1 Pet. 1:9.
Now, christian reader, I commend thee to God, and to the word of his grace, wishing thee sweet comfort in perusing these daily meditations. If our Lord give thee as much in reading as I have found in writing them, thou wilt have great cause for love and praise. Accept them, as the labor of one who is no prophet, neither a prophet's son," but who would glory in being a saved sinner, by the cross of Jesus.
Glory be to God in the highest. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus in sincerity. Amen.