SIN must not only be pardoned, but corruption must be subdued; the one is freely promised as well as the other. The grace of God pardons, the power of God subdues; but grace and power always go together in the salvation of a sinner. Pardon comes first, and sanctification follows. Light shining upon the understanding, discovers corruption working in the soul; holiness seated in the heart, produces hatred and opposition to it; prayer ascends to God for deliverance from it, and power descends and subdues it. But like fire apparently quenched, it will break out again and again; like rebels in a state, it will seize every opportunity of disturbing the peace and happiness of the soul. Hear, then, what the Lord says to you this morning, "I WILL SUBDUE YOUR INIQUITIES." Carry your complaint to His throne, plead His faithful word, and expect His promised power to subdue your iniquities. Sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under the law, but under grace. Grace reigns, and will conquer every rival lust.
Jesus, thy boundless love to me No thought can reach, no tongue declare; O knit my thankful heart to Thee, And reign without a rival there. O grant that nothing in my soul May dwell, but thy pure love alone: O may thy love possess me whole, My joy, my treasure, and my crown.
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.
SIN must not only be pardoned, but corruption must be subdued; the one is freely promised as well as the other. The grace of God pardons, the power of God subdues; but grace and power always go together in the salvation of a sinner. Pardon comes first, and sanctification follows. Light shining upon the understanding, discovers corruption working in the soul; holiness seated in the heart, produces hatred and opposition to it; prayer ascends to God for deliverance from it, and power descends and subdues it. But like fire apparently quenched, it will break out again and again; like rebels in a state, it will seize every opportunity of disturbing the peace and happiness of the soul. Hear, then, what the Lord says to you this morning, "I WILL SUBDUE YOUR INIQUITIES." Carry your complaint to His throne, plead His faithful word, and expect His promised power to subdue your iniquities. Sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under the law, but under grace. Grace reigns, and will conquer every rival lust.
Jesus, thy boundless love to me No thought can reach, no tongue declare; O knit my thankful heart to Thee, And reign without a rival there. O grant that nothing in my soul May dwell, but thy pure love alone: O may thy love possess me whole, My joy, my treasure, and my crown.