What the gospel does:

The gospel comes with power to the heart of a man, and he begins to fear the wrath of God and the judgment to come. See how he trembles. Christ has captured his thoughts of self-security. He no more says, “Though I add drunkenness to thirst, it shall surely be well with me.” On the contrary he cries, “I am guilty; I have broken God’s law, and I am condemned.” The Lord has captured his thoughts of self-righteousness. This is the man who yesterday boasted in himself that he was righteous: the pure and holy law of God has come near his conscience, and he feels himself guilty, and therefore sues for mercy. Now he begins to pray, “God be merciful to me a sinner,” and it is clear that his thoughts of independence, his ideas that he could do without his God, are made prisoners. His thoughts of pleasure in alienation from the Great Father are now slain, for he desires to draw near to the Most High. See! a little hope begins to dawn, he hopes that there may be salvation for him. His thoughts of rebellious despair are led captive in fetters of iron. Praise ye the Lord! Watch him still further. The Spirit of God encourages him, and he comes to believe in Jesus: his self-trust is a prisoner. That Jesus died for sinners is a truth which he accepts, and he casts himself upon it; his proud intellect is a captive, and he gladly bows at the Redeemer’s feet. Hear him as he sings, “I am forgiven: God assures me of it. I am justified because I have believed in Jesus. Oh, how I love his precious name.” His inmost heart is captured, all the thoughts of his love are now subdued, and the Saviour whom he once despised he now adores. See how with gratitude he brings his alabaster box to break it, and pour the sweet perfume on the Saviour’s feet. Jesus has won his heart, and holds it in a willing captivity, and henceforth the man consecrates himself to Christ, to live and to die for him. Thus the whole mind of the man, yea, the whole man, has thrown down its rebellious weapons and surrendered unconditionally to the conquering arm of the Lord Jesus.

#Spurgeon #s1473