Every man stands before God on the ground of justice. The unregenerate
sinner stands in his own name, and obtains death, "the wages
of sin:" the believing sinner stands in the name of Jesus; and
because sin was borne by the Lord Jesus, and justice satisfied,
has everlasting life.
As deeds and thoughts of wicked men do now appear to the all-seeing
eye of God, so will He represent them to their memory and conscience
at the great day: the offender will be chief witness against
himself.
The children of God enter heaven, not by sufferance, but by right
and title: the justice of God demands it, because Christ has
died and is risen.
The justice of God can never show mercy where sin is imputed.
No mercy, therefore, was shown to Christ. As the sinner's Surety
He drank the cup of vengeance to the dregs; and now the cup He
gives us overflows with blessings.
Christ never keeps a man outside who knocks at His door; but
those who will not come as beggars, who are blinded by pride,
self-will, and unbelief,—how can they complain if sent empty
away?