The very instrumentality or means by which salvation is obtained evinces man’s entire indebtedness to the merits of the Saviour. This, as we have just stated, is not works, but simple faith. “To him that worketh not, but believeth in him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” “Therefore it is of faith, that it might be of grace.” However indispensable this faith is, it is far from possessing anything meritorious. We are justified not for our faith, but by our faith. Faith is simply the arms that receive Christ; the hand that lays hold on Christ; the eye that looks to Christ; the feet that flee to Christ. It is the very nature of faith to lead us away from dependence upon ourselves, and to trust to the merits of the Saviour.

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