Let not pride, therefore, presume to dispute the honor with Jesus, or self-righteous sinners arrogate to themselves a meritorious title to favors, of the least of which they are altogether undeserving. God hath an open hand filled with blessings for those who approach the throne of grace as needy beggars, and supplicate mercy through Christ, as condemned criminals. But the proud he beholdeth afar off, and those that are rich in supposed goodness and personal merit, he sendeth empty away. For, he resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. Think not that heaven is to be purchased by human merit, or that the eternal reward is to be earned by human obedience. The purchase hath been made by the death and passion of the Son of God; and it is the merit of his blood alone that can open the kingdom of heaven, or reverse the forfeiture which we have incurred by original and personal transgression. The scripture hath concluded all under sin. And the wages which every transgressor hath earned, is eternal death. This is every man’s desert, and will be the reward of his iniquity, if he is found out of Christ. No future works can make an atonement to God for past transgressions; since, if this were possible, Christ would have died in vain. Gal. ii. 21. Salvation is by grace, “not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephes. ii. 8, 9. And “we are justified freely (δωρεὰν without a cause on our part) by this grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Rom. iii. 24.