The apostle commences his appeal with the word "therefore." This is a logical term, leading to a conclusion from premises which have been previously stated. It does not stand alone, but in an argument resumes in itself all that has been advanced. Take careful note of the simple words of Scripture. There is point in them all. If, for example, the use of the word "therefore" in this text be overlooked, we shall be unable properly to feel the force of the apostle's appeal. What is it, then, that the apostle has said in this epistle, and of which he intends, by this word "therefore," to remind his readers? He has been giving to them a large, full, grand exposition of the great truths of redemption. He has prepared the way for this by a graphic picture of the sinfulness and helplessness of human nature. He has shown that the heathen world is grossly depraved--in a state of alienation from God, which is to a certain extent wilful (chap. i. 29-32). He has proceeded to demonstrate that, with all their advantages, the Jews are no better _at heart_ than the heathen, and as truly sinful, condemned, and hopeless as they (ii. 17-24). The conclusion supplied by these facts is, that none are righteous--that all, Jews and Gentiles alike, have sinned and come short of the glory of God, and that all stand on the same ground of spiritual danger. This brings out the fact that redemption is the pressing need of the whole world. The way is now clear for the presentation of the gospel. _The basis of redemption is Christ's work of atonement._ The foundation of the plan of salvation is God's free grace--His boundless, sovereign love. Christ came forth from the Father as the expression of this. He suffered, bled, died for us, to meet the claims of the Divine law on our behalf, and to procure our justification and peace. "Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood" (iii. 24, 25). "Jesus Christ, who was delivered for our offences" (iv. 25). "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth His love toward us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (v. 6-8). Salvation, then, is founded upon the atonement of Christ--a proper work of propitiation, providing for pardon and justification. _The condition of this salvation on our part is simply the acceptance of it by faith._ Faith is primarily the repose of the soul in Christ's redeeming work--a yielding to God's method of saving us. It operates to this end independently--yea, even to the exclusion--of all works of self-righteousness. "By the deeds of the law shall no flesh living be justified." It is inconsistent with all boasting. "Where is boasting, then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? Nay, but by the law of faith.