Charles Spurgeon was a preacher of grace in 19th century England. I don’t know where I found this Spurgeon quote, but I’ve had it on my desk for several years, hoping that one day, after repeated exposure, the nickel will drop and I will get it.
“If there be one stitch in the celestial garment of our righteousness which we are to insert ourselves, then we are lost.”
As Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “He who knew no sin became sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” The key words are “in him”—in Jesus. Self-righteousness will never do. My righteousness before God must be received as a gift of grace. In Latin, we say sola gratia.
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