The Gospel Of Jesus Christ
God's Way Of Peace is Horatius Bonar's classic work on how sinful man can be reconciled to His Maker.It is one of the clearest presentations of the Gospel published in the 19th century(or any other century).
In the first chapter 'God's Testimony Concerning Man' -for anyone who becomes concerned about 'The State Of Their Soul' ,they must begin to wonder-What does God, who created me think about me? "Man has fallen ...in Adam all have sinned; in Adam all have died." Someone came to Jesus and asked -What was the great commandment? That you should love God with all of your heart, mind , soul and strength... .Have you or I done that? Bonar gives us the clear testimony of God's Word concerning this-"God's testimony then concerning man is, that he does not love God with all his heart; nay, that he does not love Him at all."
The greatest charge that can be brought against any man, is that, hearing the Gospel- "he does not believe on the name of the Son of God... ." According to God's inspired Word-"He that does not believe on the Son of God is condemned already." Why is unbelief such a grievous thing to the Lord God? Horatius Bonar thinks that all unbelief has this quality- "A good opinion of one's self and a bad opinion of God." The problem with those who have a good opinion of themselves is that they think they can find acceptance with God by something that they can do.
The chapter 'Insensibility' is helpful in understanding God's Free Grace to underserving sinners.What qualifications does a lost sinner need to meet, in order to flee to Christ for mercy.If this question were asked(to those who profess to know God)a variety of responses would likely be given)such as-they need to feel their need of Him, they need to have a certain degree of contrition before they come to Christ, Bonar asserts-"faith does not spring out of feeling, but feeling out of faith, the less you feel the more you should trust." The only qualification you need to go to Christ is that you know and acknowledge that you are a sinner.If you know you are a sinner, then you need a Savior from sin to be reconciled to God,If you are convinced you are a sinner(and are therefore under God's condemnation) what should you do? "God commands you to come, without any further delay or preparation, to bring with you your sins, your unbelief, your insensibility, your heart, your will, your whole man, and to put them into Christ's hands." Let me state here, do I believe that repentance is part of God's saving work? Absolutely! However, I think that faith either precedes repentance or perhaps they are simultaneous, or as some have suggested there is believing repentance and repentant believing.
If you aren't as fluent in your understanding of God's Gospel as you would like or if you desire to be better able, to speak to others re-how they can be reconciled to God, then Horatius Bonar's 'God's Way Of Peace' should be read and studied by you.It will be a great help to you, and enable you to help others to better grasp 'The Gospel Of God's Son'.
