By John Flavel.
The Method of Grace in Gospel Salvation.
In 35 Sermons
By John Flavel.
About the Author:
John Flavel (1627-1691) was an English Presbyterian minister and author, known for his devotional writings and sermons. He served as a pastor in the town of Dartmouth, England, and was a prominent figure in the Puritan movement of the 17th century. Some of his notable works include “Navigation Spiritualized” and “The Method of Grace.”
About the book:
The Method of Grace in Gospel Salvation”. The book is a collection of sermons that focus on the concept of grace in the Christian faith and the methods by which individuals can receive salvation through Jesus Christ. Flavel explains the doctrine of grace and how it relates to the process of salvation. He emphasizes the importance of personal repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as the only way to receive salvation.
In the book, Flavel explains that the grace of God is the only means of salvation, and that the work of Christ on the cross is the only way to receive that grace. He explains that it is not through our own efforts or works, but only through faith in Jesus Christ that we can be saved. He also explains that the Holy Spirit plays an important role in the process of salvation, by working in the hearts of individuals, convicting them of their sin and leading them to repentance.
The book is considered a classic of Christian literature and is widely read and studied today. It is considered an important resource for those who are seeking to deepen their understanding of the doctrine of grace and the methods of salvation in the Christian faith.
John Flavel wirte at the end of this book THE CONCLUSION
And now, reader, if all my discourses of the method of Christ in purchasing th egreat salvation for us, and the way of the Spirit in applying it, and effectual to God’s elect; you have two wonders before your eyes, either of whichmay astonish your soul, in the consideration of them, namely,
1. This admirable grace of God in preparing
2. The desperate wickedness of man in rejecting this great Salvation.
FIRST, Behold the riches of the goodness and mercy of God in preparing such a remedy as this for lost man. This is that which is justly called “The great mystery of godliness,” 1 Timothy 3:16. that mystery which the prophets inquired diligently after, yes, which the “angels desired to look into,” 1 Peter 1:10, 12. In this glorious mystery of redemption, that manifold wisdom of God, or that wisdom which has such curious and admirable variety in it, is illustriously displayed, Ephesians 4:10.
Yes, the contrivance of our redemption, this way, is the most glorious display of divine love that ever was made, or can be made, in this world to the children of men; for so the apostle will be understood, when he says, Romans 5:8. God has set forth, or presented his love to man in the most engaging manner, in a way that commends it beyond all compare to the acceptance of men. “This is a faithful saying, andworthy of all acceptance, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners,” 1Timothy 1:15.
It might be justly expected, that when this glorious mystery should come to be published by the gospel in the ears of sinners, all eyes should be withdrawn from all other objects, and fixed with admiration upon Christ, all hearts should be ravished with these glad tidings; and every man pressing to Christ withthe greatest zeal and diligence. But behold, instead thereof,
SECONDLY, The desperate wickedness of the world, in rejecting the only remedy prepared for them. This was long since foretold by the prophet, Isaiah 53:3. “He is despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; andwehid our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.”
His poor and mean appearance, which should endear him beyond all considerations to the souls of men, (since it was for their sakes, that he emptied himself of all his glory) yet this
lays him under contempt, he is looked on as the very off-cast of men, when his own love to man had emptied him of all his riches, the wickedness of men loaded him with contempt, and as it was prophesied of him, so it was, and at this day is sadly verified all the world over; for,
FIRST, The Pagan world has no knowledge of him, they are lost in darkness. “God has suffered them to walk in their own ways,” Acts 14:16.
SECONDLY, The Muhammadans which overspread so great a part of the world reject him, and instead of the blessed gospel, which they hiss at with abhorrence, embrace the blasphemous and ridiculous Alcoran, which they confidently affirm came down from God immediately in that Laylatto Hanzili (as they call it) the night of demission, calling all Christians Infidels.
THIRDLY, The Jews reject him with abhorrence, and spit at his very name, andbeing blind folded by the devil, they call Jesus Anathema, 1 Corinthians 12:3. And in a blind zeal for Moses, blaspheme him as an impostor. “He came to his own, andhis own received him not,” John 1:11.
FOURTHLY, The far greater part of the Christianized world reject him; those that are called after his name, will not submit to his government. The nobles of theworld think themselves dishonored by submitting their necks to his yoke. Thesensualists of the world will not deny their lusts, or forsake their pleasures, for all the treasures of righteousness, life and peace, which his blood has purchased.
Worldlings of the earth prefer the dirt and dung of the world before him; and fewthere be among them that profess Christianity, who love the Lord Jesus in sincerity. The only reason why they are called Christians is, because, by the advantageous cast of providence, they were born and educated in a nation where Christianity is professed and established by the laws of the country; and if the wind should turn, and the public authority think fit to establish another religion, they can shift their sail, and steer a contrary course.
But now, reader, let me tell you, that if ever God send forth these two grim sergeants, his law, and your own conscience, to arrest you for your sins, if you find yourself dragged away by them towards that prison from whence none return, that are once clapped up therein, and that in this unspeakable distress Jesus Christ manifest himself to your soul, and open your heart to receive him, and become your surety with God, pay all your debts, and cancel all your obligations, you will lovehim at another rate than others do; his blood will run deeper in your eyes than it does in the shallow apprehensions of the world; he will be altogether lovely, and you will account all things but dung and dross in comparison with the excellency of Jesus Christ your Lord. To work your heart to this frame, these things are written, which the Lord prosper upon your soul, by the blessing of his Spirit upon you.
Blessed be God for Jesus Christ!
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