Forgiveness Come First

“A sense of having our sins forgiven is the mainspring and life-blood of love to Christ. The only way to make men holy is to teach and preach free and full forgiveness through Jesus Christ. The secret of being holy ourselves is to know and feel that Christ has pardoned our sins. Peace with God is the only root that will bear the fruit of holiness. Forgiveness must go before sanctification.”

—J. C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, on Luke 7:36-50.

Hat Tip: Of First Importance