THE old minister, Henhofer, could not emphasize enough that one had to believe first, before one could live a holy life. “I used to think that you would have to become nice and good before coming to the Saviour. But that is not so. Eat first, and then work. In the year 1817, there was almost a famine over a good part of Europe; the misery was great. The authorities in one place decided to make a new road, just to give some of the poor people work. ‘They were furnished with the needed tools—shovels, spades, etc., to work with, and the promise of a good meal at the end. But after two hours they all came and laid down their tools, saying: “We are too weak to work; give us something to eat first!” Well, these men were well fed, and after that they worked faithfully. So it is; first grace, peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ—to have the blessed assurance first, that you have eternal life, that you are saved, and then work, that is, live true and holy with and for Christ.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.” Eph. 2:8-98For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8‑9). But when we are saved we learn that “Are are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Verse 10. Salvation first; works afterwards.
ML 05/30/1909