David Carnegie Andrew Agnew

“ But to teach what God has done for us in the work of redemption is a doctrine to be found in the Christian religion only. The real essence of Christianity lies in this first part, for all other religions teach salvation by the works of man toward God, but our religion exhibits salvation as the work of God toward man. Salvation is grounded upon the good which God bestows upon us, not upon the good that we do. Hence it follows that morality is not the fundamental doctrine of Christianity. On the contrary, that part of it which we call morality is built upon the grace of God. ”

“ To represent religion as a mere doctrine of morality is an enormous error. The doctrine of religion consists of two parts — the former shows what God has done for man; the latter teaches what man ought to do for God. That first part is the genuine and essential characteristic which distinguishes the Christian religion from all others; for there is no false religion which does not teach good works. ”

“ And therefore it is a very rash assertion that the doctrine which treats of morals is the most excellent part of the Christian religion, and that to be a good Christian it is sufficient to be a good moralist. Without the doctrine of salvation, which is the first part, all our morality is dark and heathenish. All Christian virtues are effects of sanctification, which is a work of God. It is a prejudice natural to man, in speaking of the method of obtaining salvation, to think immediately of works as the real efficient cause of it. ”