A family of such vile, polluted, and wretched beings!

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(James Smith, "The Love of Christ! The Fullness, Freeness, and Immutability of the Savior's Grace Displayed!")

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us--that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" 1 John 3:1

Those whom Jesus loves, being chosen of God to holiness here on earth, and happiness in eternity--are predestined to the adoption of His children--to the praise of the glory of His grace. They are predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son--they are to . . .
partake of His nature,
receive of His spirit,
wear His image, and
be associated with Him in honor and glory forever!

Jesus calls them, His brethren--heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Himself! Being related to Him, they . . .
have a saving interest in Him,
are loved by Him,
are in union with Him, and
shall never be separated from Him!

O wondrous mercy! That God should condescend to make up a family of such vile, polluted, and wretched beings as we are!

O wondrous mercy! That He should write our names in His book of life, give us the gift of the Holy Spirit, privilege us to claim relationship at His throne, and associate us with Jesus as fellow-heirs!

O wondrous mercy! That all this should have been fixed upon and settled--before the world began, and all for the praise of His glorious grace!

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