Isaiah 45:22-25

If this gracious invitation of Jesus, to look unto him, were proclaimed every day from the house-top, yea, from heaven itself, it would not be more sure, nor certain, nay, not so much so as now it is, in the blessed word of God's grace. And yet who is there that regards it? God the Father commends it, Isaiah 42:1, etc. The Son of God commends it, Isaiah 65:1. God the Holy Ghost commends it, John 1:29. But, alas! we may take up the words of the Prophet, and say, as he did, who hath believed our report, and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? Isaiah 53:1. Precious Jesus! give to him that writes, and to him that reads, the hearing ear and the seeing eye, that we may hear the voice of the Son of God, and live; John 3:14. And what at a blessed consequence is said in this scripture to result from such lookings unto Jesus, and living upon him: Surely, shall one say, yea, everyone whom the Lord the Spirit hath brought off from all legal frames and self-righteousness; none but such will say it, and everyone of this character must say it: In the Lord have I righteousness and strength. Yes; for it is in the Lord, and not in myself that I have it. For I have it not in any natural, not in any spiritual, not in any acquired strength: I have it not in anything wrought by me; not in my zeal; not in my endeavours; yea, not what is wrought in me; but wholly in the Lord. Oh! blessed distinction, between what some injudicious persons would fondly call inherent holiness, and the Lord's righteousness. Jesus is indeed made of God to his people, wisdom and righteousness, and sanctification and redemption; but still it is Jesus that is all these, and is so made to his people; and not in themselves or their own attainments. Oh! the preciousness of Jesus, whose very name is as ointment poured forth. Lord! be it my portion, with all the seed of Israel, to be justified in thee, and by thee: and be thou my glory, that I may go forth in thy strength, making mention of thy righteousness, even thine only. Psalms 71:15; Psalms 71:15.