Galatians 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. A benevolent rich man had a very poor neighbour, to whom he sent this message: "I wish to make you the gift of a farm." The poor man was pleased with the idea of having a farm, but was too proud at once to receive it as a gift. So he thought of the matter much and anxiously. His desire to have a home of his own was daily growing stronger; but his pride was great. At length, he determined to visit him who had made the offer. But a strange delusion about this time seized him; for he imagined that he had a bag of gold. So he came with his bag, and said to the rich man, "I have received your message, and have come to see you. I wish to own the farm; but I wish to pay for it. I will give you a bag of gold for it." "Let us see your gold," said the owner of the farm. "Look again: I donor think it is even silver." The poor man looked, tears stood in his eyes, and his delusion seemed to be gone; and he said, "Alas! I am undone: it is not even copper; it is but ashes. How poor I am! I wish to own that farm; but I have nothing to pay. Will you give me the farm?" The rich man replied, "Yes: that was my first and only offer. Will you accept it on such terms?" With humility, but with eagerness, the poor man said, "Yes: and a thousand blessings on you for your kindness!" (W. S. Plumer, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. |
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