What is the meaning of gospel? It is good tidings of great joy. It is
life and immortality brought to light at the appearing of our Lord and
Saviour, Jesus Christ, who has abolished death by giving us the
assurance of a resurrection from corruption to incorruption and glory.
It is news. In view of news, what is the first thing necessary?
Answer, _belief_. It is impossible to work news; therefore the gospel
is not of works. In the law, the first requirement is _to do_;--but in
the gospel the first requirement is _to believe_. The law-covenant is
therefore temporary, fallible and uncertain; but the gospel-covenant
is eternal, infallible, and in all things well ordered and sure. The
_first_ rests on the obedience of the creature, but the _second_ on
the promises of Jehovah. Paul therefore calls it a better covenant
established upon _better_ promises.

Perhaps someone may feel disposed to ask--whether faith is all that is
necessary? We reply that it is the cause which produces its effect.
Paul answers this question thus--"We conclude that a man is justified
by faith without the deeds of the law, Do we then make void the law
through faith? God forbid; yea we establish the law." Here let the
question be asked;--how do we establish the law by _faith_? Answer,
"Faith will have its perfect work." But what is that perfect work,
which faith produces? Ans. Faith works love in the soul; and if we
love God, we will keep his commandments. And _faith, love_ and
_keeping_ the commandments are the three exercises, that form the
christian character. Faith is the foundation; works are not. We cannot
begin to build on works. Instead of being the _first_, they are the
_last_ christian grace. They are the visible _effects_ of an inward,
living faith.