This series is for those who are seeking Jesus and for those desiring to lead people to Him. It is created from a group of six letters written by Robert Murray M’Cheyne to a lady within his congregation that was troubled about her soul as he carefully points her to Christ. These letters are contained in The Memoirs and Remains of Robert Murray M’Cheyne by Andrew Bonar, and they are useful to believers today in teaching us how to care for souls and guide them to Christ.
Robert Murray M'Cheyne (1813 - 1843) was the minister at St Peter's Church in Dundee, Scotland, from 1836 to 1843. As a pastor and evangelist, he had a great love for souls, which is very evident in the letters that he wrote to individuals in his care. He faithfully served as a godly pastor until his death, dying from typhus at the age of 29. His love for Christ is the legacy that he left behind, and that still continues to encourage believers today.
In this letter, he begins by expressing the necessity of Christ's righteousness covering her if she would have any hope to see God. M'Cheyne explains to her that if she trusts in her own works to enter Heaven, then she will be found wanting in the end; because, in ourselves, we lack the perfect righteousness we need to save us. Yet, Jesus offers us this perfect righteousness. It is a fresh reminder for us today that the message of the gospel is the perfect righteousness of Christ given to sinners in need! We declare to the world that in ourselves, we are helpless and inadequate to please God. Only Christ is altogether lovely! .
Seeking Christ's Righteousness
"I trust the Lord is dealing gently with you. Above all I pray that the Holy Spirit may sweetly and silently open your heart, to relish the way of salvation through the blood and obedience of Immanuel. Through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins, and by Him all that believe are justified from all things (Acts 13:38-39). You would be deeply concerned to hear that your room-mate, ___________, has been so suddenly and awfully called away. Should it not be a solemn warning to you? Oh that you may be even now clothed in the righteousness of Jesus! so that, if you were called away, you may meet God in peace, and hear Jesus say, "Enter into the joy of your Lord."In yourself you will never stand righteous before Jehovah. Psalm 130:2 answers your case. "Enter not into judgment with me," must be your cry. In your nature, in your past life, in your breaking of the holy law, in your contempt and neglect of Jesus, in your indwelling sin, God can see nothing but what He must condemn. Oh that you would be of the same mind with God about your own soul!
"Oh that you may be even now clothed in the righteousness of Jesus! so that, if you were called away, you may meet God in peace, and hear Jesus say, "Enter into the joy of your Lord." In yourself you will never stand righteous before Jehovah." -Robert Murray M'cheyne
Do not be afraid to look upon its loathsomeness; for God offers to clothe you in Jesus Christ. "By the obedience of One shall many be made righteous" (Rom. 5:19). There is only One in all the world on whose face God can look and say, "He is altogether lovely." Jesus is that one. Now God is willing that you and I should hide in Jesus. I feel at this moment that He is my righteousness. "This is His name whereby He shall be called, The Lord our Righteousness," (Jer. 23:6). I feel that the love of God shines upon my guilty soul through Jesus. This is all my peace. Your tears will not blot our sin; they do nothing but weep in hell, but that does no justify them. Your right views of the gospel will not justify you; you must be covered with a spotless righteousness. Your change of heart and of life will not justify you; it cannot cover past sins—neither is it perfect. Your amended life is still fearfully sinful in Jehovah's sight, and yet nothing but perfect righteousness can stand before Him. Jesus offers you this perfect righteousness; in Him you may stand and hear God say, "You are all fair, my love." There is no spot in me. Do you thus look to Jesus? Do you believe the record that God has given concerning Him? Do you receive Christ with open arms? Do you cry, "My Lord and my God;" my Surety—my all? Dear friend, do not tarry. Eternity may be near. Now is your best time, perhaps your only time, of closing with Christ. How many worlds would a lost soul in hell give for such an opportunity of cleaving to Christ as you have now! "He that has the Son has life." This is all my prayer and desire for your precious, precious soul."
Ever yours in the gospel,
Robert Murray M'Cheyne