I take the love of God and self-denial to be the sum of all saving grace and religion

I take the love of God and self-denial to be the sum of all saving grace and religion

Richard Baxter was a prominent English Puritan theologian and pastor who lived in the 17th century. He is best known for his writings on Christian spirituality and pastoral care, and his works have had a lasting impact on Protestant theology. One of Baxter's most famous quotes is, "I take the love of God and self-denial to be the sum of all saving grace and religion."

In this statement, Baxter is emphasizing the central importance of two key principles in the Christian faith: the love of God and self-denial. The love of God is at the heart of Christianity, as it is through God's love that we are saved and redeemed. The Bible teaches that God is love, and that he demonstrated his love for us by sending his Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins. This love is the foundation of our faith, and it is what motivates us to live lives of obedience and service to God.

Self-denial, on the other hand, is the act of putting aside our own desires and interests in order to follow Christ. Jesus himself taught that those who want to be his disciples must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him. Self-denial is a key aspect of Christian discipleship, as it requires us to surrender our own will and submit to God's will. It is through self-denial that we are able to overcome sin and grow in holiness.

For Baxter, the love of God and self-denial are inseparable. He believed that true saving grace and religion are characterized by a deep love for God and a willingness to sacrifice our own desires for the sake of Christ. This is not an easy task, as it requires us to constantly battle against our own selfishness and pride. However, Baxter believed that it is only through the love of God and self-denial that we can truly experience the fullness of salvation and the abundant life that Christ offers.