” . . . You, dear reader, are perhaps trying to be better in act, better in feeling, better in resolution, and this with the view of commending yourself to the favor of God. What is this but your Pilate’s Stairs? You will find that all your efforts are labor in vain, for by the works of the law no man will ever be justified before God. The gospel does not promise eternal life to good works, or prayers, or tears, or horrible feelings; its one great utterance is, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.”
Read Spurgeon’s exhortation inspired by Luther’s trip to Rome, 
center of justification by faith and . . .
The Misadventures of Captain Headknowledge 
Well, I guess you could say:
THE GOVERNOR WAS JUST
Nothing like seeing the needless efforts of those doing all they can to earn God’s Love. If they knew of the Work that has already been done, they would not blaspheme Christ in their “righteousness” that is as filthy rags. Oh, that Christ found me, and saved me, and plucked me from the fire. Would to God, that I would proclaim His mercy to all men. So that they may see, that Christ is the Ladder, and there is no other way to God, then through Jacob’s Ladder.
That Picture John- makes me very sad, to see people, hoping, and praying to the Mother of our Lord, who cannot hear their prayers, nor can the saints. Praise God for his electing Love. Were it not for the fact that he doesn’t treat us as we deserve, we would have helped build the stairs, and then we would have scaled them 1000 times. Praise be to God for His Mercy!
I love this post! It says so many things! Thanks for this post.
P.S… Please email this picture!
Gage
Amen and Amen!
Pictures on its way.