“The notion we could offer something to Jesus that might make Him more willing to save us is the core of all our foolishness. We have hope beyond our sins only because we are learning to trust in His undying love and His much-offered righteousness. Either our hands are full of self—our wits, our work, our witness—or they are truly empty, providing Jesus nothing. Only empty hands can grasp the fullness of His grace. Ellen White loved quoting an old 18th-century hymn. I’m learning to love it, too: ‘Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling.’ Stay in grace.”