What a plain statement! This should surely command our serious attention. In such a statement, it is evident, dear reader, that through what the Son of God has done, you and I may both obtain from God the forgiveness of all our sins, not only as we know them, but as God knows them. If it were not so the forgiveness of sins never would be proclaimed. But there is forgiveness; and having tasted its sweetness, I do so long that you may know the blessedness of those to whom the Lord will not impute sin. And why are we blessed? The reason is plain. It is because we in faith have received the sent One of God whom God sets forth as the Saviour of sinners. Were it possible for Satan to accuse us of one act that God did not know, or for which the precious blood of Jesus had not power to atone, all would be forever hopeless. For there is no other offering for sin that God can accept. But, thank God, the truth is that Jesus has made propitiation for sins and satisfied all the requirements of God’s holiness, for every one that believes; and this too, according to the will and desire of God for us. Peace is now proclaimed through Jesus.
Before going further, I would ask you, my reader, Do you know anything of this peace with God through the work of Another? Are you a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ? Be assured of this, that receiving Christ now is the only safety from the coming judgment, and the only security for an eternity of bliss with Christ in glory forever.
This proclamation of forgiveness is sent to you in love, that you may, through faith in Jesus, not only know your sins forgiven, but may also find your joy in God as the Justifier of him who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ. The question, How can God clear the guilty and at the same time be just? has but one answer. It must be through the interposition of Another; and that other, One that is divine, who has met all the claims of justice for those who rest on what Christ has done. Thus it is that mercy is held out to the sinner. The gospel, the glad tidings, now sounds forth from God, “I have found a ransom,” and Jesus Himself declares the Son of man came “to give His life a ransom for many.” This He has done, and the Holy Spirit tells us also that Christ gave Himself a ransom for all—to be told out in this our day, the fit time. Herein is shown that such was the power of Satan over us through sin, that nothing but the mighty power of Divine love in Christ could redeem the sinner—and this again only through the sacrifice of His own life for our redemption. This then is the love that God commends—even His own love manifested in the death of Christ.
And now, dear reader, if this blessed one is received by you, the purpose of God in giving Him is in your case made good, and you are saved for time and for eternity. On the other hand, to slight such love, to neglect such a Saviour, is to remain in darkness, with the everlasting loss of all the benefits available for him that believes, and offered now to you through Jesus, whose precious blood cleanseth from every sin. Through this Man then is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins—without Christ your position is one of danger and darkness now, and the issue—eternal judgment.
I once was in danger, my sins were so many;
I groaned as I felt there was judgment in view,
Until I beheld that great act of my Saviour,
In shedding His blood both for me and for you.
Oh turn to my Saviour!
Yes, turn to my Saviour!
In longsuffering mercy,
He is waiting for you.
I often had heard of the way of salvation—;
As often had slighted the message so true,
Until my deep need made me thirst for a Saviour,
A Saviour just suited for me and for you.
But what I have found, ah I no heart can discover;
The gospel brings Jesus with glory in view;
‘Tis sweet now to rest on the work of another,
E’en Jesus my Saviour so suited for you.
With Jesus my Saviour I’m waiting for glory;
Grim death with its terrors no longer appall.
The blood of the Lamb ever speaks in my favor,
And proves that my Saviour is suited for all.
E. T.