"So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, Till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, And exchange it some day for a crown."-George Bennard
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
He 'came to seek and to save that which was lost'.
"Ah, this is worth preaching--this doctrine that Jesus came to seek and to save sinners. Some people tell me that he came 'to make men salvable'--to put all men into such a condition that it is possible that they may be saved. I believe that men may be saved, but I see no very great wonder in the fact. It does not stir my blood, or incite me to dance for joy. I do not know that it makes even the slightest impression upon me. I can go to sleep, and I am sure I shall not wake up in the night, and long to get up at once to preach such poor news as that Jesus came to make men salvable. I would not have become a minister to preach so meagre a gospel; but that our Lord came to save men, that is substantial and satisfying news, far exceeding the other. To make men salvable is a skeleton, bones and skin; but to save them is a living blessing. To make men salvable is a farthing blessing, but to save them is wealth untold. They say also that Jesus came into the world to let men be saved if they will. I am glad of that. It is true and good. I believe that every true willing soul may be saved, yea, such an one is in a measure saved already. If there be a sincere will towards salvation--understand, towards true salvation--that very will indicates that a great change has commenced within the man; and I rejoice that it is written, 'Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.'...--'The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which is lost.' This is the gospel," -CH Spurgeon
Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, "Father let this cup pass, which You have given Me, nevertheless, Your will be done, not mine." An angel then came to help our Lord, and strengthen Him. But afterwards, Jesus prayed in great agony again, and He actually sweat blood.
What kind of cup must this have been!
An altogether evil cup of sin and wrath. An excruciating painful beyond measure cup our Lord drank. Could our Savior have drank this cup in vain? No. He did the Father's will, and laid down His life, and was lifted up on a cruel Cross to bear the sins of the world, and to save His people from their sins (Matt 1:21). He came to seek and save His lost sheep, as the Good Shepherd. And He will save them. Jesus cried "It is Finished!", and it was finished. Christ drank the cup, and every drop of wrath was taken from all those lost sheep, who had no hope, and were bound for destruction.
Thank You Lord for seeking me out in a dark sinful world, where I was hopelessly lost, and saving me. There's no greater joy then to know Christ died for me, and for all my sins; 'not in part but the whole'.Amen.
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4 comments:
Thanks - good comment to bring us back around to topic - I appreciate your gentle humor and ability to calmly deal with some of our less than calm and kind "members".
Such a cute picture of the grand-boys!
Thanks for dropping by Susan. You're a blessing.
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing :)
Have a sweet, praise-filled and blessed Easter Sunday.
Thanks Kristine.
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