Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, said the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow… I. I have to PUBLISH THE LORD'S INVITATION TO DESPERATE CHARACTERS. The invitation is to those whose sins are double-dyed scarlet and crimson in colour. 1. You have had pious parents. 2. You were once a member of a Christian congregation or Church. 3. I have to give the invitation to those whose sins have made them worse than beasts. 4. And to those who are "laden with iniquity." 5. And to those who are "corrupters" of others. 6. This all-embracing invitation is to those who have "forsaken the Lord." II. I am to give REASONS WHY DESPERATE CHARACTERS SHOULD ACCEPT THE INVITATION. 1. You say, "It is impossible for me to accept of it because my heart is perfectly hardened." Impossible! If your heart is hard, come and accept the invitation, because God has promised to take away the stony heart and to give you one of flesh. 2. Again, you say, "I cannot accept it, because I am so wicked." If you feel wicked it is God's Spirit showing His light in your soul in order that you may be led to the Cross of Jesus and have your sins washed as white as snow. 3. Then somebody else answers, "Well, I would accept it, but I have always failed." Though you have failed, yet come again, for our heavenly Father is noted for receiving sinners. 4. But another says, "Before I came tonight I said I would not be converted." Two men were bidden to do their lord's will. One of them said, "I will do it"; but he went away, and did it not. And the other was angry and exclaimed, "I will not do thy will," but after he had gone away he repented and went and did it. Copy the example of the latter. 5. Perhaps, somebody still answers, "You have not put your hand on me, for I am sunk in sin." The Bible tells me that no man can be sunk lower than the reach of the everlasting arms of God. Though you have lost your character, your honour, and your self-control, yet God invites you to be saved. III. AN EARNEST ENTREATY FOR YOU TO COME AT ONCE. (W. Birch.) Parallel Verses KJV: Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. |
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