The Transient Repentance of a Wicked Soul
Exodus 9:27-28
And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said to them, I have sinned this time: the LORD is righteous…


I. THAT MOODS OF TRANSIENT REPENTANCE ARE SOMETIMES AWAKENED BY THE RETRIBUTIVE JUDGMENTS OF GOD. The penitence of the hypocrite; not a godly sorrow. Induced by the infliction of punishment, rather than by the gentle convictions of the Divine Spirit. True repentance will have reference to God and to the violated law, rather than to self-comfort and immunity from pain.

II. THAT IN MOODS OF TRANSIENT REPENTANCE MEN CALL FOR THE MINISTERS OF GOD WHOM THEY HAVE PREVIOUSLY DESPISED. Ministers must be forbearing toward their people, and embrace any opportunity of leading them to the mercy of God. But the repentance that sends for the minister under the impulse of fear, will be likely to dismiss him when the plague is removed. It is well to heed the voice of the servants of God before the hoar of retribution.

III. THAT IN MOODS OF TRANSIENT REPENTANCE MEN MAKE PROMISES THEY WILL NEVER PERFORM. We should remember in joy the vows made in sorrow, in health, those made in sickness, and then painful discipline will become happy and glorious.

IV. THAT IN MOODS OF TRANSIENT REPENTANCE MEN WILL ACKNOWLEDGE THAT PRAYER TO GOD FOR MERCY IS THEIR ONLY METHOD OF HELP.

V. THAT IN MOODS OF TRANSIENT REPENTANCE MEN SOMETIMES OBTAIN THE REMOVAL OF THE JUDGMENTS OF GOD. Token of mercy. Discipline of love to lead to duty. Lessons: —

1. That trials are calculated to lead the soul to repentance.

2. That under trials the repentance of men may be transient.

3. That the mercy of God is rich to the proudest sinner.

4. That the servants of God should be helpful to penitent souls.

(1)  By fidelity.

(2)  By sympathy.

(3)  By prayer.

(J. S. Exell, M. A.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.

WEB: Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said to them, "I have sinned this time. Yahweh is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.




The Lord is Righteous
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