Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons Jeremiah 4:14 O Jerusalem, wash your heart from wickedness, that you may be saved. How long shall your vain thoughts lodge within you? I. THE NATURAL DEPRAVITY OF THE HUMAN HEART. 1. This doctrine requires definition. Depravity of the heart includes — (1) The entire absence of the Divine image. (2) A natural aversion to God and godliness. (3) A universal propensity or disposition to evil. 2. This doctrine demands evidence. (1) Divinely revealed. (2) Practically exemplified. (3) Deeply lamented. II. THE SPIRITUAL PURITY WHICH THE LORD REQUIRES. 1. The possibility of obtaining purity of heart. This appears from — (1) The design of redemption (Hebrews 9:13, 14). (2) The ability of the Saviour (John 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:30). (3) The promises of Scripture (Ezekiel 36:26, 27; 1 Peter 1:3, 4). (4) The experience of believers (Romans 6:22; 1 John 1:7). 2. The important duty of seeking purity of heart. III. THE ABSOLUTE NECESSITY OF PERSONAL HOLINESS. 1. A necessary property of religion. 2. A necessary meetness for heaven. (Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons.) Parallel Verses KJV: O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee? |
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