GOD has declared in His Word that there is as much difference between His thoughts and the thoughts of men as the heavens are higher than the earth (Isa. 55:99For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9)), and this statement is fully borne out by other scriptures.
It is very wonderful to every thoughtful mind who contemplates the blessed truth that the Son of God has been down here in this world.
The One by whom “all things were created that are in heaven and that are in earth,” has in grace visited this scene for the express purpose of making known the heart of God.
Now I desire for a moment to invite your serious attention to the following inspired statements: ―
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Pilate said― “What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? And they all said, Let Him be crucified.”
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The Spirit saith―, “GOD hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified both LORD and CHRIST.”
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There is a generally accepted proverb in this world that “The voice of the people is the voice of God,” but one looks at the above and looks in vain for divine confirmation of this.
The prevailing voice of the people and the chief priests said―
“LET HIM BE CRUCIFIED,”
while God said―
“HE SHALL BE GLORIFIED.”
Man put Him to death. God raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory.
The condition of man before God has thus been fully proved. There is no mending or improving man after that. His condemnation is complete. There is no resource for him outside that One whom man refused and God exalted, for “to Him give all the prophets witness, that whoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:4343To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. (Acts 10:43)).
Reader, “What think ye of Christ?” The people in that day said, “Let Him be crucified!” What do you think of Him? Remember―
Eternal life’s in the question,
And joys throughout eternity.
God hath made Him both “Lord and Christ.” Do you say amen to that?
Do you know Him as your Saviour? Refused on earth, He is now at the right hand of God, “exalted to be a Prince and a Saviour for to give repentance and remission of sins.” Have you got the remission of your sins through faith in Him?
Do you know Him as the One delivered for your offenses, and raised again for your justification? (Rom. 4:2525Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. (Romans 4:25)). He knows you, and longs for you to know Him. He waits for you to make His acquaintance while it is called “Today,” and while “grace reigns through righteousness unto eternal life.”
Oh, you say, I am not fit for Him yet; I will improve myself a little, and then come. In other words, you want to do something that you think will commend you to Him, “but God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:88But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)).
Your coming to Him today, just as you are, would cause all heaven to ring with joy. It would till” yon courts of light “with joyful acclamation, for “there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth” (Luke 15:1010Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. (Luke 15:10)). He waits now to receive and to save even you. The accusation brought against Him when here on earth is still blessedly true. “This man receiveth, sinners” (Luke 15:22And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. (Luke 15:2)). A share in the joys of heaven for eternity is yours if you accept Him. His love is infinitely great. No human heart beats with such affection as His. A mother’s love for her child is great. It would, no doubt, lead her to expose herself even to death for it, but here is a love that entirely eclipses anything and everything within the bounds of human possibility, for it is “stronger than death.”
Reader, do you know anything of Him and His love? Is He yours? Have you confessed “that Jesus Christ is Lord”? You must do so either in “time or eternity.” If confessed now, it brings to you salvation. If left until eternity, it will be forever “too late.”
What then is your choice, this blessed Saviour or the world that rejected Him? Make haste with your decision.
“Unresisting, uncomplaining,
Holy, harmless, calm;
Driven, beaten, led to slaughter,
God’s unblemished Lamb―
Bind me in eternal fetters,
Lead me, Thine alone;
Silent when contempt and hatred
Mark me for Thine own.”
S. A. H.