How wonderful are God's ways of grace with man, and how perverse are the ways of man left to himself! How significant are the words of Luke 14.: "They all with one consent began to make excuse"! We there see that if God did nothing beyond providing everything and inviting, not one of the human race would respond. How long He has lingered over this poor world, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance! Yet the gospel, with all its sweet compassion, is still being pressed upon the poor sinner, in its simplicity, suitability and sufficiency.
We were sinners needing pardon, and the blood of Jesus Christ, God's beloved Son, was shed to bring it to us. "Without shedding of blood is no remission" (Heb. 9:2222And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. (Hebrews 9:22)). We were polluted by sin, and the only thing that could cleanse us was the same precious blood (Rev. 1:55And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, (Revelation 1:5)). We were dead towards God, and God so loved that He sent His only begotten Son that we might live through Him (1 John iv. 9). Our every need was perfectly known, and God in His own perfect way provided to meet that need in all its vastness, for His own glory and the satisfaction of His own boundless love. But, oh, the cost to His beloved Son! who can ever fathom? To the saved those measureless sufferings will supply an infinite theme for eternal praise and worship. His own heart will be gratified, for He shall see of the travail of His soul and shall be satisfied. Yea, a joy transcending a creature's power to know, has resulted to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost (Luke 15.).
God has provided a great supper, in connection with which ALL THE WORK IS DONE. The Lord Jesus who did the work said Himself, "It is finished." The provision is perfect and everything is supplied, worthy of God and suitable to man—fallen, sinful, helpless man. There is nothing to do, nothing to pay, nothing to bring, nothing to promise. God Himself says, “Come, for all things are now ready.” Could you imagine that God in this or anything else could be unreal? Could He do anything useless, or unworthy of Himself? No, no; be assured that here is something as free as the air we breathe, waiting for the sinner's response, quite gratuitous—all of grace, free, wondrous grace "without money, without price.”
Here is everything you need: purgation for the soul's guilt; peace for the convicted conscience; satisfaction for the longing soul; an infinite object for the heart and mind; eternal blessedness, eternal glory. Only comer simply receiver How can you question God's love or God's character? How can you doubt the sufficiency of Christ's infinite sacrifice? How can you draw back from such grace and mercy? Do you think it possible that God will fail a soul that takes Him at His word? Oh, our wretched, unbelieving hearts! How they do distrust God, and still He waits to be gracious! What forbearance, what goodness, what long-suffering!
Surely this should lead to repentance! All down these nineteen centuries the Holy Ghost has been bringing in the guests, and “yet there is room." Yes, room for those who are on the highway to hell! Room at the gospel supper, room at that blessed feast of love, room in the Father's house on high.
Oh, friend, despise it not, nor make a vain excuse, but COME! Come as you are, with all your guilt and need, and, accepting His gracious bounty, just thank God and bless Him, and praise Him at once and forever. Amen.
J. A. T.