WHAT does God require as an atonement for my sins? Is it tears?
The tears of the Lord Jesus went up to His Father as "an offering of a sweet-smelling savor," as He wept at the tomb of Lazarus, and over the beloved but apostate city of Jerusalem. The tears of the aged Paul, and youthful Timothy (Acts 20:19, 31; 2 Cor. 2:4; 2 Tim. 1:4), were well-pleasing to God, as they wept with anxiety over those whom the Lord had committed to their charge. But where, in the whole canon of Scripture, do we find that tears were ever an atonement for sins?
Will fastings avail?
The Lord Jesus fasted forty days and forty nights while He was tempted of the devil; and in this He, as ever, was doing what was well-pleasing to His Father. The prophets and teachers of Antioch likewise fasted, as they waited upon the commands of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 13:1, 2). But where does God tell us that fasting will procure the pardon of sins? On the contrary, though the self-righteous Pharisee of Luke 18 fasted "twice in the week," he went not down to his house justified.
Will prayers profit?
Jesus "continued all night in prayer to God." (Luke 6:12). Cornelius, "a just man, and one that feared God" (and "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge"—Prov. 1:7),” prayed to God alway"; and his prayer came up for a memorial before God, and Peter was sent to deliver him by the word of salvation, and thus introduce him into the blessed liberty wherewith Christ cloth make His people free. The poor publican, too, was heard acceptably in his groan of bondage, and he "went down justified rather than" the Pharisee. But where does God reveal that prayers can come up to God as an atonement for sins? On the contrary, "the sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord." (Prov. 15:8). "God heareth not sinners." (John 9:31). JOH 9:31 When they make many prayers, He will not hear. (Isa. 1:15).
Will sorrow for sins serve?
The soul of the blessed Saviour was "exceeding sorrowful, even unto death." (Matt. 26:38).
The disciples of Matt. 17:23, and the elders of Acts 20:38, were "exceeding sorry"; the former at hearing of the approaching trouble of their beloved Master, the latter because they should see the face of their instructor no more. The Corinthian assembly sorrowed after a godly sort, and "carefully" cleared themselves of the sin which was amongst them. But where does the Word of God teach that any amount of sorrow for sins will take away their smallest stain? Judas sorrowed in vain. Esau sorrowed in vain. Spiritual life alone can produce that "godly sorrow" that "worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of"; and they were spiritually lifeless!
Will works do nothing?
Jesus worked the works of Him that sent Him while it was day, for the night was coming in which none could work; and of His great atoning work we will speak more again. Rahab, in the full persuasion that the God of Israel was "God in heaven above and in earth beneath," and knowing that He had "given them the land," "received the spies with peace,'' and perished not with them that believed not, thus proving her faith by her works. Abraham staggered not at the demand of God for his son Isaac, but endured the trial of his faith, by offering his only son on the altar. But where does Scripture ever tell of any amount of works serving as a recompense for sin? On the contrary," by the works of law shall no flesh be justified."(Gal. 2:16). Righteousness is" to him that worketh not." (Rom. 4:5). By wicked works we are enemies to God. (Col. 1:21).
Will ordinances be of use?
We read that those who gladly received the word under the preaching of Peter were baptized, and broke bread. (Acts 2:41). Paul himself was baptized, and ate the Lord's Supper with the disciples at Troas. (Acts 20:7). But where did God at any time provide, that either baptism or the Lord's Supper should be for a moment thought of as an escape from the righteous penalty due for sin?
Dear reader, if you are resting on your tears or your fastings, your sorrow, your prayers, your works, or your ordinances, as a means wherewith to get rid of your sins, or aid in doing so, I must solemnly warn you that you are building on a foundation of sand, that you are presenting to God that which He will not accept from any unsaved sinner!
His requirements in respect of propitiation for sins is not any of the things I have named, which are right and good in their proper place, but a sacrifice in death.
And now let me assure you that Christ Jesus, on the cross, met the righteous judgment of a holy God for sin, gave up His precious life for sinners. His presence now at the right hand of God is a witness to all that God is eternally satisfied with the atonement He has made for the sins of the vilest sinner.
Do you believe this?
May I, then, entreat you to turn away from those things in which you have been vainly trusting hitherto, and rest your soul henceforward on CHRIST, as the all-sufficient ransom for your soul, the already accepted propitiation for your sins?
I assure you that, had He left one atom of His work unfinished, He could not be now where He is, namely, at the right hand of God. Oh! look at Him there, and be satisfied that He is the same Jesus that died for you. His wounds show it. His words tell it. Acknowledge Him, then, as your Saviour, and know that you are saved. Believe on Him in your heart, confess Him with your mouth, and righteousness and salvation are alike yours this moment. (Rom. 10:9; Acts 4:12).
Continue then to gaze on Him, and, as with Stephen, you will be inwardly and outwardly conformed to His image. (Compare Acts 7:59, 60; Luke 23:34, 16; Acts 6:15; 2 Cor. 3:18). “The blood of Jesus Christ His son cleanseth us from all sin." (1 John 1:7).