Plenteous redemption.
The text declares that with the Lord there is this, and we observe—
I. IT IS UNDOUBTEDLY TRUE.
1. The Scriptures affirm it. It is not alone the declaration of this Scripture, but of many more besides.
2. And experience, that of myriads of believers in all ages, attests the same truth. They will tell us with one accord that they have found it so.
3. And it is plenteous because it is redemption from all evil.
4. And it is accessible to all. (Isaiah 55:1.) It is the free gift of God.
II. BUT MANY DO NOT CARE FOR IT. They would like a redemption from pain and distress; but they do not care for a redemption from sin—they love and hold on to it too much; holiness excites no desire in their hearts; they love sin.
III. AND MANY OF THOSE WHO DO DARE CAN HARDLY BE GOT TO BELIEVE IN IT. They cannot realize that it is a free gift. For:
1. They keep thinking that they must do something in the way of righteousness and holiness if they are to be saved. They want to bring something of their own to God, in return for which they shall be saved.
2. And there is much to foster this unbelief.
3. But such unbelief cannot be true.
IV. BUT THIS GRACE OF GOD, IN BESTOWING ON US FREELY THIS PLENTEOUS REDEMPTION, IS JUSTIFIED BY ITS RESULTS.
1. It wakes up in the recipient an overwhelming gratitude. But this is a mighty incentive to all holy obedience.
2. It enables us to go to the vilest of men and proclaim God's mercy waiting for them. We could not do this were it not all of grace.
3. It forbids alike both boasting and despair.
4. It shows a dear path to the fullest salvation the world can know. I can be holy as he is holy, because of this free gift received through faith.
5. It redounds to the glory of God.—S.C.