Salvation by looking.
The illustration at once suggested is that of the Israelites, healed from the bite of the serpents by looking at the God-provided brazen serpent, lifted up on high in the middle of the camp. This familiar subject needs only a bare outline of points to unfold and impress.
I. HIM TO WHOM WE SHOULD LOOK. "I, if I be lifted up," said Christ, "will draw all men unto me." "That whosoever believeth on him might not perish, but have everlasting life."
II. THE LOOK THAT SAVES.
1. The look of conscious need.
2. The look of personal helplessness.
3. The look of humility.
4. The look of faith.
III. THE SALVATION THAT COMES BY LOOKING.
1. Salvation from the penalty due to sin.
2. From the wrong relations brought about by sin.
3. From the bad inward state induced by sin.
"For all within you, Guido, which sighs after a redemption, is Christ come as a Redeemer; he has redeemed your heart and your reason; he has redeemed your spirit and your body; he has redeemed yourself and nature which surrounds you" (Tholuck).—R.T.