luk 15v02 This Man Receiveth Sinners
Blessed be his name, it is
true: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Lord of glory receives sinners! The
self-righteous religionist would not dare defile himself by coming into contact
with sinners. But the Son of God not only receives sinners, he invites them to
come to him and actively seeks them.
Christ receives sinners to do them good. He will
pardon, cleanse, and forgive sinners through the merits of his blood. He gives
sinners power to become the sons of God. He clothes sinners with the robe of
his perfect righteousness. And he makes sinners to be the heirs of eternal
glory.
Christ receives sinners graciously. He asks nothing
of you. He requires nothing from you. He does not demand that you make any
atonement for your sins, suffer anything because of your sins, or produce any
good works before he will receive you. In fact, if you attempt to do anything
to make yourself acceptable to him, he will not receive you. He simply invites
you, in all your pollution, guilt, filthiness, and sin, to come to him by
faith, trusting his blood and righteousness alone for your whole salvation.
And the Son of God receives sinners now! Today, if
you will hear his voice, harden not your heart. Yes, the God-man in glory
receives sinners today. He is able, willing, and ready to receive every sinner
who comes to him in simple faith. Are you a sinner; a helpless, condemned
sinner? There is hope for you. Christ receives sinners. It is his glory to do
so. Perhaps he will even receive you.
Perhaps He will admit your
plea,
Perhaps will hear your prayer;
But if you perish, why not
pray,
And perish only there?
You can but perish if you go;
Resolve right now to try;
For if you stay away, this know
You must for ever die:
But if you die with mercy
sought,
When you the King have tried,
This were to die (delightful
thought!)
As sinner never died: