January 18

"He bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."—Isaiah 53:12.

THE chapter of which these words form a part, presents us with a clear and comprehensive view of the sufferings, death, and atonement of Christ; and the closing verse, of his intercession. Observe

THE CHARACTER OF MANKIND. "Transgressors." This is proved from

The testimony of Scripture. We are called transgressors from the womb. The heart is deceitful, the thoughts evil, the imaginations corrupt, the mind benighted, the affections earthly, and the members of the body the ready instruments of unrighteousness.

The experience of the penitent. The publican smote upon his breast, as if he had said, here is the source of all my depravity, the fountain from whence the streams of corruption flow, and cried "God be merciful to me a sinner." You remember the language of the prodigal.

The conscience of the wicked. Conscience is the voice of God in the soul, and when it speaks aloud, and sends forth its sharp arrows, what pain and remorse are felt. See it in Cain, Joseph's brethren, Belshazzar, the accusers of the adulterous woman, Judas, Felix, and others.

THE WORK OF CHRIST. It is two fold:—

Atonement. "He bare the sin of many." This includes both original sin and actual transgression. No mere creature could present an all-sufficient atonement, and satisfy the claims of justice: our Redeemer did it, being equal with God.

Intercession. "And made intercession for the transgressors." As an Intercessor he is the Surety of his people, presents his sacrifice, meets the accusations of Satan, the claims of conscience, and the corruptions of the heart. He intercedes for their pardon, sanctification, the operations of his Spirit, and their final glorification.

"Give him, my soul, thy cause to plead, Nor doubt the Father's love."