November 19
The General Proclamation of Forgiveness
The Christian's Daily Treasury"Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins."—Acts xlii. 38.
If I win Christ, said one, I am rich; if I am found in him, I am safe; if I know him, I am wise to salvation. Through Christ believers are to expect every thing, from the first rays of hope that the soul discovers in the breakings forth of the morning of the Christian life, to the noon-tide splendor of Christian maturity and perfection in glory. The passage before us leads us to the contemplation of the blessing of pardon in
THE MEDIUM OF ITS COMMUNICATION. "Through this man," that is, the man Christ Jesus; through the spotless nature, perfect obedience, vicarious sufferings, efficacious death, and prevalent intercession of the Redeemer.
He procures it as a Priest. This he did on the cross. Pardon is the fruit of his atonement; it is purchased with a price that none in the whole universe beside could pay.
He proclaims it as a Prophet. This he did when on earth in his own person; and now he is in heaven, by the preaching of his ambassadors.
He confers it as a King. This he does now he is on the throne. "Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins."
THE OBJECTS TO WHOM IT IS TO BE PROCLAIMED. "Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren;" none are excluded but those who shut themselves out by their unbelief. It is made known to you in the Scriptures. There you read of its source, nature, value, importance, and results. It is made known to you in the sanctuary. Our message from time to time is forgiveness through the blood of Christ; and we would announce it fully, plainly, faithfully, earnestly, and affectionately. The ark of salvation appears before you, floating above the waters of divine wrath; the storm-cloud is passing away, the sky is bright and serene, and the dove is seen flying in the Gospel firmament, with the olive-branch of peace. Come and enter in, that you may be saved.