Not Left to Perish
God's promise to not leave our soul in hell gives us hope and trust in His mercy, even in the darkest moments.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that while we may experience deep despair and feel as if we are in the depths of hell, we are assured that our souls will not be abandoned. He draws on Psalm 16:10 to illustrate that, although we may face trials that lead us to the brink of hopelessness, God's mercy will ultimately prevail, and we will rise again. Spurgeon reassures us that even in our darkest moments, hope remains, and we are never forsaken by the Lord. He encourages believers to trust in God's enduring mercy and to find comfort in the promise of resurrection and restoration.
Text
For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither will thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. (Psalm 16:10)
This word has it proper fulfillment in the Lord Jesus; but it applies also, with a variation, to all who are in Him. Our soul shall not be left in the separate state, and our body, though it see corruption, shall rise again. The general meaning, rather than the specific application, is that to which we would call our readers' thoughts at this particular time.
We may descend in spirit very low till we seem to be plunged in the abyss of hell; but we shall not be left there. We may appear to be at death's door in heart, and soul, and consciousness; but we cannot remain there.
Our inward death as to joy and hope may proceed very far; but it cannot run on to its full consequences, so as to reach the utter corruption of black despair, We may go very low, but not lower than the Lord permits; we may stay in the lowest dungeon of doubt for a while, but we shall not perish there. The star of hope is still in the sky when the night is blackest. The Lord will not forget us and hand us over to the enemy. Let us rest in hope, We have to deal with One whose mercy endureth forever. Surely, out of death, and darkness, and despair we shall yet arise to life, light, and liberty.
Sermon Outline
- The Promise of God
- The Promise in Psalm 16:10
- The Fulfillment in Christ
- The Application to Believers
Key Quotes
“Our inward death as to joy and hope may proceed very far; but it cannot run on to its full consequences, so as to reach the utter corruption of black despair,” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We can trust God's promise to never abandon us, even when we feel like we are at our lowest point.
- We should rest in hope, even when the night is blackest, because the star of hope is still in the sky.
- We can be sure that God will not forget us because His mercy endures forever.