The Sinner's Savior
The gospel is intended for those who have transgressed and are under condemnation, offering forgiveness and justification through Christ's love and sacrifice.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that the gospel is specifically designed for sinners who recognize their transgressions and seek forgiveness, as it is these individuals who truly value the grace of justification. He illustrates that God's mercy is directed towards the guilty and self-condemned, highlighting that the Lord is attentive to those in distress rather than those who are self-sufficient. Spurgeon points out that Christ's mission was to save the unrighteous, as demonstrated by His willingness to die for sinners while they were still in their sins, showcasing the depth of God's love and compassion.
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Gospel blessings are intended for those who have transgressed and are under condemnation, for who else would value forgiveness and justification? I know myself of no gospel for men who have not sinned. I know of no New Testament promises intended for those who have never broken the law; but I perceive all through the wondrous pages of the gospel that mercy's eye and heart are set upon those who are guilty and self-condemned.
The Eternal Watcher is looking over the vast ocean of life, not that he may spy out the vessels which sail along proudly in safety, but that he may see those who are almost wrecks. "He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profiteth me not; he will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light." Our Lord was more moved at the sight of sickness than of health, and wrought his greatest wonders among fevers, leprosies, and palsies. This is the end and object of the gospel, namely, to save the unrighteous; the God of the gospel is he that "justifieth the ungodly," "for when we were yet without strength, Christ died for the ungodly." "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
From a sermon by Charles Haddon Spurgeon entitled "The Sinner's Savior," delivered October 1, 1876.
Sermon Outline
- The Gospel's Intention
- For those who have transgressed and are under condemnation
- No gospel for those who have not sinned
Key Quotes
“He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profiteth me not; he will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Recognize your sin and condemnation, and acknowledge your need for forgiveness and justification.
- Trust in Christ's love and sacrifice for your salvation.
- Receive the gospel's offer of mercy and salvation, and experience the deliverance from sin and its consequences.