Introduction
- This chapter shows urgency.
- Urgency for the preacher.
- Urgency too for those who do not profess Christ as yet.
GOD HAS NO PLEASURE IN THE DEATH OF SINNERS
- The Speaker here is God
- Not just a preacher.
- Not an angel only.
- God's description of Sinners: "the wicked"
- It is justified.
- It fits us all.
- The place that sinners are heading to: "death": 3 forms of death.
What is meant here?
- God states this fact very strongly - by an oath - "as I live".
It is to impress the fact upon us.
- Doctrine: God would have sinners to be saved and not lost in eternal death.
GOD DOES HAVE PLEASURE IN THE SALVATION OF SINNERS
- Look at this "But" here. God is not indifferent.
- It should be clear to us how and why this is so:
- The souls of men are precious.
- Eternal death is fearful.
- The time in which to get grace is short.
- God is good and gives us good counsel.
- God has made full provision for sinners.
- God presses the gospel call to turn on men: "Turn, turn!"
- We are bidden to look to Christ crucified.
APPLICATION: It is God's question to you: "why will ye die?"
Can you answer it?
IT IS POSSIBLE TO GET SIDE-TRACKED AT THIS POINT
- Illustration: The apple of distraction.
- It is true there are mysteries:
(i) election (ii) reprobation (iii) sovereignty (iv) limited atonement(v) inability
- You may say: "How can God say that he has no pleasure in the death of those whom he has reprobated?"
I reply: That is not for us to say.
Both are true: reprobation and this text.
APPLICATION: Don't be distracted. God calls you.
THE WAY TO ESCAPE ETERNAL DEATH IS TO TURN TO CHRIST IN FAITH
- Here is God's urgent call: "Turn, turn!"
- What we turn from: (i) neglect of our soul (ii) the vain things of the world (iii) crowding out our worship of God in public and in private.
- What we turn to: (i) the gracious promise of God to save us (ii) a Saviour and his love.
CONCLUSION
If you are saved, it will be all of God's grace.
If you die in your sins, it is all your own fault.