For Whom is the Gospel Meant?

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Mark 2:17

When Jesus heard it, he said to them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick…

I. Even a superficial glance at our Lord's mission suffices to show that HIS WORK WAS FOR THE SINFUL. His descent into the world implied that men needed deliverance. The bearing of the gospel covenant is towards guilty men. His mission is described as one of mercy and grace. The gospel turns its face always towards sin. The gospel has always found its greatest trophies amongst the most sinful. To whom else could it look?

II. THE MORE CLOSELY WE LOOK THE MORE CLEAR THIS FACT BECOMES. Christ came that He might be a sin bearer. The gifts of the gospel, such as pardon and justification, imply sin. The great deeds of our Lord, such as His death, resurrection, and ascension, all bear upon sinners.

III. IT IS OUR WISDOM TO ACCEPT THE SITUATION. The very best thing you can do, since the gospel looks towards sinners, is to get where the gospel looks. You will then be in your right place. This is the safest way to obtain the blessing. This is a place into which you can get directly.

IV. THIS DOCTRINE HAS A GREAT SANCTIFYING INFLUENCE. It changes the sinner's thoughts of God. It inspires, melts, enlivens, and inflames him. It deals a deadly blow at his self-conceit. It produces a sense of gratitude. It makes him ready to forgive others. It becomes the very soul of enthusiasm.

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