
Horatius Bonar
- Sermons
- Books
- Bio
- Images
Are We Christians? or Are We Worldlings?
80604:52ISA 32:9LUK 9:23ROM 12:2GAL 6:14PHP 3:181PE 4:31JN 2:15In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of Christians becoming too comfortable and indulgent in the world. He emphasizes the need for self-denial and separation from worldly pleasures. The preacher highlights the contrast between the self-indulgent lifestyle of many Christians and the self-sacrificing example set by Jesus and the early disciples. He calls for a return to the true essence of Christianity, which includes taking up the cross and living a life of self-discipline and devotion to Christ.
Rev 12:11. the Blood of the Covenant
2The Power of the BloodRedemption and AtonementEXO 24:8EXO 30:10ACT 20:28ROM 5:9EPH 1:7COL 1:20HEB 10:19HEB 12:241JN 1:7REV 12:11Horatius Bonar emphasizes the profound significance of the blood of the Lamb in his sermon, illustrating how it serves as the foundation for victory over sin and death. He explains that the blood symbolizes life, atonement, redemption, and the means by which believers are brought near to God, cleansed, and justified. Bonar highlights the multifaceted blessings associated with the blood, including peace, pardon, and the power to conquer, ultimately affirming that the blood of Christ remains effective for all who believe. He concludes by stressing that the value of the blood is unchanging and accessible to even the most sinful, offering hope and assurance of salvation.
Rev. 22:14. Entrance Into the City
1The New JerusalemEternal LifeGEN 2:9PSA 119:1MAT 5:8JHN 10:9PHP 3:20HEB 11:101PE 2:9REV 2:7REV 21:2REV 22:14Horatius Bonar preaches on Revelation 22:14, emphasizing the blessings of those who keep God's commandments, which grant them access to the tree of life and the new Jerusalem. He describes the city as a glorious place, built by God, where redeemed men enter through twelve pearl gates that are always open. The tree of life symbolizes Christ and offers eternal nourishment and healing to the nations. Bonar highlights the threefold blessedness of believers: keeping commandments, having a right to the tree of life, and entering the city triumphantly. Ultimately, he assures that this new Jerusalem is a permanent home for the redeemed, where they will dwell forever in God's presence.
Rev. 3:7. the Key of David
1Christ's AuthorityAccess to God's BlessingsPSA 23:5ISA 22:22MAT 7:7MAT 28:18JHN 10:9JHN 14:62CO 1:20HEB 4:16REV 3:7REV 3:20Horatius Bonar emphasizes the significance of Christ as the Holy One, the True One, and the possessor of the Key of David in his sermon. He explains that Christ's holiness and truth are foundational to His character, and that He holds the keys to various aspects of life, including the house, castle, city, treasure-house, and banqueting-house of David. Bonar encourages believers to approach Christ for access to these blessings, reminding them that He opens doors that no one can shut and closes doors that no one can open. The sermon serves as a source of comfort and motivation for ministers, churches, and individuals, affirming that Christ's power and grace are always at work. Bonar concludes with a call to respond to Christ's invitation to enter into His presence and blessings.
Horatius Bonar Quotes
1The Nature of FaithAssurance of SalvationJHN 7:371JN 5:13Horatius Bonar emphasizes the debilitating effects of uncertainty in our relationship with God, asserting that assurance brings vigor and strength to our faith. He highlights that true faith is rooted in the acknowledgment of our own inadequacies and the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice. Bonar warns against measuring doctrine by its popularity rather than its ability to glorify God, and he encourages believers to trust in God's wisdom amidst conflicting opinions. He reminds us that life is a journey towards eternal rest, urging earnestness in our spiritual pursuits. Ultimately, Bonar proclaims the gospel as a message of free love and complete forgiveness, which empowers believers to live holy lives.
Rev. 3:18. the Heavenly Merchant and His Goods
1Christ's CompassionSpiritual RichesGEN 3:21ISA 55:1MAT 5:3LUK 12:15JHN 14:13JHN 16:232CO 8:9EPH 1:3JAS 1:5REV 3:18Horatius Bonar emphasizes Christ's profound love and compassion for sinners, particularly addressing the Laodicean church's self-sufficiency and ignorance of their spiritual poverty. He presents Christ as the heavenly merchant offering invaluable goods—gold, clothing, and eye-salve—symbolizing spiritual wealth, righteousness, and enlightenment, all available without cost. Bonar highlights the urgency of accepting Christ's counsel to 'buy' these treasures, which are essential for true richness and fulfillment. The sermon underscores the contrast between the divine merchant's desire to enrich the needy and the reluctance of the buyers to accept His offers. Ultimately, Bonar calls for a recognition of our need for Christ's gifts and the importance of inviting Him into our lives.
Rev. 7:9-10. the Great Multitude
1Unity in ChristVictory of SalvationHoratius Bonar preaches on Revelation 7:9-10, illustrating the glorious vision of a great multitude from all nations standing before the throne and the Lamb, clothed in white robes and holding palms, symbolizing victory and joy. He emphasizes the vastness of this assembly, which transcends earthly divisions, showcasing the unity of believers redeemed by Christ's blood. Bonar highlights their triumphant posture, the purity of their garments, and the significance of their loud proclamation of salvation, celebrating their eternal joy in the presence of God. This sermon invites listeners to reflect on the inclusivity of God's kingdom and the ultimate victory of salvation.
Rev. 1:17-18. Fear and Its Remedy
1Comfort in ChristFearREV 1:17Horatius Bonar emphasizes the profound encounter of John with the glorified Christ in Revelation 1:17-18, where John's fear leads him to fall as dead before the Lord. Christ reassures him with a gentle touch and the words 'Fear not,' revealing His eternal nature as the First and the Last, the Living One who conquered death. Bonar highlights the importance of recognizing Christ's glory and His role as the source of life, comfort, and authority over death and hell. This vision serves as a reminder for believers to find strength and peace in the knowledge of who Christ is, especially in times of fear and uncertainty. Ultimately, Bonar encourages the congregation to embrace the living Christ, who holds the keys to life and death, and to cast away their fears.
Rev. 3:11-12. the Philadelphian Conqueror
1Eternal RewardFaithfulnessREV 3:11Horatius Bonar emphasizes the urgency of holding fast to one's faith in the face of societal pressures to conform and abandon truth, as highlighted in Revelation 3:11-12. He encourages believers to remain steadfast, assuring them that those who overcome will be rewarded with a place as pillars in God's temple, adorned with glorious names that signify their eternal identity and honor. Bonar warns against the temptation to compromise beliefs for the sake of progress, reminding the congregation that true victory comes from unwavering faithfulness to Christ. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace the honor of standing firm in faith, despite the challenges and reproach that may arise in a world increasingly hostile to the truth. The promise of eternal glory far outweighs any temporary suffering.
Spiritual and Carnal Weapons.
0God's SilenceFaith in Despair1SA 28:5Horatius Bonar explores the tragic narrative of King Saul's despair when faced with the Philistine army, emphasizing God's silence in response to Saul's inquiries. Saul's fear leads him to seek counsel from a medium, illustrating the dangers of turning away from God in times of crisis. Bonar highlights the perils of backsliding, the dreadfulness of God's silence, and the evils of despair, urging believers to trust in God even when He seems silent. The sermon also contrasts Saul's actions with the faith of Obed-edom, who welcomed the ark of God into his home, receiving blessings despite the failures of Israel. Ultimately, Bonar calls for a deeper understanding of God's dealings and the importance of receiving Him with faith.
The Holiness of Common Things.
0PSA 139:23MAT 11:28MRK 9:24JHN 7:17JHN 10:14JHN 14:1ROM 1:21PHP 3:101JN 2:31JN 4:13The preacher delves into the depth of the Greek word 'ginosko,' emphasizing that it signifies acquiring knowledge through experience, not just intellectual understanding. This experiential knowledge is crucial for Christ followers to desire regarding the Person of Christ, as seen in verses like John 8:32, John 17:3, and Php 3:10. 'Ginosko' is not merely about accumulating facts but about intimate relations, spiritual knowledge, and obedience to God's Word, leading to a deeper understanding of God's truth and love.
Lies the Food of Man.
0MAT 21:33JHN 15:12TI 2:62TI 2:15JAS 5:7The preacher delves into the concept of the hardworking farmer as described in the Bible, emphasizing the patience, diligence, and discipline required in spiritual work, drawing parallels between the farmer's labor and the Christian life. The sermon highlights the importance of preparation, endurance, and faithfulness in the ministry, using the metaphor of the farmer to illustrate the daily discipline and perseverance needed in serving God and reaping spiritual rewards.
Divine Love and Human Rejection of It.
0Divine LoveHuman RejectionJER 8:6Horatius Bonar emphasizes the contrast between God's unwavering love and humanity's persistent rejection of it, as illustrated in Jeremiah 8:6-7. He describes God's longing for repentance and connection with His people, who instead choose to ignore His love and remain in their sinful ways. Bonar highlights the various forms of rejection, including wrong words, impenitence, recklessness, and stupidity, which lead people away from recognizing God's judgments and love. Despite this, God continues to reach out, yearning for even the faintest sign of return from those who have strayed. The sermon serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of rejecting divine love and the importance of repentance.
Work, Rest, and Recompense.
0Hope in ResurrectionPerseveranceGEN 15:15PSA 1:5ISA 26:19DAN 12:13MAT 25:211CO 15:582TI 4:7HEB 4:9REV 3:11REV 21:4Horatius Bonar emphasizes the importance of perseverance in our daily work as Christians, drawing from Daniel 12:13, which encourages believers to continue their journey until the end, promising rest and future glory. He outlines three key aspects for God's saints: the present work that requires diligence, the coming rest that awaits after life's toil, and the future glory that will be revealed at resurrection. Bonar reassures that while life may be filled with challenges, there is a divine promise of rest and reward for those who remain faithful. He encourages believers to remain steadfast in their duties, knowing that their labor is not in vain and that they will ultimately receive their inheritance.
Divine Longings Over the Foolish.
0Divine WisdomHuman UnteachablenessDEU 32:29PRO 1:7ISA 30:20JAS 1:5Horatius Bonar emphasizes God's deep yearning for humanity to attain wisdom, expressing His sorrow over our ignorance and unteachableness. He explains that while God desires to impart His wisdom to us, our resistance and preference for self-defined wisdom often hinder this process. Bonar outlines God's provisions for wisdom, including the Scriptures as our lesson, Christ as our school, and the Holy Spirit as our teacher, urging us to submit to divine instruction. He highlights that God’s compassion drives Him to provide the means for us to become wise, and He earnestly desires that we embrace this wisdom. Ultimately, Bonar calls us to recognize our need for divine teaching and to enroll as students in God's school of wisdom.
The Two Cries and the Two Answers.
0MAT 5:22MAT 10:28MAT 18:9MAT 23:15MAT 23:33MRK 9:43LUK 12:5JAS 3:6John MacArthur preaches about the significance of Geenna, the valley of Hinnom, as a symbol of the future home of unrepentant wicked individuals, likened to a cosmic garbage dump where sinners will find their final abode. Geenna, synonymous with the lake of fire, is a place of eternal punishment for the ungodly, contrasting with the righteous who will enter eternal life. The Valley of Hinnom, associated with pagan sacrifices, serves as a vivid illustration of the eternal fires of hell, emphasizing the need to heed Jesus' warnings against persistent sin and ungodliness.
Every Christian a Teacher.
0JOB 12:11MAT 16:28MAT 27:34MRK 9:1LUK 9:27JHN 8:52HEB 2:9HEB 6:41PE 2:3The preacher delves into the meaning of 'tasted' (geuomai) in the Bible, which can refer to physically tasting something or figuratively experiencing or coming to know something. This term is used in various contexts in the New Testament to convey deep spiritual truths. For instance, in Hebrews, it is mentioned that Jesus 'tasted death for everyone,' emphasizing His sacrifice for humanity. The sermon explores how believers are encouraged to 'taste' the Word of God, seeking spiritual nourishment and growth.
Rev. 3:19. the Love and the Discipline
0Love Of GodSpiritual ZealPSA 51:10PRO 3:12MAT 24:12LUK 15:20ROM 12:112CO 13:5HEB 12:6JAS 4:81JN 4:16REV 3:19Horatius Bonar emphasizes the dual nature of Christ's love as both tender and disciplinary in his sermon on Revelation 3:19. He warns that believers can quickly become lukewarm, losing their zeal and joy in God, and instead becoming consumed by worldly distractions. Bonar highlights that Christ's rebuke and chastening are acts of love, intended to draw back the wayward heart to repentance and fervor. He calls for believers to recognize their true spiritual state, urging them to be zealous and repent from their complacency. Ultimately, Bonar reassures that Christ's love remains steadfast, even in our failures, and encourages a return to the fervor of first love.
Love Not the World
0WorldlinessEternal PerspectiveMAT 16:25JHN 1:10JHN 7:7JHN 14:27JHN 17:9JHN 17:161CO 1:20GAL 6:14JAS 4:41JN 2:15Horatius Bonar emphasizes the dangers of loving the world, warning that its gain leads to the loss of the soul and that friendship with the world is enmity against God. He highlights that the world does not recognize or love Christ, and that believers are called to be separate from it, as it is ruled by Satan and filled with wickedness. Bonar urges Christians to focus on eternal treasures rather than the fleeting pleasures of this world, reminding them that their true home lies in the kingdom to come.
The Day of Clear Vision to the Dim Eyes.
0Hope in ChristSpiritual VisionPSA 119:18ISA 32:3MAT 13:15LUK 4:18JHN 8:12JHN 9:391CO 13:12EPH 1:182PE 1:9REV 22:4Horatius Bonar emphasizes the spiritual blindness of many, contrasting it with those whose eyes have been opened by God to see the truth. He explains that while some see, their vision can still be dim, leading to a partial understanding of the gospel and Christ's glory. Bonar assures that a time is coming when all believers will see clearly, without any dimness or distortion, experiencing the fullness of God's light and love. He encourages the faithful to seek clearer vision and anticipate the day when they will behold Christ in all His glory. The sermon calls for a longing for spiritual clarity and the ultimate revelation of God.
Rev. 1:8. the Fullness of the God-Man
0Divine InvitationThe Fullness of ChristPSA 90:2MAT 28:18JHN 1:1JHN 7:37EPH 3:8COL 1:15JAS 5:112PE 3:9REV 1:8Horatius Bonar emphasizes the fullness of Christ as the God-Man in his sermon on Revelation 1:8, where Jesus declares Himself as 'Alpha and Omega.' He explores the various dimensions of this fullness, including wisdom, creation, space, time, and power, asserting that all these attributes are embodied in Christ. Bonar highlights that this fullness is not only divine but also accessible to humanity, inviting all to partake in the unsearchable riches of Christ. He reassures believers of Christ's eternal presence and love, which remains unchanged and ever available. Ultimately, Bonar calls for a response to this divine invitation, emphasizing that no one is excluded from the fullness offered by Jesus.
Rev. 2:1. Watchman, What of the Night?
0Light in DarknessChrist's PresenceMAT 28:20JHN 13:30HEB 4:14REV 2:1REV 4:5Horatius Bonar emphasizes the significance of Christ's presence among His churches during the dark times of the world, as depicted in Revelation 2:1. He describes the night that envelops both the Church and the world, highlighting the need for divine light and guidance. Bonar explains that Christ, as both Priest and King, walks among His churches, watching over them, supplying their needs, and mourning their sins. He reassures believers of His constant presence and the promise of victory for those who remain faithful. The sermon calls for acknowledgment of Christ's authority and the importance of shining His light in a dark world.
Rev. 14:4. the Model of a Holy Life
0Imitation of ChristHolinessZEC 9:9MAT 11:28JHN 11:22ROM 5:91CO 6:112CO 10:1HEB 12:12PE 2:211JN 4:19REV 14:4Horatius Bonar emphasizes the call to live a holy life by following Christ, the ultimate model of holiness. He explains that believers are redeemed to be holy and are to imitate Christ in faith, prayer, hope, holiness, love, and zeal. Bonar highlights that Christ's meekness and gentleness should inspire both obedience in believers and an invitation to the unbelievers to come to Him. The sermon encourages Christians to reflect Christ's character in their lives, aiming for transformation into His likeness. Ultimately, Bonar reassures that Christ's open invitation is extended to all, regardless of their past.
Rev. 20:11-15. the Great White Throne
0JudgmentEternal ConsequencesPSA 102:26ISA 34:4JER 4:23MRK 9:48PHP 4:3REV 3:5REV 13:8REV 17:8REV 20:11REV 21:27Horatius Bonar preaches on Revelation 20:11-15, depicting the Great White Throne as a scene of ultimate judgment where all humanity, both great and small, will stand before God. He emphasizes the grandeur and purity of the throne, the certainty of judgment based on one's deeds recorded in the books, and the terrifying reality of the second death for those not found in the Book of Life. Bonar warns of the impartiality of God's judgment, where every action and thought will be accounted for, leading to eternal consequences. He challenges the congregation to reflect on the truth of this judgment and its implications for their lives, urging them to consider their standing before God.
The Sin, the Sinner, and the Sentence.
0Sin and RedemptionThe Nature of TemptationGEN 3:1Horatius Bonar explores the profound implications of sin as depicted in Genesis 3, illustrating the fall of humanity through the temptation of Eve by the serpent. He emphasizes the nature of temptation, the shame that follows sin, and the dread of facing God after disobedience. Bonar highlights God's response to sin, revealing His plan for redemption through the promise of a deliverer, and the provision of clothing for Adam and Eve as a symbol of God's grace. Ultimately, he underscores the importance of faith in God's promise and the necessity of divine covering for our shame.