Oh, the Atrocity!
The sermon highlights the heinousness of sin, especially for those who have been pardoned by God's sovereign mercy, and encourages believers to worship God in response to their natural sinfulness.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the gravity of sin, particularly for those who have experienced God's grace and forgiveness. He reflects on the shame that accompanies our ungratefulness and lack of fruitfulness despite being favored by God. Spurgeon highlights the atrocity of sin committed by those who have been pardoned, noting that such sins are more heinous than those of the unrepentant. He calls believers to bow before God, recognizing their natural sinfulness and to worship Him for His grace, mercy, and love that saves and spares us from judgment.
Text
"O Lord, we are covered with shame--because we have sinned against You!" Daniel 9:8
A deep sense and clear sight of sin--its heinousness, and the punishment which it deserves--should make us lie low before God's throne. As Christians--we have sinned! Alas! that it should be so. Favored as we have been--we have yet been ungrateful. Privileged beyond most--we have not brought forth fruit in proportion. What Christian is there--who will not blush when he looks back upon his past sins?
Oh, the atrocity of the sin of a pardoned soul! An unpardoned sinner sins cheaply--when compared with the sin of one of God's own elect ones, who has had communion with Christ and leaned his head upon Jesus' bosom.
Alas! these sins of ours would consign us to the place of inextinguishable fire--if it were not for the sovereign mercy which has made us to differ, snatching us like brands from the burning! My soul, bow down under a sense of your natural sinfulness, and worship your God. Admire . . .
the grace which saves you;
the mercy which spares you;
the love which pardons you!
Sermon Outline
- The Heinousness of Sin
- The Sin of a Pardoned Soul
- The Sovereign Mercy of God
- God's mercy spares us from punishment
- God's love pardons us despite our sin
Key Quotes
“Oh, the atrocity of the sin of a pardoned soul!” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Alas! these sins of ours would consign us to the place of inextinguishable fire--if it were not for the sovereign mercy which has made us to differ, snatching us like brands from the burning!” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We should have a deep sense and clear sight of our sin and its consequences.
- We should be grateful for God's sovereign mercy that spares us from punishment and pardons us despite our sin.
- We should worship God and admire His grace, mercy, and love that saves, spares, and pardons us.