Idea: Jesus came into the world to save sinners. If you are burdened by guilt, then repent and seek forgiveness from J. He promises to receive you graciously and to freely pardon all your sins.
1. God's Love is Active
2. Jesus' Love is Self-Sacrificing
3. God's Love is Successful
Conc. The active, self-denying, and successful love of God urges you on to repent, to receive and rest in J as your savior. Ryle puts it this way, “There is an infinite willingness on God's part to receive sinners. However wicked a man may have been, in the day that he really turns from his wickedness and comes to God by Christ, God is well-pleased…. Let the man who is afraid to repent, consider well [these verses] and be afraid no more. There is nothing on God's part to justify his fears. An open door is set before him. A free pardon awaits him… Let the man who is ashamed to repent, consider these verses, and cast shame aside. What though the world mocks and jests at his repentance? While man is mocking, angels are rejoicing. The very change which sinners call foolishness, is a change which fills heaven with joy.” |
