Matthew 11:20-24 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:… I. THERE SHALL BE A DAY OF JUDGMENT. II. IN THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT SOME SINNERS SHALL FARE WORSE THAN OTHERS. III. IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT THERE WILL DE A DISTRIBUTION OF SINNERS; PUNISHMENTS ACCORDING TO THE EXACT RULES OF JUSTICE. IV. IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT IT WILL BE MORE TOLERABLE FOR SODOM THAN CAPERNAUM. These two cities may be considered under a threefold distinction. 1. Nominal. 2. Local. 3. Moral. V. THAT THE WORST OF THE HEATHEN WHO NEVER HAD CHRIST PREACHED TO THEM SHALL FARE BETTER IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT, THAN THOSE THAT CONTINUE IMPENITENT UNDER THE GOSPEL. Why? 1. Because impenitency under the gospel hath more of sin in it, than any sin of the heathen. It is without excuse. Cannot plead ignorance. 2. Impenitency under the gospel is a resisting the loudest calls of God to repentance, The heathen called to repentance by natural conscience, creation; now by the Holy Spirit. Higher motives are laid before sinners. 3. There is the highest contempt of God in it (1) of His authority: (2) of His goodness: (3) of His threatening. 4. This impenitency is a disappointing of God in His end. 5. This impenitency hath much folly in it, as well as sin. 6. Impenitency under the gospel shows greater wilfulness in sin. 7. Impenitency under the gospel is attended with the greatest resistance of the Spirit.Wherein the greater intolerableness will consist? 1. Such will suffer greater torments from their own consciences. 2. More than others from the devil and his angels. 3. Christ Himself will appear in greater severity against such. 4. Witnesses will rise up against these more than other sinners.APPLICATION. 1. We may hence learn what to judge of the heathen who have not heard of Christ. 2. The greatest favour and privilege to a people, may be the occasion of the greatest evil. 3. How ineffectual the best outward means are of themselves to bring a people to repentance. 4. What little reason men have to boast of their knowledge of gospel privileges, when these may turn to their surer condemnation. 5. To awaken us who have gospel favours above most people under heaven. (M. Barker, M. A.) I. DOES GOD GRANT TO ALL MANKIND A SUFFICIENCY OF MEANS OF REPENTANCE. II. Is IT ANY CONTRADICTION TO HIS GRANTING A SUFFICIENCY TO ALL, THAT IN THE HIGH EXERCISE OF HIS SOVEREIGNTY HE GRANTS TO SOME SPECIAL ASSISTANCE. — He gave time to Chorazin and Bethsaida what He granted not to Tyre and Sidon. When I read that Tyre and Sidon would have repented with the same means of grace that were given to Chorazin, I naturally inquire whether the means actually afforded to Tyre were sufficient. Then I ask if Tyre only wanted additional means, how could it consist with the justice of God's dealings to have refused those means? Lay it down as an axiom that the Judge of all the earth must do right. We forget that Chorazin and Tyre were under different dispensations, one under light of the gospel, the other in darkness of heathenism; one would be judged by the standard of revelation, the other not. And what is there incredible in the supposition that the means afforded to Tyre, in order to obedience, were as ample as those given to Chorazin for raising her to the loftier elevation which the gospel demanded? Means must be judged in connection with this end, and in this connection could their difference or equality be decided. If one man be required to lift one thousand tons, and another only one, it is obvious the arm of either must receive strength before it could accomplish the task. But they do not need the same strength. Tyre had as much help as Chorazin in view of her duties; less is required of the heathen. There are mysteries about the doctrine of election But why does not God give to each of us grace as His omniscience sees will be effectual? But has not God given us enough to render our condemnation just? We have sufficient for our salvation. Means must be kept within certain limits. Means which exceeded them not in Chorazin, would not in the case of Tyre. The means consistent with responsibility in Chorazin might have destroyed it in Tyre. (H. Melvill, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: |
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