John 5:31-40 If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.… I. THE UNWILLINGNESS OF MEN TO COME TO CHRIST. What is the cause of this reluctance? 1. It is not the Saviour's fault. He not only invited but went, and does so to-day. 2. Scoffers say it arises from the visionary nature of the gift which Christ offers. 3. What too despondent friends of religion say amounts to the same thing, viz., that men are too gross and worldly to care for such a thing as immortality. But how then shall we account for the pilgrimages and endless mortifications of devotees. 4. No, the cause lies deeper, even in the sinfulness of the human heart. Just as darkness is opposed to light, so is sin to holiness. II. WHAT IT IS THAT MEN GAIN BY COMING TO CHRIST. 1. It is inferred that life out of Christ is transient, unsubstantial, and must die. However fair and moral a man's outward life may be, if sin is busy in his heart he must perish. 2. But if you come to Christ in heart you shall obtain life, (1) The life of holiness. (2) Of Christ. (3) Of heaven. III. THE GREATNESS OF THIS GAIN OUGHT TO REMOVE ALL UNWILLINGNESS TO COME TO CHRIST. Those Who obtain life obtain — 1. Perfect security, and all things work together for their good — loss, sickness, bereavement, death. 2. Constant progress in time and in eternity. 3. Happiness now and for ever. (G. Colborne, Ph. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. |
    |