Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. I. IN WHAT RESPECTS? He is separated from his sins as regards — 1. The sentence they procured — the sentence of death. What this sentence implies. How was it removed? 2. The power they wielded — that is, their reigning power. "Sin shall not have dominion over you." 3. The alienation they caused. From God, hence from His favour, family, fellowship, kingdom. 4. The prospect they commanded. Of wrath to come, of exclusion from heaven, of endless destruction. II. TO WHAT DISTANCE? "As far as the east is from the west" — one side of infinite space from the other — infinity intervenes. 1. An infinity of merit intervenes — the atoning merit of Christ's sacrifice intervenes. What? How? 2. An infinity of rectitude intervenes — the rectitude of the Divine nature. 3. An infinity of faithfulness intervenes — God's faithfulness to His word, covenant, purpose. 4. An infinity of love intervenes — God's love, which is infinite, eternal, unchangeable, sovereign. All these infinities must be exhausted and cease to exist before his sins can be reunited to the believer. Learn — (1) That separation from sin is necessary to admission into heaven. "There shall in nowise," etc.(2) That the separation here described is the work of God — of His grace, righteousness, word, spirit. (3) That separation from sin requires active exertion on our part. "Work out," etc.(4) That the separation we have been considering is the privilege of only true believers. (N. Macdonald.) Parallel Verses KJV: As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.WEB: As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. |
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