Hebrews 5:1-3 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God… I. COMPASSION AND FORBEARANCE, WITH MEEKNESS, IN THOSE FROM WHOM WE EXPECT HELP AND RELIEF, IS THE GREAT MOTIVE AND ENCOURAGEMENT UNTO FAITH, AFFIANCE, AND EXPECTATION OF THEM. II. We live, THE LIFE OF OUR SOULS IS PRINCIPALLY MAINTAINED, UPON THIS COMPASSIONATENESS OF OUR HIGH PRIEST; namely, that He is able to bear with us in our provocations, and to pity us in our weaknesses and distresses. To this purpose is the promise concerning Him (Isaiah 40:11). There are three things that are apt to give great provocations unto them that are concerned in us. 1. Frequency in offending. 2. Greatness of offences. 3. Instability in promises and engagements.These are things apt to give provocations, beyond what ordinary moderation and meekness can bear withal; especially where they are accompanied with a disregard of the greatest love and kindness. And all these are found in believers, some in one, and some in another, and some in all. III. Though every sin hath in it the whole nature of sin, rendering the sinners obnoxious unto the curse of the law; yet as there are several kinds of sins, so THERE ARE SEVERAL DEGREES OF SIN, some being accompanied with a greater guilt than others. 1. There is a distinction of sins with respect unto the persons that commit them. But this distinction ariseth from the event, and not from the nature of the sin itself intended. Regenerate persons will, through the grace of God, certainly use the means of faith and repentance for the obtaining of pardon, which the other will not; and if they are assisted also so to do, even they in like manner shall obtain forgiveness. No man therefore can take a relief against the guilt of sin from his state and condition, which may be an aggravation, and can be no alleviation of it. 2. There are degrees of sin amongst men unregenerate, who live in a course of sin all their days. All do not sin equally, nor shall all be equally punished. 3. In the sins of believers there are different degrees, both in divers, and in the same persons. And although they shall be all pardoned, yet have they different effects; with respect — (1) Unto peace of conscience. (2) Sense of the love of God. (3) Growth in grace and holiness. (4) Usefulness or scandal in the Church or the world. (5) Temporal afflictions. (6) A quiet or troublesome departure out of this world; but in all, a reserve is still to be made for the sovereignty of God and His grace. IV. OUR IGNORANCE IS BOTH OUR CALAMITY, OUR SIN, AND AN OCCASION OF MANY SINS UNTO US. V. SIN IS A WANDERING FROM THE WAY. VI. NO SORT OF SINNERS ARE EXCLUDED FROM AN INTEREST IN THE CARE AND LOVE OF OUR COMPASSIONATE HIGH PRIEST, BUT ONLY THOSE WHO EXCLUDE THEMSELVES BY THEIR UNBELIEF. VII. IT WAS WELL FOR US, AND ENOUGH FOR US, THAT THE LORD CHRIST WAS ENCOMPASSED WITH THE SINLESS INFIRMITIES OF OUR NATURE. VIII. GOD CAN TEACH A SANCTIFIED USE OF SINFUL INFIRMITIES, AS HE DID IN AND TO THE PRIESTS UNDER THE LAW. (John Owen, . D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: |
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