This week Perkins looks at the various circumstances of the consolation of Isaiah the prophet in Isaiah 6:5-9.
Thus we see:
(i) the time of forgiveness (after repentance);
(ii) the minister by whom forgiveness was done (an angel);
(iii) the manner in which he gave forgiveness (speedily);
(iv) the instrument or outward sign of forgiveness (a live coal);
(v) the outward application of forgiveness (touched his lips).
Perkins may have been stretching the text a few times today.
But I did like his teaching on when grace is given: 'God has always thus dealt with his saints. He gives none of the graces of salvation until he has, by some means or other, brought us to a true humiliation in ourselves and to sorrow for our sins. Humiliation is the best preparation for grace. When by the sight and sense of our sins and our misery because of sin, God has driven us out of ourselves so that we find nothing in ourselves but reasons for fear and horror; then he pours the oil of grace and of sweet comfort into our hearts, and refreshes our wear souls with the dew of his mercy.'
Do you want grace? Be humble about your sin first.
Read Chapter 3 (Renewed and recommissioned).
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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