Works (Vol 4) - Newton - XX - Sermon XX (Sin charged upon the surety)

Required reading
The Works (Vol 4) of John Newton (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Sermon XX (Sin charged upon the surety).

My summary
This week Newton preaches on 'All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.' (Isa 53:6)

Firstly Newton explains that the text demonstrates a confession of guilt and wretchedness.  He observes that:
(i) we prefer our own ways to the Lord's;
(ii) there is only one right way but a thousand ways of being wrong;
(iii) we are liable to innumerable dangers.

Secondly Newton demonstrates that the text gives an acknowledgement of mercy shown by the fact that the Messiah:
(i) was appointed for the redemption of sinners;
(ii) made known the certainty and benefit of his mediation;
(iii) veiled his glory.

Then to conclude, from the substitution of the Messiah we learn:
(i) how to estimate the evil of sin;
(ii) the complete justification of those who believe;
(iii) why believers are not wearied.

What grabbed me
I liked the last point of application: 'The reason why believers are not wearied, nor overpowered, by all the difficulties of their service, nor by all the arts and efforts of their enemies. They are one with Christ. He who has all power in heaven and earth is engaged for their support. When they faint, he revives them ; when they are wounded, he heals them; when their foot slippeth, he upholdeth them. He has said, 'because I live, ye shall live also.' Therefore, who can prevail against them, when their life is hidden with Christ in God? And further, the knowledge of their Saviour's love, and of the holy, awful, yet amiable and endearing, character of God displayed in his mediation, is the source of their love, gratitude, and cheerful obedience. It is this makes hard things easy, and bitter things sweet. 'The love of Christ constraineth them.' They look to him and are enlightened. And when they consider who he is, in what way, and at what a price, he redeemed them, and what he has prepared for them ; when they attend to his gracious word, 'Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer : be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life:' they, out of weakness, are made strong ; they are inspired with fresh courage : they take up their cross with cheerfulness, and can adopt the language of the apostle, ' None of these things move me, neither count I my life dear, so that I may finish my course with joy.''

A Christian has an amazing source of strength to draw on.

Next week's reading
Read Sermon XXI (Messiah derided upon the cross).

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.