A call to the unconverted

“For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.” Galatians 3:10

Suggested Further Reading: Matthew 25:31-46

Suddenly a voice is heard, and shrieks from some, and songs from others—he comes—he comes—he comes; and every eye must see him. There he is; the throne is set upon a cloud, which is white as alabaster. There he sits. It is He, the Man that died on Calvary—I see his pierced hands—but ah, how changed! No thorn crown now. He stood at Pilate’s bar, but now the whole earth must stand at his bar. But listen! The trumpet sounds again: the Judge opens the book, there is silence in heaven, a solemn silence: the universe is still. “Gather mine elect together, and my redeemed from the four winds of heaven.” Swiftly they are gathered. As with a lightning flash, the angel’s wing divides the crowd. Here are the righteous all in-gathered; and sinner, there are you, on the left hand, left out, left to abide the burning sentence of eternal wrath. Listen! The harps of heaven play sweet melodies; but to you they bring no joy, though the angels are repeating the Saviour’s welcome to his saints. “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” You have had that moment’s respite, and now his face is gathering clouds of wrath, the thunder is on his brow; he looks on you that have despised him, you that scoffed his grace, that scorned his mercy, you that broke his Sabbath, you that mocked his cross, you that would not have him to reign over you; and with a voice louder than ten thousand thunders, he cries, “Depart, ye cursed.” And then—No, I will not follow you. I will not tell of quenchless flames: I will not talk of miseries for the body, and tortures for the spirit. But hell is terrible; damnation is doleful. Oh, escape! escape!

For meditation: Any one of your sins would send you to hell (James 2:10). No one but Jesus can divert you to heaven (Acts 4:12). Make sure you are trusting in him alone for your salvation.

Sermon no. 174
10 November (Preached 8 November 1857)