the Rev. Henry Huenemann
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God; for he will abundantly pardon (Isaiah 55:7).
Bible Reading
Isaiah 55:Devotional
What a terrible thing sin is! Sin is the cause of all misery, sickness, and death. By nature all men are the servants of sin; they are in its power and cannot free themselves from it. As servants of sin they are without righteousness and therefore they cannot stand before God. As transgressors of God's holy law they have deserved eternal punishment for their sins.
But thanks be to God, there is deliverance from sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. "Where sin abounded, there grace did much more abound; that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." "Christ was made sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." It is only for the sake of Christ, for his suffering and death and resurrection, that our sins can be forgiven. "Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins." Note, God gives both repentance and forgiveness, and his forgiveness is so complete, that it is as if we had never committed or had any sins. He says, "Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." He has removed our transgressions from us as far as the east is from the west. He will cast our sins into the depths of the sea. He has blotted them out as a thick cloud. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus."
Prayer
Merciful God and Father, if Thou shouldest mark iniquity, O Lord, who shall stand? We thank Thee that with Thee there is forgiveness, that Thou mayest be feared. Help us to put our hope and trust in Thee; for with Thee there is mercy and plenteous redemption. May we be assured of Thy forgiveness, and so may our lips overflow with praise and thanksgiving. Yea, may our whole life be a life of thankfulness for Thy salvation. We ask it in Jesus' name. Amen.
Scripture in Devotional: Rom. 6:20; 5:20, 21; 2 Cor. 5:21; Acts 5:31; Jer. 31:34; Heb. 8:12; Ps. 108:12; Micah 7:19; Isa. 44:22; Rom. 8:1.
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