December 5, 2022 - Luke 11:13 (cont.)

Shedd makes an important observation as he reflects on Jesus’ words: “Sin is not man’s misfortune, but his fault.” Furthermore, “Sin non only renders man unfit for rewards, but also deserving of punishment.” Additionally, Shedd makes application: “Worldly losses, trials, warnings by God’s providence, may rouse the sinner, and make him solemn; but unless the Spirit of Grace enters his heart he does not feel that he is ill-deserving.” Thus, not feeling ill-deserving and particularly troubled, this one does not seek help. I often quote the old country preacher: “You can’t get a man saved until you get him lost.” Shedd is shining light on this truth, i.e., unless God’s Spirit enters the heart and convicts, the sinner might be solemn in his outlook but he will never turn to the gospel and to Christ.

On the other hand, because this turning is predicated upon the Holy Spirit working – Shedd: “Man needs the influence of the Holy Spirit, in order that he may actually appropriate Christ’s atonement for sin.” – anyone can be saved because the Holy Spirit can change even the hardest of hearts. Jeremiah asked, “Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots?” (Jeremiah 13:23). Of course, the answer to both is, “No!” But the Holy Spirit can change a heart! And therein lies our hope! Shedd closes, “If the Holy Spirit urges you to confession of sin before God, yield instantaneously to His urging, and pour our your soul before the All Merciful. And when He says, “Behold the Lamb of God,” look where He points, and be at peace and rest.” H. G. Jackson put it like this:

If you from sin are longing to be free,

Look to the Lamb of God;

He, to redeem you, died on Calvary,

Look to the Lamb of God.

Look to the Lamb of God,

Look to the Lamb of God,

For He alone is able to save you,

Look to the Lamb of God. -- H. G. Jackson (19th century)