Deeper Life #4

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows.

—Isaiah 53:4

BEWARE OF ANY TEACHING THAT makes repentance the ransom that persuades God to forgive sin. Repentance is only the avenue whereby God enables us to see that our sinful condition is hopeless unless God does a remarkable work of grace and redemption in our lives.

Just as I am without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,

Oh, Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Isaiah reminds us that Jesus was “was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (53:5). This is the only scriptural understanding of how sin can be forgiven. It is the only way that God’s character is clearly vindicated and His unutterable love exhibited: by making His only-begotten Son the scapegoat for every man, woman, and child.

Prayer Thought: Lord of mercy, I bow humbly, confessing my personal need of Your grace and redemption.

SUGGESTED READING: Isaiah 53