They who think lightly of sin, and account iniquity a trifling thing, evidently show that the God of this world hath blinded their eyes to the infinite atonement of Jesus, and hardened their hearts through the deceitfulness of sin; therefore they are insensible of grief, and have no godly sorrow for sin. But when Jesus is known in the heart, sin is truly abhorred, forsaken, and overcome.
It is most distressing to the regenerate soul, when the load of guilt and the burden of sin are suffered to lie, day after day, upon the conscience. The insupportable agony of such a state none know but those who have experienced it. One may ask, is not this contradictory to that comforting assertion, "There is now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus?" Romans 8:1; inconsistent with that triumphant challenge, "Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect?" Romans 8:33. We answer, No, for though charge and condemnation for sin may be brought by Satan, the accuser of the brethren; the law may condemn, and our own spirits must confess we are sinners; yet our covenant God hath no condemnation against us. He hath laid all our iniquities upon JESUS; and this is the full and free charter of his covenant concerning all his children, "Their sins and their iniquities I will remember no more." Jeremiah 31:34. O, say some, this will take away all fear of sinning, and all dread of guilt! Most impious charge against the God of grace and love! BUt who say this? They who reject God's truth, and believe not his everlasting love; but judge from their own corrupt principles. But regenerate souls groan under the burden of sin; and because love prevails, sin is hated and self abhorred.
Jesus is the only balm of Gilead, the only Physician for sin-distressed, sore-burdened, heavy-ladened souls. We may seek rest from other objects, but all in vain. Nothing can quiet and relieve the distressed soul but this one truth: JESUS hath actually borne, fully suffered, perfectly atoned for all the sins of his people. So that The Lord has discharged all their sins, and will remember not one sin against them. O, when one beholds this general release! Every debt cancelled by Jesus' blood, and God acquitting from every accusation of law and conscience, then our souls return to their rest. this is the faith of God's elect. And while kept simple, loving, faithful to Him, we live by His grace, feast on His love, and holy longing inspire our hearts to enjoy him in glory. O Then
"Sin(my worst enemy before)
Shall vex my eyes and ears no more:
My inward foes shall all be slain,
Nor Satan break my peace again.
Then shall I see, and hear, and know
All I desired and wished below;
And every power find sweet employ
In that eternal world of Joy."
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