2co 05v11 We Persuade Men
II Corinthians 5:11
It is my task as a gospel
preacher to persuade you to believe the gospel. I must press upon you the
claims of the gospel. Somehow, I must shut you up to faith in Christ. I know
that I cannot do this by merely playing upon your emotions, or by mere human logic. God
alone effectually persuade your heart to seek his grace in Christ. But there
are certain things which I know that cause me to press upon you the claims
of the gospel.
1. I earnestly intreat you to flee to Christ,
because. I know THE REALITIES OF TIME AND ETERNITY. We are living in a
world where all thinks are temporal and perishing. We are all going to a world
where all things are eternal. "What shall it profit a man if he gain the
whole world and lose his own soul?"
2. Knowing something of THE TERROR OF THE
LORD. I am compelled to preach to you as I do. Hell is a plane of endless,
infinite, - and irreversible wrath. The justice and holiness of God demand that
every Christless soul be sentenced to eternal damnation. You are condemned
already. It is only the goodness of God that keeps you out of hell this moment.
3. I can urge you freely to call upon the name
of the Lord for salvation, because I know that GOD IS WILLING TO SAVE SINNERS.
He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked, He delights to show mercy. He
invites wretched rebels such as you are to come to him for mercy. He has given
me life in Christ. Perhaps he will do the same for you. If mercy might be had,
will you be so foolish as to die without seeking mercy?
4. I urge you to close with Christ now, because
I know THE URGENCY OF YOUR CASE. Today is the day of salvation, Now is the, accepted time. Either you will seek the Lord
now, while he speaks to you by the gospel, or you will die in your sin,
This is what I want you to do. I want you
to lay down your arms of rebellion against God and sue for mercy. Cry, Lord, if
you will, you can make me whole. Do it now.