Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. I. SIN IS FOUNDED IN MUCH IGNORANCE. 1. Men are ignorant of its extreme evil in the sight of God. 2. Men are ignorant of the baneful influence of sin upon themselves. They are not aware how it hardens the heart, stupifies the conscience, settles into habit, and at length gains complete ascendency. 3. Men are ignorant of the pernicious effect of sin on others. Few sins are confined to the transgressor only: they have a relative influence. 4. Men are ignorant of the dreadful consequences of sin in another world. There is a future state of gracious reward for the righteous, and of awful retribution for the wicked. II. IGNORANCE IS NO SUFFICIENT EXCUSE FOR SIN. In some instances it mitigates offence. 1. Ignorance itself is sin. In all cases it is so, where the capacity and opportunity of knowledge are afforded. 2. The law of God condemns all sin, every kind and degree of sin. 3. Every act of sin implies a sinful nature: it springs from a depraved heart. III. FORGIVENESS OF SIN IS AN ACT OF DIVINE MERCY, AND THE FRUIT OF THE SAVIOUR'S INTERCESSION. From the subject learn — 1. To regard the intercession of Jesus in the forgiveness of sins. 2. To imitate Jesus in the forgiveness of injuries. (T. Kidd.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. |
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