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I. WE ARE INDEBTED TO REVELATION ALONE FOR THE KNOWLEDGE OF THIS FACT, THAT THERE IS FORGIVENESS WITH GOD.

1. The heathen, who have no revelation, and deists, who have rejected revelation, could not form any proper idea on this subject. The only other grounds of knowledge are reason, and the light of nature; but neither can these guide us to the fact which is here stated. We could not infer, from God's essential goodness, or from the works of nature, that He would forgive sin at all. It does not necessarily depend on His existence, or on His goodness. It must depend entirely on an act of His will; — but whether He will, who can tell?

2. If we could prove from the light of nature that God would forgive sin, it is still evident that we could infer nothing as to the persons to be forgiven — the extent to which the blessing was to reach. An universal act of indemnity — free forgiveness of all sin, could never have entered into the minds of men. No; this would be regarded as a licence to sin. No; some sins only will be forgiven; some persons only will be pardoned; — but which, and who? Who can possibly tell?

3. As to the way in which forgiveness is to be obtained, we could learn nothing by the light of nature. Men have not been satisfied with repenting; they have looked out for sacrifices — for an atonement. Whence came pilgrimages, penances, mortifications, sacrifices? All these things show that men were convinced that something more than repentance was needed. So that it is clear we are indebted entirely to revelation for the knowledge of the way of forgiveness of sins. This way is by the satisfaction made by Christ, and received by the Father.

II. IN THE FORGIVENESS THUS PROMISED, AND FLOWING TO US THROUGH THIS CHANNEL, PECULIAR CHARACTERS ARE MARKED DOWN, WHICH ARE ALMOST AS ASTONISHING AS THE FACT ITSELF.

1. It comes to all persons, and reaches to all crimes, with only one exception. That exception is "the sin against the Holy Ghost."

2. This forgiveness takes place at the time of repenting and believing. The Gospel puts the blessing of forgiveness in the present tense: — "Thy sins are forgiven thee"; — "Thy faith hath made thee whole"; — "In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins."

3. This forgiveness is invariably followed by the special fruits of the Divine favour. It is not barren and unproductive. If God pardon us, it is that we may come nigh unto Him — that we may hear His fatherly voice — that we may become the depositaries of His grace and the objects of His love.

4. This forgiveness is renewed and perpetuated.

(J. Leifchild.)

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KJV: But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.

WEB: But there is forgiveness with you, therefore you are feared.