Psalm 130:3-4 If you, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? I. EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE ASSERTION. If Thou, Lord, shouldst execute the decrees of justice, and punish everything that is done amiss, the holiest man on earth would not be able to abide the trial; how much less would such a sinner as I be able to stand? II. CONFIRM THIS TRUTH FROM SCRIPTURE AND EXPERIENCE. 1. It is the constant doctrine of the Holy Scriptures; it is the uniform language of humility and penitence there (Psalm 143:2; Job 9:2-4; Job 40:4, 5; Job 42:5, 6; Psalm 19:12; Lamentations 3:22, 23). 2. I shall propose three general subjects of examination. (1) Hew many duties have you omitted which you must be sensible you ought to have performed? (2) How often have you been guilty of express transgressions of the law of God? (3) How many blemishes and imperfections cleave to those very duties which you endeavour to perform in obedience to his will? III. PRACTICAL APPLICATION. 1. How great is the deceitfulness of sin! How astonishing the blindness of sinners! 2. If the holiest cannot stand before God, if no flesh living can be justified in His sight, how fearful must be the state of those who are lying under the guilt of atrocious, aggravated, and repeated crimes! 3. If any Christian desires to keep his ten-science tender and faithful, to have a deep, growing and humbling sense of his own sinfulness; if he would bar the gate against the entrance of pride, or banish it after it has obtained admission; if he desires to walk humbly and watchfully, let him live as in the presence of God, let him often sift himself at His awful tribunal. (J. Witherspoon, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?WEB: If you, Yah, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? |
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