Essex Remembrancer Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents. I. VIEW THE SCENE ON EARTH WHICH THE TEXT SPREADS BEFORE US. What is its nature? To the carnal eye it presents nothing that is attractive or worthy of regard. It opens to our view, not an individual in a state of hilarity and mirth, indulging himself in sensual delights; but a poor weary, heavy-laden sinner, repenting of his transgressions. 1. Repentance includes brokenness of heart. 2. Self-abhorrence enters into the spirit of true repentance. 3. Godly sorrow for sin is an essential ingredient of evangelical repentance. 4. The spirit of prayer is always associated with repentance. 5. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is connected with scriptural repentance. II. LET US GLANCE AT THE HEAVENLY SCENE. 1. Angels are benevolent beings; partaking largely of the moral qualities of the Deity, of the beneficence and compassion of His nature, they feel interested and delighted in whatever promotes the welfare and happiness of God's intelligent creatures. 2. Angels are joyful at the repentance of a sinner, because a splendid victory is achieved. 3. Angels are joyful at the event, because an immortal being is saved. 4. There is joy among the angels at this occurrence, because God is glorified in it — each person in the Trinity. (Essex Remembrancer.) Parallel Verses KJV: Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.WEB: Even so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner repenting." |
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