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I. MAN THE WANDERER. The centrifugal influence of sin has been felt not only by devils, but by men. It has so separated man from God that he has neither the disposition nor the ability to return.

1. Cain-like he has gone out from the presence of God.

2. Prodigal-like he has gone into a far country.

3. Pharaoh-like he has asked, "Who is the Lord that I should serve Him?"

4. Eve-like he has been seduced from his allegiance.

II. CHRIST THE RESTORER. A Divine Person, one representative and a substitute.

1. He has provided for our restoration by the Cross. He was lifted up in the very heart of Satan's kingdom. In the midst of fiery flying serpents He heals our diseases and restores us to our place of duty in His kingdom.

2. From earth to heaven. "Led captivity captive." "A highway shall be there." "I am the Way." Thus only is the wandering star brought back to its orbit by the attraction of the Sun of Righteousness.

III. THE BLESSINGS THUS SECURED.

1. Man is freed from sin; its guilt, pollution, love, power, alienation, and curse.

2. Mammon is no longer His Master. As the greater fire extinguishes the less, so the love of Christ puts out the love of Mammon.

3. He is drawn to Christ. This first; to Church and ordinances after. Union is followed by communion. Being like Him, we shall spend eternity with Him.

IV. APPLICATION. Men by nature are drawn by sin to hell; they must by grace be drawn from sin to heaven. Which power controls you, the centrifugal or the centripetal? The one will land you in the zenith of glory; the other sink you in the nadir of despair.

(Homiletic Review.)

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KJV: Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

WEB: Now is the judgment of this world. Now the prince of this world will be cast out.