xxxviii. 17. _For Thou hast cast all my sins behind Thy
back._
This is part of the song which Hezekiah wrote when he had recovered
from his sickness. He had betaken himself to prayer. The nation,
threatened with invasion from the powerful kingdom of Assyria, could
ill afford to lose its head. His prayer was heard. The prophet was
sent with a new message. The Divine hand was visible, although
ordinary means were employed. This the king fully recognised (ver.
20). God's mercies should not be forgotten when the occasion has
passed.
The king sees the connection of his disease with sin, and the removal
of disease with the removal of his sins. From the text we observe
that the forgiveness of sin is necessary, possible, complete,
knowable.
+I. Forgiveness of sin is necessary.+ Scripture traces suffering to
sin. The fact of sin is prominent in the history of mankind. Its
universality is the groundwork of the revelation of its remedy. It is
written on the conscience. However, oblivious to the fact in health
and prosperity, men in sickness and disaster usually think of their
sins as the remote or immediate cause. It is sometimes God's way of
awakening attention (H. E. I. 56-89).
Until sin is forgiven, it is before the face of God (Ps. xc. 8; Heb.
iv. 13). The accountability of men would be an unmeaning phrase if it
did not involve the idea that an account is taken of his actions.
They are all noted, good and bad, and tested by the Divine standard.
Every man's are before the face of the Supreme Ruler and Judge for
the purpose of being dealt with. This is his case until it is changed
by the exercise of forgiveness. It is useless to ignore the need of
forgiveness under the impression that we can, in some way, remove the
stain. However much good a man may do, the fact of sin remains; and
so long as he is under a law which requires unsinning obedience, the
good cannot be set against the bad in the hope that the former will
wipe the latter away. Forgiveness of the past is the first necessity.
+II. Forgiveness of sin is possible.+ The Gospel builds on the
groundwork laid. It provides and makes known a way by which
forgiveness may be obtained. It is not by the enactment of a law
obedience to which will have this effect. Law brings the sinfulness
into clear relief and renders escape impossible. Nor is it by the
declaration of a general amnesty, which would virtually neutralise
the law and its penalties. Nor is it by an exercise of the Divine
sovereignty in the way of mercy to all men, nor even to the penitent,
simply as such. God's way of forgiveness provides for the exercise of
mercy by the satisfaction of the claims of righteousness. For its
manifestation He prepared during long ages of teaching. In due time
He sent His Son (Gal. iv. 4, 5). The interposition of Christ renders
forgiveness possible. It includes His taking the sinner's obligations
on Himself (Col. i. 14). This is the Divinely appointed way of
forgiveness. It satisfies all the requirements of the case. It
provides an adequate Mediator. It provides forgiveness on honourable
terms. It is, so far as the sinner is concerned, a free forgiveness.
It imposes no impossible condition. It says to the sinner under the
burden of the law, which is impossible to him, is no longer demanded,
because it has been rendered by His great Substitute. It simply calls
upon him to believe, repenting of his sins. If you see your
sinfulness, if your soul is troubled by it, if you are anxious to
obtain mercy, the Gospel bids you come to Jesus, and come at once. It
assures a present, immediate, free pardon.
+III. Forgiveness of sin is complete.+ "Thou hast cast all my sins
behind Thy back." They were previously before the face of God. They
are now taken thence and cast behind His back. You do that with a
thing you have done with and intend to see no more. It is a most
expressive representation of the Divine forgiveness. It attracts
attention to its completeness. "All his sins," without exception or
reservation, have been cast out of sight. They will never be produced
against him. This is complete forgiveness. We can realise it better
by comparison with the forgiveness exercised by men. Man's
forgiveness is often very poor. "I can forgive, but I cannot forget."
"I forgive, but I shall have no more to do with that man." Many do
not even pretend to forgive. But God forgives, completely, fully
(H. E. I. 2328-2348).
+IV. Forgiveness of sin is knowable.+ The text is the language of
assurance. Hezekiah inferred it from his recovery. We may be
certified--1. By the written Word. 2. By consciousness of the
Spirit's work in us--repentance, faith, love, surrender. 3. By the
moral effects. Put all these together (H. E. I. 309, 310, 324, &c.)
Do you possess assurance? Your experience--1. Illustrates the Divine
character: "merciful and gracious." Its most attractive light.
2. Produces grateful love. The greatest boon has won the heart.
3. Invites to holy obedience. Appeals to what is best. 4. Suggests
evangelic action. Tell others. Seek the salvation of the worst.
Are you not forgiven? Perhaps indifferent. Perhaps desirous, but
hesitating. Perhaps procrastinating. Do not trifle. Do not neglect.
Do not delay. Be reconciled to God.--_J. Rawlinson._