Our Iniquity Is Gone, All Gone at Once

    Can you imagine a person entering heaven without a new heart, without a love for Christ, unable to give Christ all glory and preeminence? He comes within the gates and hears a song of praise, “Worthy is the Lamb;” but he cannot join the song, for he knows not the tune nor the Lamb. He sees a throne and on it One who is glorious beyond words; but it is Christ, whom on earth he refused to worship and acknowledge as King of kings and Lord of lords. He sees a host of angels and an innumerable company of saints, all rejoicing in the grace and mercy of the beloved and glad to honor the Son. He stands motionless, silent and still, for he knows not the Son nor his glory! His dark, dirty rags of vain self-righteousness appear even darker before their white robes. There are no palms of victory in his hand nor crown of righteousness on his head; and he hears a voice louder than ten thousand thunders, “What doest thou here? How camest thou hither not having a wedding garment?” Speechless, they cast him away! The blood of Jesus Christ is as blessed and divine a payment for the transgressions of blaspheming Peter as for the shortcomings of loving John. Our iniquity is gone, all gone at once, and all gone forever. Blessed completeness! What a sweet theme to dwell upon as one gives himself to sleep.