Christ Our Lord Receives Sinners

    He received them as a gift from the Father. He received them as a purchased possession when he redeemed them by his blood. “Ye are not your own, ye are bought with a price.” He receives them from the hand of the Holy Spirit when they are regenerated and called to faith.

    But sinners also receive Christ. Being awakened to the curse of the law, the sinner cries for mercy. “Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner.” Being awakened to the guilt of his sin, the sinner repents in sackcloth and ashes crying, “Wash me and I shall be clean.” Being awakened to his own inability and the sufficiency of Christ, the sinner receives Christ as his sole Redeemer and Mediator. Being awakened to the Lordship of Christ, the sinner bows before him in total submission and surrender. “Lord, what will you have me do?” Being awakened to an understanding of the fullness of God vested in Christ, the sinner commits all things, all hope, and all desire unto him against that day!