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IN the preceding discourse from these words, we discussed that form and aspect of sin which consists in “coming short” of the Divine law, or, as the Westminster Creed states it, in a “want of conformity” unto it. The deep and fundamental sin of the young ruler, we found, lay in what he lacked. When our Lord tested him, he proved to be utterly destitute of love to God. His soul was a complete vacuum, in reference to that great holy affection which fills the hearts of all the good beings before the throne of God, and without which no creature can stand, or will wish to stand, in the Divine presence. The young ruler, though outwardly moral and amiable, when searched in the inward parts was found wanting in the sum and substance of religion. He did not love God; and he did love himself and his possessions.

What man has omitted to do, what man is destitute of;—this is a species of sin which he does not sufficiently consider, and which is weighing him down to perdition. The unregenerate person when pressed to repent of his sins, and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, often beats back the kind effort, by a question like that which Pilate put to the infuriated Jews: “Why, what evil have I done?” It is the subject of his actual and overt transgressions that comes first into his thoughts, and, like the young ruler, he tells his spiritual friend and adviser that he has kept all the commandments from his youth up. The conviction of sin would be more common if the natural man would consider his failures; if he would look into his heart and perceive what he is destitute of; and into his conduct and see what he has left undone.
If there could be one error which is lacking in the vast majority of what is pawned off as preaching and in the myriad counterfeit gospels of our day which could be singled out among many, it would be in my concerted opinion, the truth about sin; not sins, nor about sinning but SIN itself. Shedd understood the depth of sin and in his little lecture, he calls it the "Sinfulness" of sin. There are two similar truths found in Scripture which John Calvin saw as being two sides of one coin; The infinite holiness of God and the unfathomable depth of sin in man. In this world, none of us is capable of comprehending the fullness of these two fundamental truths. And in all honesty, I am not convinced any man ever will, even in his glorified state. But one thing I am sure of is that no sinner will ever come to Christ without the Holy Spirit's work of the conviction of sin, secondly of the holiness of God and the perfect righteousness of Christ and thirdly of the judgment to come because of the lack of the former two (Jh 16:8).

So, take a few moments and read what WTG Shedd learned from God's infallible Word concerning the "Sinfulness of Sin". It is a most valuable little study which can be most instructive, whether for the first time or by renewal.

You can read this month's Article of the Month by clicking hereI: The Sinfulness of Sin.

OR

You can always read it later along with all the archived Articles of the Month by visiting The Highway Website and clicking on the "Article of the Month" logo.

In His service and grace,

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simul iustus et peccator

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