I John 2:1,2
If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins.
ROBERT MURRAY M’CHEYNE (1813-1843): I feel, when I have sinned, an immediate reluctance to go to Christ. I am ashamed to go.
JOHN BUNYAN (1628-1688): Indeed, I have found it as difficult to come to God by prayer, after backsliding from Him, as to do any other thing.
ROBERT MURRAY M’CHEYNE: I feel as if it would do no good to go—as if it were making Christ a minister of sin, to go straight from the swine-trough to the best robe—and a thousand other excuses; but I am persuaded they are all lies direct from hell. John argues the opposite way: If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father.
RICHARD SIBBES (1577-1635): When we are troubled in conscience for our sins, Satan’s manner is then to present Christ to the afflicted souls as a most severe judge armed with justice against us. But then let us present Him to our souls as offered to our view by God Himself, holding out a sceptre of mercy, spreading His arms to receive us.
HENRY W. SOLTAU (1805-1875): Satan may suggest that there is a hindrance to our approaching Him; but the precious blood and the High Priest over the House are complete answers to Satan’s lie. We may be conscious of some allowed failure—or may be overtaken in some fault—the adversary will then tempt the soul, suggesting that our unfaithfulness has closed the door of entrance into the Holiest. But in truth, the place of confession is the mercy-seat.
RICHARD SIBBES: What course shall such take to recover their peace? They must condemn themselves sharply, and yet cast themselves upon God’s mercy in Christ, as at their first conversion…We must know for our comfort that Christ was not anointed to this great work of Mediator for lesser sins only, but for the greatest, if we have but a spark of true faith to lay hold on Him. Therefore, if there be any bruised reed, let him not make an exception of himself, when Christ does not make an exception of him…In time of temptation, believe Christ rather than the devil. Believe truth from Truth itself. Hearken not unto a liar, an enemy and a murderer…Shall our sins discourage us, when He appears there only for sinners? Are you bruised? Be of good comfort, He calls you. Conceal not your wounds, open all before Him and take not Satan’s counsel.
C. H. SPURGEON (1834-1892): Beloved, never let sin part you from Jesus. Under a sense of sin do not fly from Him, that were foolishness. Sin may drive you from Sinai; but it ought to draw you to Calvary. To the fountain we should fly with all the greater alacrity when we feel that we are foul; and to the dear wounds of Jesus, whence all our life and healing must come, we should resort with the greater earnestness when we feel our soul to be sick, even though we fear that sickness to be unto death.
ROBERT MURRAY M’CHEYNE: I am sure there is neither peace nor safety from deeper sin, but in going directly to the Lord Jesus Christ. This is God’s way of peace and holiness. It is folly to the world and the beclouded heart, but it is the way.
RICHARD SIBBES: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,” Matthew 11:28. Why should we not make use of so gracious a disposition?
C. H. SPURGEON: Art thou burdened with this day’s sins? Here is a fountain filled with blood: use it, saint, use it. Has a sense of guilt returned upon thee? The pardoning grace of Jesus may be proved again and again. Come to Him at once for cleansing. Dost thou deplore thy weakness? He is thy strength: why not lean upon Him? Dost thou feel naked? Come hither, soul; put on the robe of Jesus’ righteousness.
AUGUSTUS TOPLADY (1713-1778): Foul, I to the fountain fly
Wash me, Saviour, or I die…
