170. ZEC 9:11, ZEC 9:12. GOD’S ADDRESS TO THE PRISONERS OF HOPE

Zec_9:11, Zec_9:12. God’s Address to the Prisoners of Hope

PART II

Zec_9:11, Zec_9:12.

In the previous skeleton we noticed, that in the text there is, I. A true representation of the fallen Condition of Mankind. And, II. A striking Exhibition of the Means of our Redemption. We notice then,

III. The Present Character and State of God’s Redeemed Creatures.

"Prisoners of hope." Without redemption, they would have been prisoners of despair and of eternal wo.

1. All men, until they are actually saved, are prisoners.

(1) Prisoners of sin. Sin reigns in and over them. Bound by it; enfettered by it. Has entire dominion over them. They are the slaves of sin. Joh_8:4.

(2) Prisoners of Satan. He rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience. Subjects of his kingdom. Led captive by him at his will. Luk_11:21, &c.

(3) Condemned prisoners. Not only by the law, but by the gospel. "He that believeth not, is condemned already; and the wrath of God abideth on him;" Joh_3:18. And as condemned, they are liable to the infliction of the penalty, any moment. In a state of extreme peril. But,

2. All men, during the present life, are prisoners of hope.

As we hinted, redemption has materially affected them. Their original state is now reversed.

(1) They have exhibited to them an object of hope. Eternal life is placed before them; and they are called to expect and possess it. "Hope laid up in heaven;" Col_1:5. "Hope of eternal life;" Tit_3:7. Eternal life is offered through Christ to a perishing world.

(2) They have placed before them a foundation of hope. The Lord Jesus Christ is placed before the sinner as a foundation-stone, on which he may build all his hopes of present and eternal blessedness. In and through Christ, we may confidently hope for pardon, peace, acceptance, holiness, and eternal glory.

(3) They have announced to them the message of hope. We read of the "hope of the gospel;" Col_1:23. Gospel is full of knowledge, full of love, and also it is full of hope. Its doctrines are designed lo give us hope. Its declarations, to inspire us with hope. Its promises, to fill us with hope. The very end of the gospel is, that we may have a good hope through grace. Gospel sent, not that men may despair and die, but that they may hope and live.

IV. Jesus Christ is a Stronghold where Prisoners of Hope will be secure.

A stronghold, or fortress. A place of safety from our enemies. In Christ we are,

1. Saved from sin.

"Call his name Jesus," &c.; Mat_1:21. "God, having raised up his Son Jesus Christ, sent him to bless you; by turning away every one of you from his iniquities;" Act_3:26. Saved from its guilt, by his forgiving grace; and from its pollution, by his Holy Spirit.

2. Saved from Satanic thraldom He delivers from the kingdom of dark ness’97binds the strong man’97makes the soul free indeed. "He proclaims liberty to captives," &c.; Luk_4:18.

3. Saved from condemnation.

"No condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus;" Rom_8:1-3. Justified freely, &c. Peace with God. Assurance of eternal life.

V. It is the true Interest of the Prisoners of Hope to turn to this Stronghold.

"Turn ye to the stronghold, ye prisoners of hope."

Now, what does this turning to the stronghold imply and include?

1. A right apprehension of our misery and danger.

To know and feel our true state. To be deeply sensible, that without help we must perish. To feel as the publican did’97as the dying malefactor did’97as the three thousand did’97as Saul did’97as the jailer did.

2. A believing application to Jesus Christ for acceptance and salvation.

He invites such to come to him. "Come unto me, all ye that are weary," &c.; Mat_11:28. Receiving the record given of him. Relying upon him. Depending entirely upon his precious merits for pardon, purity, and eternal life.

Application

Urge sinners to turn to him. Heartily, with all their souls. Believingly, and immediately, without delay. State dangerous. The day of sentence may be near. Soul everlastingly precious; and need not necessarily be lost. "Turn ye, then, to the stronghold."

Autor: JABEZ BURNS