274. JER 13:21. FUTURE PUNISHMENTS

Jer_13:21. Future Punishments

"What wilt thou say when he shall punish thee?"’97Jer_13:21.

The word of God addresses both our hopes and fears. It contains many precious promises of future glory and felicity to those who love and fear God. And it contains many fearful threatenings of future punishment to those who obey not the Gospel of Christ. The text rebates to future punishments, and contains a momentous interrogation, "What wilt thou say," when the threatenings are realized, the wrath inflicted?

I. Let us consider the Punishment supposed.

The holy nature of God, and his inviolable truth, render it absolutely certain, that all impenitent sinners will be punished.

Observe,

1. Sometimes it commences in the present world.

Antediluvians, Sodom, Pharaoh, Achan, Gehazi, Ananias and Sapphira, Herod, Inhabitants of Jerusalem, &c.

2. It will assuredly be inflicted after death.

See the parable of the rich man, was buried, and in hell lifted up his eyes, being in torments, &c.

3. It will be consummated at the judgment-day.

Then the body will be raised and reunited, and both body and soul be consigned to outer darkness, &c., &c. Mat_25:46. "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life, was cast into the lake of fire," &c. Rev_20:15. Psa_11:6; also Psa_10:17.

4. It will be proportionate.

Hence we read of some who shall be beaten with many, while others shall have few stripes. Every man will receive according to his works. Mat_19:27; Rom_2:6; Rev_2:23.

It is clear from the word of God,

5. That it will be everlasting.

Hence we read of "everlasting fire." Mat_18:8. "Everlasting punishment." Mat_25:46. "Everlasting destruction." 2Th_1:9. "Everlasting chains." Jdg_1:6. Hence we read, also, of the unquenchable fire. Mat_9:44.

Observe,

II. The Interrogation presented.

"What wilt thou say when he shall punish thee?" It is customary before the sentence of the law is passed upon the culprit, to give him an opportunity of stating any thing that may favor his interests, and avert the punishment. Now, place yourselves before the solemn tribunal; bring the events of the judgment powerfully before your eyes; imagine that your doom is pronounced, and it is a doom of everlasting wo: what will you say against the infliction, or in your own behalf?

1. Will you say it is unrighteous?

God cannot be unrighteous. All the hosts of heaven will exclaim, "Righteous and holy art thou, O Lord God almighty." Injustice in God is impossible; and this will be so clear to you, that you cannot plead this.

2. Will you say it is severe?

That it exceeds your desert? This would be cruelty, the very opposite of the benevolent nature of God. God is love, and the vilest shall not have a cup exceeding the claims of strict justice.

3. Will you say that you were not warned?

The events of providence will testify against you. Friends, ministers, conscience will all testify against you. Sabbaths, ordinances, weeks and years of probation, will testify against you. The mercy and long-suffering of God will testify against you.

4. Will you plead for a further period of trial?

"Have patience with me," &c. Alas! the day is over. The harvest is passed, and the summer ended. The solemn decree has gone forth: "He that is filthy, let him be filthy still," &c.

5. Will you confess your guilt, and seek mercy?

This is well in time, but fruitless in eternity. There is no throne of grace, no revelations of mercy, no promises, no Gospel, no Mediator.

6. Will you endeavor to resist the almighty arm?

Of what avail would be the combined energies of all creatures against that Being before whose presence the heavens and the earth flee away? He can destroy even by the brightness of his appearance. See Isa_27:4, Nah_1:5.

7. Will you endeavor to meet your doom with firmness?

Ah! the stoutest hearts will then quake Fear will come upon you as desolation and destruction as a whirlwind. Prov. i 27. See Rev_6:17.

Application

1. Future punishment may be averted Bless God that you are favored with time and opportunities; with mercy, and with gracious invitations. You may now escape the wrath to come. Now is the day 01 your visitation; now know the things which belong to your peace.

2. Timely repentance, and sincere faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, will infallibly preserve you from the wrath to come. Christ is the refuge; the hiding-place. In him you may have pardon, peace, and holiness here; and joy and endless life in he world to come.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS