Sermon Snippet – Our Sin and Our Savior
INTRODUCTION – Most of us are quite conversant with the first eight verses of Isaiah 6. Here we have a compelling glimpse of heaven and the holiness of God, the contrite response of a convicted sinner, and the cleansing empowerment by the Savior. However, we are probably not as familiar with the last five verses. Today from this chapter, let us draw three principles about our sin and our Savior.
1. SIN MAKES US UNCLEAN
In verse 5, Isaiah correctly understands that he has been “ruined” (this New International Version translation of “undone” is a good, powerful one) and that he is accursed before God (“woe” indicates the necessary judgment of God). The prophet in Isaiah 5:8-25 had pronounced “woe” upon the nation six times; now, he recognizes that he is also “unclean,” especially in light of the absolute holiness of God: “Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory.” The individual who suggests that he is not a sinner has added one more sin to a long list – the sin of lying. I John 1:10 starkly states, “If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” Isaiah, probably the most devout man of his day, acknowledged that sin had rendered him unclean. Each one of us must be honest and humbly admit that our sin has separated us from the wholly holy God.
2. SIN MAKES US INSENSITIVE TO SIN
Isaiah 6:9-10 reveals that the vast majority of people would reject the divine offer of forgiveness for sin. Sin is rebellion against God; if we will not confess this sin, then we are adding to our revolt against God – and He finds that callousness to be revolting! These verses are quoted in Matthew 13:14-15 and in Acts 28:25-27 to explain why so many reject the Gospel. The New Testament further clarifies that our sensitivity to sin can be diminished and can even die. Titus 1:15 tells us that man’s conscience can be “defiled.” Hebrews 10:22 states that the conscience can become “evil.” Even more disturbing is I Timothy 4:2, which says that the conscience can be “seared with a hot iron”; that is, it can become completely insensitive to sin. This teaching explains the unresponsiveness of many to the call of God. It also points us to the need for a genuine miracle of God’s grace for anyone to repent and be forgiven.
3. SIN MAKES EVERYTHING WORSE
Isaiah 6:11-12 records the sad truth: sin affects everything adversely. Romans 8:22 makes this absolute statement: “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain until now.” Sin is truly universal, for it has a negative impact upon the entire cosmos. God, or course, remains holy: He is unchanged (Hebrews 13:8). However, our sin did necessitate that God the Son die on the Cross in our places. His substitutionary atonement is a staggering reminder of the terrible consequences of sin.
CONCLUSION – Well, we have spent considerable time on our sin – the bad news. Where is the good news? Where is our Savior? Is there hope – certain hope? Yes, there is. First, the very name “Isaiah” reveals that our Savior is near, for it means “YAHWEH is salvation” (and the people of Isaiah’s day would have known that meaning). Second, his repentant response shows that saving forgiveness is immediately available. He was under the same “woe” as everyone else, but he was thoroughly cleansed of his sin. Third, Isaiah 6:13 makes it clear that at least some others would likewise repent and be restored to fellowship with God. Fourth, the New Testament clarifies that God the Savior of Isaiah 6 is God the Son, Jesus Christ. John 12:35-41 specifically states that Isaiah’s vision was an appearance of Jesus. Verses 42-43 are a probing warning to all: we can believe in a general sense that Jesus is the Savior but not “confess” and thus not be saved for eternity. Each one of us must acknowledge that we are sinners and that we need the Savior, Jesus Christ. Each one of us needs forgiveness, and the One Who offers that is Jesus. May each one of us “confess Him” as Savior.