Classic Sermon Outlines
Forgiveness of Sin as a Debt
4, As the trespasser is indebted to the trespassed. We have broken through the fences and bounds which God by His commands has set for us; therefore we are trespassers in debt to God.
5. As the debt of a covenant breaker. We have by solemn promise engaged ourselves to be the Lord's and to obey Him, but we have broken our covenant with God, so we are in debt to Him.
6. As the debt of a malefactor to the law and to the government when he is found guilty of treason or felony and consequently the law is to have its course against him.
7. As the debt of an heir-at-law upon his ancestor's account, that is, of a son who is liable to his father's debts after his death as far as his inheritance will go. By Adam's disobedience, we were all made sinners.
8. As the debt of a surety upon account of the principle. The guilt we have contracted by partaking of other men's sins, by being partners with them in sin.
B. The Nature of the Debt of Sin.
1. It is an old debt. The foundation of this debt was laid in Adam's sin and consequently we were born in debt.
2. It is a just debt. No matter how high the penalty is with which we are loaded it is less than our iniquities deserve.
3, It is a great debt. Until we return to God in repentance we continue to add to our debt, treasuring up unto ourselves guilt and wrath against the day of wrath.
C. The Nature of the Debtors.
1. Careless and unconcerned. Bad debtors are oftentimes careless and unconcerned about their debts. Thus sinners deal with their convictions, diverting them with the business of the world or drowning them in pleasures.
2. Wasteful. Sinners make waste of their time and opportunity and of the noble powers and faculties with which they are endued.