Good Cheer for Sad Hearts
W. Armlet. Matthew 9:1-8 And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.… I. SIN — ITS RELATION TO THE BODY. Its sphere of action is in "high places; " mere matter cannot sin. It lives secretly in the soul, but works terribly in the body. As sin works outward through the body, punishment strikes the body on its way to the seat of sin. Here is one of God's grandest temples lying in ruins; and God incarnate comes to restore it. He came not to deliver the body from the temporal consequences of sin, but the man from its power here, and its presence hereafter. II. SIN — ITS REMOVAL BY THE LORD. 1. It is by a free pardon that sin is removed and its eternal consequences averted. There is no other cure. 2. The Saviour to whom this needy man was brought has power to forgive sins. It is the acquired right of Him who bore the law's curse. 3. Christ has power to forgive on earth. While we are on this earth only. 4. The Son of Man hath power to forgive. The power lies in our brother's hands. 5. Christ the Saviour, in coming to a sinful man desires his safety hereafter, but also his happiness now — "Son, be of good cheer." Every man has his own way of seeking "good cheer"; some by money, lands, politics, war. (W. Armlet.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. WEB: He entered into a boat, and crossed over, and came into his own city.