Man’s Ruin and God’s Rescue

⁶ We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6  

Dear church,

I wanted to show us another gospel lesson in the middle of the Old Testament, and then share with you the lyrics to a wonderful song I found just this morning. We know that the gospel can be found throughout the entire Bible as the gospel is the main point of the entire Bible. When we as Christians continually emphasize the gospel, and share the gospel with others, it is because the Bible continually emphasizes the gospel. In this verse about the gospel we can see the practice, the peril, and the pardon of man.

Practice of man. “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; . . . iniquity.” The practice of man spoken of in this verse is a selfish practice, for it says man went “his own way.” This is how we all lived before Christ; our “own way”. It is also a popular practice, for “all” are doing it.

Peril of man. This sinful practice of man has put him in great peril. We were in great danger because our way was the wrong way. We went “astray”. This is not the way to heaven. Man is in peril because his way is a deadly way. The way of “iniquity” is the way of death, for “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Also man is in peril because his way is a condemned way. Man may call sin nice names, but that does not change the peril of sin. Changing the names on a bottle does not change the contents of the bottle, and if the bottle holds poison, the poison is just as dangerous with a nice name as it was with a truthful name. The Word of God gives sin the right names.

Pardon of man. “The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” This pardon is a Divine pardon. God laid our sins on His own Son. God provided the way of salvation. It was not man’s idea. This pardon is a merciful pardon, for man does not deserve the pardon. We do not deserve to be pardoned for we have gone our “own way” and rejected God’s way, yet God in His mercy provided for our rescue (see Colossians 1:13). This pardon is a vicarious pardon. This just means that our pardon comes through “Him” Who took our sins to the cross and died in our place. Finally this pardon is a sufficient pardon. Did you notice the word “all” at the end of the verse? This says salvation is available for anyone who comes to Jesus Christ and puts their faith in Him. The “all” who have “gone astray” can find pardon and peace with God through Jesus Christ.

After considering our previous practice and peril, does this not make the pardon that is in Jesus very precious? He is the “Cornerstone”, a very precious Stone to those who believe, and His rescue of us is very precious to us. In Jesus there is no condemnation, for He was condemned in our place, and this makes Him so precious to we who were previously in such peril. Now we praise His Name and there should be a desire within us to share Him with all we come in contact with. Here’s Peter’s commentary on Isaiah 53:6:

²⁴ He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. ²⁵ For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:24-25

The author of this hymn is unknown, but what powerful lyrics. This is my testimony. Is it also yours?

I was in sin’s prison, oh, so dark and cold
Like a lost sheep wandering from God’s eternal fold.
Then the door swung open, and He spoke to me,
“I have signed your pardon, now you may go free.”

Chorus
Jesus signed my pardon, this I surely know
Took my place at Calvary, now I won’t have to go.
All my life I’ll give to Him – He gave His for me
When He signed my pardon there at Calvary.

Since the Savior led me from that awful place
I can hear the angels as they sing Amazing Grace.
I know I was pardoned from my sin and shame
When I joined them singing, “Glory to His name.”

Chorus
Jesus signed my pardon, this I surely know
Took my place at Calvary, now I won’t have to go.
All my life I’ll give to Him – He gave His for me
When He signed my pardon there at Calvary.

Life is now worth living since I’ve been set free.
I’m so glad He was willing to save a wretch like me.
Now I have a mansion, not a prison wall.
Jesus signed my pardon, Jesus paid it all.

Chorus
Jesus signed my pardon, this I surely know
Took my place at Calvary, now I won’t have to go.
All my life I’ll give to Him – He gave His for me
When He signed my pardon there at Calvary.

Yes, Jesus signed my pardon – Jesus paid it all!

You are loved!

Mike Cleveland