“HE WILL SUBDUE OUR INIQUITIES.”
THERE are many poor souls who have hoped in God’s forgiving mercy and loving compassion, but who become discouraged because of repeated failure. “What is the use,” they will say, “to seek again God’s mercy, when repeated failure follows?” And truly there is but little use. But may there not be something wrong in the seeking? “According unto your faith, so be it unto thee,” is a Scripture rule. Is not the reason of failure the lack of faith? Have we not come to the Lord as children often come to parents, with the petition, “If you will forgive me this time, I will never do it again?” But such a proposition or promise shows a lack of both faith and knowledge. God must not only forgive our sins if they are to be taken away, but it is His power alone that can keep us. We can no more live a sinless life than we can forgive ourselves. We can no more walk on the water than we can lift ourselves to the surface of the wave. God alone can do either. He alone can forgive sin. He alone can conquer sin. In Him is our hope for every moment. Therefore declares the prophet: “Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger forever, because He delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, He will have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities.” Micah 7:18, 19. Here is hope for every fallen, stumbling, discouraged soul. Are you sinful?—He will forgive. Have you sinned repeatedly?—“He will turn again and have compassion” (R. V). Do you need repeated mercy?—“He delighteth in mercy.” He “taketh pleasure” “in those that hope in His mercy.” Ps. 147:11. But are there still other sins?—He will subdue your iniquities. Yea, He will conquer them all. Know that you are “without strength.” By faith lay hold of Him. Put yourself in His hands. Give all to Him. His power, His wisdom, His love, are all infinite. Do not be discouraged. “He will subdue your iniquities.” He will bring “into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” Go to Him with simplicity of heart, yield all to Him, take all from Him which He gives you, and eternal victory in Christ Jesus is yours. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” And faith believes the Word, “He will subdue our iniquities.”