Daniel 9:24

Redemption promised.

I. THE ASSURANCE OF REDEMPTION .

1 . It comes from God. We have sinned against God; yet it is he who purifies and renews us. God sends the calamities which are the chastisement of sin; but God also removes them, and restores his penitent people to his favour ( Psalms 103:3 , Psalms 103:4 ).

2 . It was determined long before it was accomplished. From the Fall the restoration was determined ( Genesis 3:15 ). Old Testament saints were comforted by the hope of it. All previous history prepared the way for it. Though "grace and truth came by Jesus Christ" ( John 1:17 ), they were not created at his advent. The gospel is not a revelation of new mercy, but a new revelation of God's eternal mercy ( Psalms 136:1 ).

3 . The time of its accomplishment was fixed beforehand. Though Christ did not come till long after sin had entered the world, he came at the most suitable time. He came when the world was prepared for his advent, and when men most needed him ( Galatians 4:4 ).

II. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF REDEMPTION .

1 . As regards the evil of the past.

2 . As regards the blessings of the future.

HOMILIES BY H.T. ROBJOHNS