Mark 3:22-30

Mark 3:22-30

1. We ought to notice how great is the evil of dissension and divisions.
2. We ought to notice what a glorious declaration our Lord makes in these verses about the forgiveness of sins.
3. We ought to notice that it is possible for a man's soul to be lost forever in hell.

"Nothing justifies separation from a church but the separation of that church from the Gospel. Let us be ready to concede much, and make many sacrifices for the sake of unity and peace."

"We may sometimes feel faint, and unworthy, and cast down. But if we have really come to Jesus by faith, our sins are fully forgiven. They are cast behind God's back--blotted out of the book of His remembrance--sunk into the depths of the sea. Let us believe and not be afraid."

"Of sin, worldliness, and the love of pleasure, we may well be ashamed. But we never need be ashamed of seeking to be delivered from an eternal hell."

Questions:

1. Are we eager to fight over any doctrinal issue that someone disagrees with us on or eager to unite with all who love the gospel of Jesus Christ and, as one author has said, “to reach over the fence and shake hands often” with those whom we disagree on issues not related to the gospel?

2. Do we believe that our sins freely pardoned and fully forgiven? If not, what stops you from turning to Christ even now? If you have, do you struggle to believe this from time to time? If this is you, put your full weight down on this glorious promise; cling to it believing the word of Christ rather than your fickle feelings!

3. Do we struggle to believe in an eternal hell? Are we tempted to find a thousand difficult arguments to do away with a clear teaching such as this? Does believing this doctrine cause us to flee to Christ and be ashamed of the sins that would send us to such an end? May it be so!