Zeal For The Salvation Of Sinners

Adapted From  A  Sermon By

George Burder

Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.

(Romans 10:1 ESV)

With Romans 10 verse 1 as our text this morning, our subject adapted from a sermon by George Burder is:  Zeal For The Salvation Of Sinners.

True religion consists mainly in love to God, and love to man: and wherever one of these is found there will be the other also. It was love that brought the Savior down from the throne of glory to this mean and wretched world, that he might "seek and to save the lost."{Luke 19:10} While he lived on earth, "he went about doing good;"{Acts 10:38} and when he returned to heaven he commanded his ministers and people to follow his example, and to do good to all men as they had opportunity. 

The Apostles and first Christians gladly obeyed, and were very active in spreading far and wide the knowledge of their gracious Master and his great salvation. Among these, the apostle Paul was one of the most zealous, as his great labors and affectionate writings fully testify. Our text is an expression of his strong desires for the salvation of Israel, or the Jews, who were his countrymen; and the particular reason of his anxiety about them was, because he knew they were not in the way to obtain salvation. 

It is true, they had a zeal for religion, but it was not a zeal according to knowledge. They were under a very fatal mistake, which was their seeking salvation by their own works, for they "stumbled over the stumbling stone,"{Romans 9:32} as, sadly! many people called Christians still do. Knowing therefore their danger of being eternally lost, he expresses his feelings in these words “My heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved." 

And I hope and trust we are moved by the same desire. If any one should wonder, and it is natural and proper for one to do so, why it is that we come here to pray and sing, and read a sermon; we humbly reply, for no other reason upon earth than this, that we may promote your salvation; that we may stir you up to consider your need of it; that we may show you, from the Gospel, the only true way of it; and that we persuade you to seek it immediately.

Let us now consider from these words,

I. That serious Christians plainly see the dangerous state in which many of their neighbors are.

II. That they earnestly desire their deliverance from it.

I. We observe, that serious Christians plainly perceive the dangerous state of unconverted sinners around them. We cannot tell what the grace of God may do in the future for the worst of men; and the conditions of some may be doubtful; but in many cases, it is too evident that men "are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity,"{Acts 8:23} as the apostle Peter said to Simon the magician: at least, so much may be perceived as fully justifies our fears on their behalf. Now this sad condition of men appears,

1. From their living in open sin: for indeed, "the sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment,"{1 Timothy 5:24} some proclaim their sin as Sodom, and glory in their shame. The apostle Paul says, "the works of the flesh are evident," among which he names "sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, fits of anger, envy, and drunkenness."{Galatians 5:19-21} Our Savior has directed us to judge of men by their fruits; for "every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit;" and he adds, (observe his solemn words,) "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."{Matthew 7:17, 19} We are forced to conclude, therefore, that "if men live according to the flesh they will die;"{Romans 8:13} that if they take the easy way, it must lead to destruction;{Matthew 7:13}  and that "the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God."{1 Corinthians 6:9} Some men are evidently "men of the world," "servants of sin," and captives of Satan; such to whom our Lord said, "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires."{John 8:44} When we see persons living in sinful pleasure, we know, they are "dead even while they live."{1 Timothy 5:6} How can we suppose the profane swearer has the fear of God, or that the he who forsakes church meetings has any regard for his soul!

2. Carelessness about religion is another alarming symptom of a graceless, and therefore, dangerous, state. There are many who have no concern about their souls or salvation. Like Gallio, they care for none of these things. But this carelessness is as strong a proof of being in a state of nature and of wrath, as living in open sin is; for it is written, "how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?"{Hebrews 2:3} To neglect this salvation is to omit all those duties which are necessary for a profitable hearing and keeping the word preached. How many are there, who every Sunday turn their backs on the house of God, where his Gospel is preached, and spend the day in idleness and sinful pleasure! How many are there, who are able to read the Bible, but who never look into that sacred book, that they may become wise to salvation! How many are there who never lift up their hearts to God, in prayer for his teaching and his mercy! Now, how shall such escape! Those who despised the law of Moses died without mercy; but to despise the Gospel is a greater crime, and deserves a greater punishment. Those who do not seek mercy now, according to the Gospel, will never have it. "Now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."{2 Corinthians 6:2} If this is neglected, let poor sinners expect no more to hear of mercy through all eternity.

3. Formality in religion is another evidence of being in a dangerous condition. There are some, who dare not omit all religious duties, public and private; but they are like the Pharisees, who “drew near with their mouth and honored God with their lips, while their hearts were far from him."{Isaiah 29:13} By many religions ceremonies "they cleaned the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they were full of greed and self-indulgence."{Matthew 23:25} How many say their prayers like parrots, without knowing their meaning! How many go to church only to see and be seen; and, when they come away, are full of amusement and folly; thinking no more of what has passed, and spending the rest of the day in worldly pass-times, or amusements! Others think, that because they belong to a good church, and have been baptized, and say their prayers, and take the Lord’s Supper, all is well with them; while they are strangers to heart-work in religion; were never alarmed on account of their sins; never humbled for their sins; never fled to Jesus for refuge from their sins; and never knew anything of that great change of heart, called, in Scripture, regeneration, or the new birth. Now, when we see our neighbors content with this poor empty form of godliness, and denying its power, we cannot but be deeply concerned on account of their danger.

4. There is another thing which alarms us on their behalf; that is when we see them receive, for truth, great and fundamental errors, as to the doctrine of religion. We know it is commonly said, that it does not matter what a man believes, as long as he lives a good life. But we testify against this opinion, as destructive of the souls of men. Did not the great Redeemer come into the world to enlighten it? Is he not the great Teacher, who, by his word and Spirit, reveals the will of God for our salvation? Has he not promised his people that they shall "know the truth, and the truth will set them free?"{John 8:32} And has he not said that his sheep hear and know his voice, but will not follow the voice of a stranger?{John 10:3, 4, 27} How then can error be harmless? The Scripture speaks of "destructive heresies"{2 Peter 2:1} as well as destructive vices. Surely, it is vastly important that we have right views of the blessed God, as to his holiness, justice, and mercy; that we might have right views of ourselves, as fallen, guilty, helpless sinners; and especially that we have right views of Jesus Christ, and of the nature and way of salvation through him by faith.

It was the lack of these that made the apostle Paul use the words of our text. The Jews rejected Christ and his righteousness, and "sought to establish their own,"{Romans 10:3} thus they stumbled at Christ; and the apostle Paul knew, that if they died in this state they must perish forever: and this led him to say, "My heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved." And this leads us to observe, in the next place,

II. That serious Christians earnestly and sincerely desire the salvation of their neighbors, whom they thus perceive to be in a dangerous state.

If love to our neighbors requires that we should pity and help them in times of sickness, poverty, or any other kind of temporal distress, how much more then should we care for his soul, and labor to prevent his eternal ruin! All the love and politeness that worldly men show to their neighbors is for the perishing body; while they do not care for the soul, but perhaps contribute much to its eternal destruction. But if the love of God is poured out into our heart,{Romans 5:5} the salvation of souls will be the first object we have in view, and how happy will we be, if we can in any way be instruments in their future happiness; for,

1. We tremble to think of their future misery.

We know assuredly, that "the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men."{Romans 1:18} We certainly know that all men are born in sin, and are children of wrath; and that without an interest in Christ by faith, and a heart changed by grace, no man will see the Lord; that “the wrath of God remains on every unbeliever,"{John 3:36} and that "there will be wrath and fury, tribulation and distress for every human being,”{Romans 2:8, 9} who dies in his sins, impenitent, unpardoned, unrenewed. 

Now, can we think of our relations, our friends, our neighbors, being in this state, without pitying them, praying for them, and exhorting them to "flee from the wrath to come?"{Matthew 3:7} It is impossible! If any man can, “how does God's love abide in him?”{1 John 3:17} When our compassionate Savior paid his last visit to Jerusalem, and from a hill beheld that great and wicked city, which, on account of unbelief, was to be destroyed in about forty years, he wept over it; though then surrounded with a multitude, crying "Hosanna,"{Matthew 21:9} he lamented over it with tears, saying, "Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes."{Luke 19:42} 

And may we not be permitted, with some small portion of the same love and compassion to our perishing neighbors, to say, O how happy would it be for you, now to know those things, which are necessary to your present peace and everlasting salvation; lest, before long, God should deprive you of the means of grace, and give you up to the blindness of your minds and the hardness of your hearts! It would shock us beyond measure to see one of you burning in a great fire, were it but for a few minutes; but who can think without horror of everlasting burnings? We therefore would, as the apostle Jude speaks, "save you by snatching you out of the fire;"{Jude 1:23} or, as the apostle Paul speaks, "knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others.”{2 Corinthians 5:11}

2. As we wish to prevent your future destruction, so likewise we earnestly desire that you may share with us in the joys and glories of the heavenly world.

We believe “there is a reward for the righteous;"{Psalm 58:11} that "the pure in heart shall see God;"{Matthew 5:8} that "in his presence there is fullness of joy; at his right hand are pleasures forevermore."{Psalm 16:11} We believe that Christ is gone to heaven to prepare rooms for his people,{John 14:2} and that in due time, they will be with him, to behold his glory, to enter into his rest, to sit down with him on his throne, and to wear a crown of glory. We humbly hope, through Jesus, to partake of these blessings, and we would gladly take all the world along with us. It is sad to think that anyone should despise the good land, ignore the invitations to Heaven, or expect it on false grounds. It is saddening to think that so many cling to the dust, and, for the sake of the short-lived pleasures of sin, and a portion of this world, are in danger of losing eternal joys. This therefore compels us to urge you to seek first the kingdom of God, and its righteousness, that you may also be admitted into the kingdom of glory.

3. We wish you to know and enjoy the present pleasures of true religion.

Let strangers to godliness say what they please, we maintain that the ways of wisdom are pleasantness, and her paths are paths of peace. Some of us have tried both the pleasures of sin and the pleasures of religion, and we can boldly say, there is more satisfaction in one hour's communion with God, than in days and months of sinful indulgence. We can say, with David, "A day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness."{Psalm 84:10} A good hope through grace, a knowledge of the pardon of our sins, a persuasion of the favor of God towards us, a belief that all things are working together for our good, and that we will go to heaven when we die; together with the actual delight we find in prayer, praise, hearing, reading, and conversation with the people of God—these are joys that satisfy and sanctify the mind, and, compared to which, all the frothy merry-making and carnal pleasures of the wicked are as worthless as children’s toys, and hurtful as the excesses of madmen. Believers  wish you therefore to be partakers of the grace of God, and say to you, as Moses to Hobab, "Come with us, and we will do good to you, for the Lord has promised good to Israel."{Numbers 10:29}

4. We desire the salvation of others on account of the glory of God, for which we feel ourselves concerned, and which will be promoted at each conversion of a lost sinner.

We are taught to pray, "hallowed be your name."{Matthew 6:9} Let God be glorified! And surely, when a poor sinner ceases to be a rebel against his Maker, throws himself at the feet of mercy, and swears allegiance to the God of his salvation, the Lord is glorified. Satan loses another subject, and one is added to the kingdom of Jesus. The love of Christ constrains us, and our loyalty to the King of heaven makes us long to see his kingdom flourish. We cannot tell of how vastly important may be the value of one converted soul: a wife, a husband, the children of the family, the relations, may all be the better for it; the gospel may be spread; more souls may be converted; and generations yet unborn may derive benefit from it. We would therefore endeavor to make one proselyte, not to our party, or any particular sect, but that Jesus may be exalted: for "blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen."{Psalms 72:19}

5. Again, we desire for the salvation of sinners for the sake of the good of the nation where we dwell.

True Christians. are the salt of the earth, that keep it from perishing. Sodom would have been preserved from destruction, if ten righteous men could have been, found in it. And may we not say, in these threatening times, "If the Lord of hosts had not left us offspring, we would have been like Sodom and become like Gomorrah?"{Romans 9:29} The prayers of God's people are a greater defence to their country than all its fleets and armies: and that kingdom is most likely to flourish, in which truth and righteousness most abound.

6. To say the truth, we are not without a little selfishness in this matter: for, beside all the reasons before mentioned, we have some view to our own peace and happiness.

We do find that the smallest service of Christ has refreshment in it. Our good Master does not send his servants on a warfare at their own expense. He that waters the souls of others shall himself be watered.{Proverbs 11:25} We think the conversion of a soul to God is the greatest honor and happiness, next to our own salvation, that we can enjoy; and though we know that no man has any claim upon God for what he does, all being unprofitable servants, that the best action of man has no merit in it, yet we believe that there is a reward of grace for the faithful servants of Christ, who has promised that so small a gift as a cup of cold water given to anyone, because he belongs to Christ, will not be forgotten; and as to those whom he employs in his work, "those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever."{Daniel 12:3} Let us now show in what manner a desire for the salvation of sinners ought to be expressed; for this desire, when true, will not be idle, but active, and will drive persons to earnest endeavors to accomplish it; and

1. By prayer.

The conversion of a soul, like the creation of the world, is the work of God alone. A real Christian is a new creature, "born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God."{John 1:13} The apostle Paul, therefore, in our text, mentions, not only his "heart's desire," but "his prayer to God" also. Those who truly pray for themselves, will pray for others too. If a husband or a wife has a partner who does not know the Lord, prayer will be immediately offered. If a parent has an ungodly child, like Abraham, he will cry, O that Ishmael might live before you! or like the poor man, “Lord, have mercy upon my son.”{Matthew 17:15} In this way Job rose early in the morning, and offered up ten offerings for his ten children; because he feared they had sinned against God in their feasts with each other.

2. We should urge our friends to come and hear the gospel.

Do not be ashamed to invite them to hear that word, which God has made his power to your salvation. When Christ called Andrew to be his disciple, Andrew soon invited his brother Peter; and the day after, when Christ called Philip, Philip soon found Nathanael, and invited him to come and hear Jesus. So, when the Lord sent Peter to preach to Cornelius, a Roman officer, he found Cornelius had called together his relatives and friends, and they were all gathered together in a private house, as you may be here, to hear all things which God had commanded Peter to preach. How many have had reason to bless God forever, that some kind friend first invited them to go and hear a gospel sermon! Practice this all of you, who have tasted that the Lord is gracious, say to others, "Oh taste and see, that the Lord is good." Sinners, as you all know, are very active to bring others into sin, and to invite them to all kinds of worldly activities; why should we not be more active to save souls, than sinners are to destroy them?

3. There is another way in which we should show our desire for the salvation of our fellow-creatures, and that is, by the Christian education of children, our own, and our neighbor's.

Abraham was commended of God for this.—"I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him;"{Genesis 18:19} and parents were ordered, by the law, concerning God’s commands, that they shall "teach them diligently to their children, and talk of them when they sit in their house, and when they walk by the way, and when they lie down, and when they rise."{Deuteronomy 6:7} If parents wish well to the souls of their children, they will try to inform their minds, bring them under the word, and restrain them as much as possible from worldliness, and other sins.  And to this we may add, constant regard to family worship, by those who are at the head of families. Surely, they care little for the souls of children who do not read the Scriptures daily, and pray with their families.

4. Personal exhortation is a great means of good to the souls of men.

"Exhort one another every day, as long as it is called today, that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”{Hebrews 3:13} How often has God blessed one sentence, spoken in his fear and love! A "a word in season, how good it is!"{Proverbs 15:23} O let us try, whenever we can, mildly to reprove sin; and give a hint on all proper occasions, in company, on journeys, at work, whereby we may prove, if the Lord bless it, the instrument of our neighbor's conversion.

5. To all this, one thing more must necessarily be added, and that is, a holy life.

Actions speak louder than words. "let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works," as well as hearing our good words, "and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."{Matthew 5:16} There is a testimony for God in the life of a holy man, that the wicked may despise, but cannot resist. In this way let all Christians publish the word of life, "so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by your conduct."{1 Peter 3:1}

APPLICATION.

And now consider: Is it the duty and practice of all real Christians to be affectionately concerned for the salvation of others? Should you not be much more concerned for your own salvation; you, who until now have totally neglected it? Carefully consider the value of your souls. Are you not sinners? And must you not soon receive the wages of your sins, unless they are pardoned for Christ's sake? And can you expect pardon without seeking it? Do be wise then. Rouse yourselves from your dreadful lethargy. Cry to God for his mercy and grace, lest you perish. This is the day of salvation. To you, the word of salvation sent this very moment. Would that it may not be sent in vain! Jesus Christ is a great and gracious Savior; he was never known to reject one perishing sinner who came to him for life. Let this be an encouragement to you to apply to him, and you will find him able and willing to save to the utmost.

From what has been said, we may learn the nature of true grace, how it opens the heart, and shows itself in love to God and man. This may provide some comfort to those who fear they are destitute of it. Ask your hearts whether they do not long for the salvation of your fellow-men and whether you do not, with Christ, angels, and all good men, rejoice in their conversion. If so, it is a good evidence of grace. On the contrary, those selfish souls, who can be content to go to heaven alone, while they do not care if all around them perish, while they make no one effort to rescue them from destruction; such persons have reason to fear; for if we do not love our neighbor whom we have seen, how can we love God whom we have not seen?{1 John 4:20}

Finally, let every serious hearer pay attention to the word of exhortation. See, in the apostle Paul, a pattern of holy zeal, and imitate it. Like him, let it be your heart's desire and prayer to God, that Israel may be saved. Look around you, and see, who is there to whom you may be useful. Consider by what means you may best advance the glory of the great Redeemer, by bringing souls to him. Remember that life is short, and all opportunities of usefulness will cease. Work then while it is day, for the night of death is coming, when no man can work. Serve your generation according to the will of God,{Acts 13:36} and then enter into the promised rest; where, with all the redeemed, you will glorify the riches of free grace to all eternity.