29 March 2009

Text: Joel 3

I WILL ACQUIT THEM

(I) THE CONCLUDING WORDS IN THE BOOK OF JOEL

“But Judah shall abide forever,
And Jerusalem from generation to generation.
For I will acquit them of the guilt of bloodshed,whom I had not acquitted;
For the LORD dwells in Zion.” Joel 3:20-21

1. Most significant subject

The subject of sin and its forgiveness

2. Most wondrous promise

Judah and Jerusalem to abide forever

3. Most profound declaration

Acquittal from the guilt of bloodshed

(II) WHERE THERE IS NO ACQUITTAL

1. There will be judgment

2. This judgment will descend on all guilty of wickedness

“…Because of violence against the people of Judah,
For they have shed innocent blood in their land.” Joel 3:19

3. Examples:-

a) Egypt

“Egypt shall be a desolation…” Joel 3:19a

b) Edom

“…And Edom a desolate wilderness…” Joel 3:19

(III) HOW WOULD GOD BRING ABOUT ACQUITTAL? (cf. Romans 3:21-26)

1. The righteousness of God is the subject here (Romans 3:21)

2. This righteousness of God is given to all who believe in Jesus (Romans 3:22)

3. This justification is made possible through the grace of God (Romans 3:24)

4. God’s forbearance is evidenced (Romans 3:25)

5. God passes over all our sins previously committed (Romans 3:25)

(IV) A GLORIOUS INVITATION TO RECEIVE GOD’S ACQUITTAL

“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,
That is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

1. The offer of reconciliation to God

2. The offer of not imputing a penalty on our trespasses

(V) AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST

“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20

1. God speaking through His human ambassadors

2. God offers reconciliation

3. This reconciliation is made possible through Christ Jesus