Unbelievers stumbling; believers rejoicing

‘As it is written, Behold I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.’ Romans 9:33

Suggested Further Reading: 1 Peter 2:4–8

Who are they who shall never be ashamed? The answer is general and special. The text says, ‘Whosoever believeth’—that is, any man who ever lived, or ever shall live, who believes in Christ, shall never be ashamed. Whether he has been a gross sinner or a moralist; whether he is learned or illiterate; whether he is a prince or a beggar, it matters not—‘Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.’ Though you may very seldom come to the house of God, yet if you believe in Christ today you shall never be ashamed of him. You who have sat in God’s house for years, and feel yourselves guilty of having rejected Christ, yet if now you trust him you shall not be ashamed. But there is a speciality; it is ‘Whosoever believeth.’ Others shall be ashamed. There must be a real and hearty believing; there must be a simple confidence in the person and work of Jesus: wherever this is, there shall be no shame. One says, ‘But I have such a little faith; I am afraid I shall be confounded.’ No; you come in under the ‘Whosoever’—‘Whosoever believeth,’ though his faith be never so little, ‘shall never be ashamed.’ Another says, ‘But I have so many doubts.’ Still, dear heart, since you believe you shall not be ashamed; all your doubtings and your fearings shall never damn you, for your faith will prevail. ‘But,’ says another, ‘my corruption is so strong; I have come today lamenting because of my imperfections; they have obtained the mastery of my faith, and I have fallen during the week.’ Yes, soul, all fallen as you are, yet if you believe you shall never be ashamed.

For meditation: Whosoever trusts in the Lord Jesus Christ shall not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:15–16), shall not abide in darkness (John 12:46), shall receive forgiveness of sins (Acts 10:43) and shall not be ashamed (Romans 10:11). The opposite will be true of whosoever does not trust in him. Which ‘whosoever’ are you?

Sermon no. 571
22 May (1864)