Breaking Barriers: The Path to True Salvation

 

Summary

In reflecting on the profound truths of Isaiah 59:1-2, it becomes evident that the barrier between humanity and God is not due to any deficiency in God's power or willingness to save, but rather due to our own iniquities. Many individuals find themselves in a state of spiritual stagnation, despite being diligent hearers of the gospel and even engaging in prayer. The issue lies not in God's ability to save, for His hand is not shortened, nor His ear heavy, but in the unconfessed and unforsaken sins that create a chasm between us and our Creator.

The heart of the matter is that salvation is readily available, yet it requires a genuine turning away from sin and a wholehearted turning towards God. The gospel is not merely about hearing and praying; it demands a transformation that begins with confession and repentance. Many are almost persuaded, standing on the brink of the Kingdom, yet they hesitate, held back by sins they have not fully surrendered. The call is to venture wholly upon Christ, to test His promise of salvation, and to experience the cleansing power of His blood.

The message is clear: salvation is not hindered by God's inability or unwillingness, but by our own reluctance to let go of sin. Whether it is unconfessed sin, unforsaken sin, or even sins we are unaware of, these are the barriers that prevent us from experiencing the peace and joy of salvation. The challenge is to examine our hearts, to confess and forsake all known sin, and to seek God's grace to reveal and cleanse us from hidden faults. Only then can we truly experience the fullness of life in Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- The Barrier of Unconfessed Sin: Unconfessed sin creates a separation between us and God. It is essential to make a full and honest confession before God, acknowledging our sins without excuse. This act of humility opens the door to forgiveness and reconciliation with God. [17:23]

- The Necessity of Forsaking Sin: Salvation requires not only confessing sin but also forsaking it. Continuing in known sin while seeking God's grace is contradictory and hinders true peace. Genuine repentance involves a decisive break from sin. [20:19]

- The Danger of Secret Sin: Secret sins, even if hidden from others, are known to God and can prevent us from finding peace with Him. It is crucial to flee from these sins and seek God's cleansing to experience true salvation. [33:51]

- The Role of Intellectual Pride: Intellectual pride can be a barrier to salvation. Thinking we know better than God's Word can lead us away from the simplicity of faith. Humility and a childlike trust in God are essential for entering His Kingdom. [31:23]

- The Importance of Reconciliation: Strife and unforgiveness towards others can hinder our relationship with God. We must seek reconciliation with others to find peace with God, as malice and grace cannot coexist in the heart. [30:08]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to Isaiah 59:1-2
- [00:32] - The Unconverted Hearers
- [01:48] - The Dry Fleece Analogy
- [03:02] - The Almost Persuaded
- [06:29] - God's Unchanged Power
- [07:52] - The Call to Venture on Christ
- [10:00] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
- [12:02] - Witnesses of God's Saving Grace
- [14:00] - The Accusation Explained
- [16:34] - The Real Reason for Lack of Peace
- [18:25] - The Need for Confession
- [20:19] - Forsaking Sin for Salvation
- [23:32] - Unawareness of Sin
- [26:09] - Sins of Omission
- [30:08] - Reconciliation and Peace
- [33:51] - The Danger of Secret Sin
- [35:50] - Final Exhortation and Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Isaiah 59:1-2

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Isaiah 59:1-2, what is the reason for the separation between humanity and God? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on unconfessed sin? [00:09]
2. What analogy does the sermon use to describe people who hear the gospel but remain unchanged? How does this analogy illustrate their spiritual condition? [02:01]
3. In the sermon, what is said about the power of God to save? How does this challenge the belief that God might be unable or unwilling to save? [07:00]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon interpret the role of unconfessed sin in hindering one's relationship with God? What steps are suggested to overcome this barrier? [17:23]
2. The sermon mentions the necessity of forsaking sin for true salvation. What does this imply about the nature of repentance and its role in the Christian life? [20:19]
3. How does the sermon address the issue of intellectual pride as a barrier to salvation? What attitude is encouraged instead? [31:23]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there any unconfessed sins that might be creating a barrier between you and God? What steps can you take this week to address them? [17:23]
2. Consider a sin you have struggled to forsake. What practical actions can you take to decisively break from this sin and seek God’s grace for strength? [20:19]
3. Have you ever experienced intellectual pride in your spiritual journey? How can you cultivate a more humble and childlike trust in God’s Word? [31:23]
4. Think about your relationships: Is there someone you need to reconcile with to remove any hindrance in your relationship with God? What steps can you take towards reconciliation this week? [30:08]
5. Are there any secret sins in your life that you need to bring into the light? How can you seek accountability and God’s cleansing to experience true peace? [33:51]
6. How can you ensure that your prayers are not hindered by unconfessed or unforsaken sins? What changes can you make in your prayer life to align with the sermon’s message? [19:12]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s call to venture wholly upon Christ. What does this look like in your daily life, and how can you take a step of faith this week to trust in His promise of salvation? [07:52]

Devotional

Day 1: The Barrier of Unconfessed Sin
Unconfessed sin creates a separation between us and God, acting as a barrier to experiencing His grace and forgiveness. It is not that God is unable or unwilling to save, but rather that our own iniquities stand in the way. A full and honest confession before God, acknowledging our sins without excuse, is essential. This act of humility opens the door to forgiveness and reconciliation with God. By confessing our sins, we allow God's cleansing power to work in us, restoring our relationship with Him and bringing us closer to His presence. [17:23]

Isaiah 1:18 (ESV): "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."

Reflection: What unconfessed sin might be creating a barrier between you and God today? How can you take a step towards confessing it to Him honestly and openly?


Day 2: The Necessity of Forsaking Sin
Salvation requires not only confessing sin but also forsaking it. Continuing in known sin while seeking God's grace is contradictory and hinders true peace. Genuine repentance involves a decisive break from sin, turning away from it and towards God. This transformation is not just about hearing the gospel or engaging in prayer, but about a wholehearted commitment to living a life that reflects God's holiness. By forsaking sin, we align ourselves with God's will and open ourselves to the fullness of His salvation. [20:19]

Ezekiel 18:30-31 (ESV): "Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, declares the Lord God. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel?"

Reflection: Is there a sin in your life that you have confessed but not yet forsaken? What practical steps can you take today to turn away from it completely?


Day 3: The Danger of Secret Sin
Secret sins, even if hidden from others, are known to God and can prevent us from finding peace with Him. These hidden faults can create a chasm between us and our Creator, hindering our spiritual growth and relationship with God. It is crucial to flee from these sins and seek God's cleansing to experience true salvation. By bringing these secret sins into the light, we allow God to heal and transform us, leading us to a deeper and more authentic relationship with Him. [33:51]

Psalm 19:12-13 (ESV): "Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression."

Reflection: Are there any secret sins in your life that you need to bring before God? How can you seek His help in overcoming them today?


Day 4: The Role of Intellectual Pride
Intellectual pride can be a barrier to salvation, leading us away from the simplicity of faith. When we think we know better than God's Word, we close ourselves off to the transformative power of His truth. Humility and a childlike trust in God are essential for entering His Kingdom. By setting aside our pride and embracing the wisdom of God, we open ourselves to His guidance and the fullness of His salvation. This requires a willingness to submit to God's authority and to trust in His plan for our lives. [31:23]

1 Corinthians 1:25-27 (ESV): "For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong."

Reflection: In what areas of your life might intellectual pride be hindering your faith? How can you cultivate a more humble and childlike trust in God today?


Day 5: The Importance of Reconciliation
Strife and unforgiveness towards others can hinder our relationship with God. Malice and grace cannot coexist in the heart, and unresolved conflicts can create a barrier to experiencing God's peace. We must seek reconciliation with others to find peace with God. This involves extending forgiveness, letting go of bitterness, and seeking to restore broken relationships. By pursuing reconciliation, we align ourselves with God's heart and open ourselves to the fullness of His grace and love. [30:08]

Matthew 5:23-24 (ESV): "So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."

Reflection: Is there someone in your life with whom you need to seek reconciliation? What steps can you take today to begin the process of healing and restoration?

Quotes



The heart of the matter is that salvation is readily available, yet it requires a genuine turning away from sin and a wholehearted turning towards God. The gospel is not merely about hearing and praying; it demands a transformation that begins with confession and repentance. Many are almost persuaded, standing on the brink of the Kingdom, yet they hesitate, held back by sins they have not fully surrendered. [00:04:00]

If you are not saved, it is not because God is unable to save you nor is it because he is unwilling to hear your prayers. Do listen to this word for it is God himself who speaks it. He knows whether his hand is pulsed or whether his ear is deaf, and he himself declares that his hand is not shortened that it cannot save and his ear is not heavy that it cannot hear. [00:07:22]

The real reason why you have not found peace, you who have sought it, is sin—not your sins in the abstract, for though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. No sin, whatever it is, shall ruin any man if he shall come to Christ for mercy. [00:16:41]

Permit me to ask whether you have made before God a full and complete confession of your sin. I do not insist that you should go into the details of every sin—that would be impossible—but there must be no cloaking or attempting to hide any sin from God. There must be no wish to excuse yourself or to make out what might be sin in others was less sinful in you. [00:17:18]

Some men know they are doing wrong, yet they will not quit it. They confess sin, yet still go on with it. They are half resolved to part with it, but they never really do so. They know that it is the right eye that offends, but they dare not pluck it out, and that it is the right hand that offends, but they will not cut it off. [00:19:47]

There is no real salvation except salvation from sinning, so your sin must be quitted. I put this question to any man here who is a hearer and a seeker and yet who does not find peace: is there not some sin that you have yet to abandon? If there be, God help you by his mighty grace to get rid of it at once. [00:21:47]

There are some who are hindered from finding peace, I do not doubt, through sin of which they are not aware. Oh, say you, that is rather a puzzling statement. Well, there is many a man who is living in sin without being aware that it is sin, and that may keep him back from finding peace with God. [00:23:32]

I fear that some of you people are not conscious of your sin because you do not want to know it. Where ignorance is bliss, you think it folly to be wise, but it would not be folly to be wise unto salvation. Some of you are losing comfort, losing years of usefulness, losing all certainty about heaven because you will not search the scripture. [00:25:01]

Perhaps some fail to find peace because they have an ugly temper. Some people are born with nasty tempers; they are a poor inheritance for anybody. I heard one say that he was sorry that he had lost his temper. I was uncommonly glad to hear that he had lost it, but I regretted that he found it again so soon. [00:28:39]

If you cannot be at peace with your fellow men, you cannot hope to be at peace with God. The Lord bids you leave your offering at the altar; he must not be insulted with it. First be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and seek peace with thy God. Malice in the heart is altogether inconsistent with grace, and it must be cast out. [00:30:08]

There are sins of intellect quite as surely as there are sins of ignorance. Some men know a great deal too much to go to heaven; that is to say, they think that they know better than their Bibles and better than their God. Their dear mother, now in heaven—oh, she was a poor simple-minded creature. Their father, stern in his integrity—oh, he is a bigot. [00:31:23]

Nobody knows of your sin; you have never been found out, yet it may be that you are living in the constant commission of some secret sin. By the love you bear to your own souls and by your desire to find Christ, I beseech you to flee from the evil thing. Escape for your life, flee from the wrath to come, and then lay hold on eternal life. [00:33:51]

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Transcript
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