The Prodigal Son 4 of 7 (The Father's Welcome)

In this sermon Rutherford charts God's magnificent ocean of love, mercy and forgiveness (as granted to repentant sinners, 2 Tim. 2:25); marking out those strong undercurrents of sovereign grace that constantly run throughout these great seas.

The section on the prodigal son's prayer is just classic -- as Rutherford sails into the deep waters of Scriptural exposition. Here he combines his expositional adroitness with a knowledge of practical holiness which can only stem from a mature experience of enjoying those calm seas of sun-filled communion with Christ -- known only by those ravished with His love. "Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck. How fair is thy love, my sister, my spouse! how much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices!" (Song 4:9-10).

Those who have agonized over holiness, truth and God's "dark" providences (especially under persecution and trial) will recognize some familiar waters of prayer here also -- waters often traversed amidst the roaring waves and the great and tumultuous tempests of restless seas. Also covered are some extremely convicting Scriptural observations aimed at hypocrites (feigning Christianity or just outright deceived) as well as unregenerate moralists.

For additional material by Samuel Rutherford please visit SWRB's home page at the "Outside Web Link" below.