The Gospel Invitation

(#72, Hinkley/Yermo, July 1949; Imperial, 1955, 1967)

Read Isaiah 55:1; Rev. 22:17

"'Come' is one of the most familiar words of the Bible.  It appears 642 times.  It is the keynote of the Bible.  Ever since man fell away from God, God has been calling him back.  "Come" differentiates Christianity from other religions.  Others religions say 'go and do'.  Christianity says 'come and I will do.'  As a servant of God I am throwing out this invitation as the Master did in the parable of the great supper who sent servants out to say 'Come, for all things are now ready.'"

Regeneration: Come unto me. (Mt 11:28; Isa. 55:1; Rev. 22:17)

The first "come" is to the lost, to those burdened with sin, to those thirsty for God.

w   This invitation is to 'whosoever will'. Rev 22:17

w   This invitation is 'free'. Rev 22:17

w   This invitation is to come as you are.

w   This invitation is to come "now". Luke 14:17

w   This invitation is to come and know He will not cast you out. Jn 6:37.

Renunciation: Come out.  (2 Cor 6:17)

This "come" is for the Christian, a call to separation.

    1.  The Christian is not of this world, Jn. 17:16.  He has a heavenly birth, heavenly home and heavenly position.

    2.  The Christian is sent into the world as Christ was sent into the world, Jn 17:18.  Christ was in the world to reveal the Father (Jn 1:18) and seek and save the lost (Lk 19:10).

Relaxation: Come ye apart.  (Mk. 6:31)

This invitation to believers is to desert places, alone with Christ, where we gain the power to live separated lives.

Restoration: Come and dine.  (John 21:12).

With Christ there is "food for the soul". (This chapter relates the story of Peter's restoration to service.)

Reward: Come and Inherit.  (Matt. 25:34)

God is preparing a Kingdom for believers.  One of these days He is going to say 'Come'.  This invitation is part of the gospel invitation and is given to all who answer His call.

Jesus: "Come unto me!"