James 5:19-20

HUMAN AGENCY IN THE SINNER’S CONVERSION TO GOD

‘Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.’

James 5:19

The text suggests for us the great object of Christian zeal, the means of its accomplishment, and presents us with some motives to engage in it.

I.—The great object of Christian zeal is the conversion of the sinner.—This implies, in general, a turning of the sinner from his sins to God. It must not be forgotten that the one great qualification for engaging in this work is a clear consciousness of our own acceptance with God. Thus we have it in David, ‘Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and uphold me with Thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors Thy ways, and sinners shall be converted unto Thee.’ But more particularly the conversion of the sinner implies—

(a) A change in the understanding;

(b) A change in the affections;

(c) A change in the will;

(d) A change in the life.

It is not mending, not reformation, but regeneration men need. And Scriptural conversion is being ‘created anew in Christ Jesus.’

II. The means by which this may be accomplished.

(a) The force of exhortation.—The power of speech is wonderful. The man who addresses men attacks at once the eye, the ear, the memory, the understanding, the conscience, the heart. To him, as to the lightning, all things are accessible.

(b) The management of your influence.—Every human being possesses over a certain number of his fellow-creatures an influence peculiarly his own, and for which he is responsible to God. And to every earnest Christian a thousand nameless opportunities will occur of saving souls from death by the right use of his influence.

(c) The power of example.—A holy life is a living, walking Bible—a ‘living epistle read and known of all men.’ If you live consistently and die triumphantly others will take knowledge of you that you have been with Jesus, and may be constrained to follow your example.

(d) The importunity of prayer.—It is probable that this was the principal thought in the mind of St. James when he penned these words. And here is a most powerful instrument of good always within your reach. Time would fail to tell the wonders prayer has wrought.

III. The motives presented in the text for engaging in this great work.—‘Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.’ The work is Divine, the instrumentality is human. He ‘converts’ the soul only as the instrument which the Holy Ghost employs. He ‘hides the sins’ only as leading the sinner to Christ, ‘the Lamb of God Which taketh away the sins of the world.’ He ‘saves the soul from death’ only as securing his acceptance of ‘the gospel of Christ,’ which alone ‘is the power of God unto salvation.’

(a) Much evil shall be removed.—‘He shall hide a multitude of sins.’ The word rendered ‘hide’ has a twofold meaning, viz. to withdraw from sight and to withhold from sight—to hide by covering and to hide by prevention. Think what sins are withdrawn from sight, blotted out so that Divine justice sees them no more, when any sinner is converted.

(b) Much good shall be conferred.—‘He shall save a soul from death.’ Think of a human soul. Think of the Divinity of its origin, the price of its redemption, its eternal duration, the extent of its powers, and capability of pleasure or pain even in this world, and above all think of its everlasting growth—the power of endless progressive life within it!

(c) Much joy shall be imparted.—‘Let him know’ for his comfort, his joy, his present and future bliss. Living, praying, giving, working for souls, itself gives great pleasure. But when the effort is crowned with success the pleasure is unspeakable; a pleasure such as only they who enjoy it know. Every soul you are instrumental in saving is a new spring of joy to you for ever. ‘For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For ye are our glory and joy’ (1 Thessalonians 2:19).

Illustrations

(1) ‘The Rev. Rowland Hill once introduced Dr. Jenner, the discoverer of vaccination, to a nobleman in these terms: “Allow me to present to your lordship my friend, Dr. Jenner, who has lately been the means of saving more lives than any other man.” Dr. Jenner bowed, and said with great earnestness, “Ah! would, like you, I could say souls!” ’

(2) “ ‘If one convert him.” There is here a distinct recognition of the influence of mind over mind, that principle of dependence and of oversight which is involved in our mutual relationship as members of one family. Not the least of the endowments which make up our solemn stewardship is this mysterious and inseparable power of influence, one of the most important talents entrusted to us, and of which we shall have to give account at the judgment-seat of God. It is of universal bestowment; we are none of us without it. Your sphere is narrow, you say; your influence is small; you can do nothing for Christ. One acorn is a very insignificant thing, but the majestic oak is its development of strength; one little rippling wavelet makes no account, but it is carried to the springtide, and the springtide were not perfect without it; one raindrop is hardly noticed as it falls, but it is enough for one rosebud’s life to make it blow. There is not one of you, however small and scanty and narrow your influence, who may not, by patient and prayerful toil, become a wise winner of souls.’