Eli and His Wicked Sons
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a shock that often results in a distrust of all who profess to teach the
Word of God. The message of the true servant of Christ is doubtfully
received. The question constantly arises, “Will not this man prove to
be like the one we thought so holy, and found so corrupt?”
In Eli’s reproof to his sons are words of solemn and fearful import:
“If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him; but if a
man sin against the Lord, who shall entreat for him?” Had their crimes
injured only their fellowmen, the judge might have made reconciliation
by appointing a penalty and requiring restitution; and thus the offenders
might have been pardoned. But their sins were so interwoven with
their ministration as priests of the Most High, the work of God was
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so profaned and dishonored before the people, that no expiation could
be accepted for them. Their own father, though himself a high priest,
dared not make intercession in their behalf; he could not shield them
from the wrath of a holy God. Of all sinners, those are most guilty
who cast contempt upon the means that Heaven has provided for man’s
redemption, who “crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and
put him to an open shame.”
Hebrews 6:6
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