Sin of Sodom and Gomorrah
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be left to destruction. Instead of thankfully accepting deliverance, she
presumptuously looked back to desire the life of those who rejected
the divine warning.
There are Christians who say, “I do not care to be saved unless my
companion and children are saved.” They feel heaven would not be
heaven without the presence of those who are so dear. But have those
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who cherish this feeling forgotten that they are bound by the strongest
ties of love and loyalty to their Creator and Redeemer? Because our
friends reject the Saviour’s love, shall we also turn away? Christ has
paid an infinite price for our salvation, and no one who appreciates its
value will despise God’s mercy because others choose to do so. The
fact that others ignore His claims should arouse us to greater diligence,
that we may honor God and lead all whom we can to accept His love.
Sodom Destroyed
“The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar.”
The bright rays of morning seemed to speak only prosperity and peace
to the cities of the plain. The stir of active life began in the streets;
men were going their various ways, intent on the business or pleasure
of the day. The sons-in-law of Lot were making merry at the fears and
warnings of the weak-minded old man.
Suddenly and unexpectedly as thunder from an unclouded sky, the
tempest broke. The Lord rained brimstone and fire upon the cities and
the plain. Palaces and temples, costly dwellings, gardens, vineyards,
and the pleasure-seeking throngs that only the night before had insulted
the messengers of heaven—all were consumed. The smoke went up
like a great furnace. The fair vale of Siddim became a place never to
be built up or inhabited—a witness to all generations of the certainty
of God’s judgments upon transgression.
There are greater sins than that for which Sodom and Gomorrah
were destroyed. Those who hear the gospel invitation calling to re-
pentance, and heed not, are more guilty than the dwellers in the vale
of Siddim. The fate of Sodom is a solemn admonition, not merely
to those guilty of outbreaking sin, but to all who are trifling with
Heaven-sent light and privileges.
The Saviour watches for a response to His offers of love and for-
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giveness with more tender compassion than that which moves the heart