Reading Classics Together - The Seven Sayings (Chapter 1)
Today those of us who have embarked on a project to read some Christian classics together are going to be looking at the first chapter of A.W. Pink’s The Seven Sayings of the Saviour on the Cross. You can read more about this effort here: Reading the Classics Together. Last week we began our eight-week study of this book by looking at the Introduction to the book. This week we move on to the first chapter.
Summary
The first of the Savior’s words from the cross is the one we most need to hear. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” This is Jesus’ word of forgiveness, offered to the Father on behalf of those who had fastened Him to that cross. In these first words we see Jesus, even in His deepest agony, in an attitude of prayer, interceding for those whom He loves.
In this chapter Pink unravels all that Jesus meant in these few words. Here we see…
- …fulfillment of the prophetic word.
- …Christ identified with His people.
- …the Divine estimate of sin and its consequent guilt.
- …the blindness of the human heart.
- …an exemplification of Jesus’ own teaching.
- …man’s great and primary need.
- …the triumph of redeeming love.
Discussion
I had read only the first sentence before I needed to stop. “Man had done his worst.” I guess I knew this already—that what man did to Jesus was the worst thing he had ever done or could ever do. In fact, I mentioned this in a sermon just a few short weeks ago. But somehow this simple sentence just made me stop and consider that there really is nothing man could ever do, ever, in any situation, ever!, that could be worse than this. All of the horrible crimes we read about in the news and all of the disgusting events we read about in history, pale in comparison to this act of slaughtering the Son of God. No evil scheme any man could dream up could be worse than this. It is the most awful event in all of history and the most awful event that ever could be. How could man even scheme something so evil as to put to death the very Creator of the world? And what kind of God would humble Himself to suffer such humiliation and to face such pain?
I paused again on the next page when I read this, Pink’s reflection on Jesus being in prayer upon the cross: “No longer might those hands minister to the sick, for they are nailed to the cross; no longer may those feet carry Him on errands of mercy, for they are fastened to the cruel tree; no longer may He engage in instructing the apostles, for they have forsaken Him and fled—how then does He occupy Himself? In the Ministry of Prayer! What a lesson for us.” From here he encourages Christians who may be overcome by age and sickness and who may feel that their years of ministry are over. He encourages them to use these times to engage in this ministry of prayer. Who knows, but you may “perhaps accomplish more by this than by all your past active service. If you are tempted to disparage such a ministry, remember your Savior. He prayed, prayed for others, prayed for sinners, even in His last hours.” And what an encouragement this must be—and what a challenge it is—for us. Even when we feel like we have nothing to offer, we can go to our knees and plead for others before the throne. This “invisible” ministry is one that is far more powerful than we know and one whose results we may only know in eternity. But what a blessing it was that Jesus prayed even while on that cross.
And all this before even getting to the heart of the chapter. I suppose I will stop here and leave it to others to reflect on the seven points laid out by Pink. But first I’ll say just one thing. On a couple of occasions I’ve expressed my view that forgiveness is conditional—that God only expects us to forgive those who have repented of their sin. It would seem from this chapter that Pink would agree. Perhaps ironically, I am a bit less sure now than I used to be that this is always the case, but I did enjoy reading Pink’s rationale for such an understanding.
Next Time
We will continue next Thursday with the second chapter of the book and look at Jesus’ word of salvation.
Your Turn
As always, I am eager to know what you gained from even just the Introduction to the book (click here to read some comments from readers about the Introduction). Feel free to post comments below or to write about this on your own blog (and then post a comment linking us to your thoughts). Do not feel that you can only say anything if you are going to say something that will wow us all. Just add a comment with some of the things you gained from the chapter.
Comments (17) »
1. Staci at Writing and Living
May 1, 2008
9:57 AM
I was struck by his comments on the ministry of prayer and his view that forgiveness is conditional. I’m not sure if I agree with that, but I enjoyed reading his thoughts.
My favorite part of the chapter, though, was the last two paragraphs. Instead of writing a post on my blog giving my thoughts, I ended up just quoting the last two paragraphs.
Chapter 1 at Writing and Living
2. Leslie
May 1, 2008
10:29 AM
Beginning the day with a reminder of the triumph of redeeming love was wonderful!! I am in Christ and my forgiveness is complete because He died on that terrible, wonderful Cross. Thank you, Jesus, for your word of forgiveness.
3. Matt
May 1, 2008
10:51 AM
Appreciated Pink’s evangelistic appeals! Perhaps one wouldn’t immediately think of this book to give to an unsaved friend. But I can envision the Spirit of God working mightily through the appeals Pink makes.
Pink’s discussion of “never before had He [Christ] involved the Father’s forgiveness of others” was something I had never considered before. Implications here when we think about Christ’s emptying (Philippians 2).
As Pink linked this statement to Acts 3:17, I thought of Paul’s words to the Athenians in Acts 17:30, “The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he calls all people everywhere to repent.” (esv) How do “the times of ignorance God overlooked” compare to the sin through ignorance (not overlooked) to which Pink refers?
4. Matt W.
May 1, 2008
11:31 AM
I imagine this will be a popular posting point, but I too was greatly encouraged by Pink’s exhortation to prayer. As he was describing what Jesus did in his final hours, I was thinking of just how many of my neighbors, family members and friends that well honestly I seem to have given up on. What an encouragement to think of what might happen just through prayer in their lives.
The other point that I really hit home from the chapter, was 2) Christ identified with his people. At first as I read this header I thought that Pink was coming in from way in left field, but as I read his rationale I saw just where he was getting this from. To think of how Christ as our substitute no longer could exercise his “divine prerogatives” struck me. There he was on the cross lifted up and interceeding for sinners before God. What a savior we have!
5. Jeri
May 1, 2008
11:42 AM
I loved this…”Mark carefully His own words, and then behold the marvelous accuracy of Scripture. He had said, ‘The Son of Man hath power on the earth to forgive sins’…But He was no longer on earth! He had been lifted up from the earth” (page 23.) Pink always offers great food for thought and reflection.
On the conditional forgiveness issue…I still think that Pink’s position is right, but when we in our day and time speak of forgiveness, we really mean the obligation to love and pray for our enemies, and not personally hold their wrongdoing against them. So I’ve come to think that it’s probably not really helpful to make an issue of it in talking to people. Sometimes it may be helpful for people to understand that in forgiving an unrepentant person who has wronged them, they’re not being asked to change or erase history somehow. The person still was wrong and really did wrong them. But in loving and praying for and doing good to that person, they are imitating the Lord and leaving room for God’s dealings with that person, hopefully even His bringing them to repentance.
This was a very moving and encouraging chapter. I’m looking forward to the next one.
6. Chris Giammona
May 1, 2008
11:56 AM
I found this chapter to be very helpful in further understanding forgiveness.
I was thankful to be reminded that no one is beyond the reach of prayer and to never lose hope. As an Elder, I am involved in a church discipline situation that has been in process for over 2 years (long story). After such a long period of time, you start to believe that repentance is not possible and prayer is not working (though in your heart, you know that is not the case). This was a reminder for me to remain diligent in prayer for this person.
Where I disagreed with Pink is on the question: is forgiveness dependent on repentance. Tim posted on this (2/15) titled “Is Forgiveness Conditional or Unconditional” and I am still not convinced. Pink’s rationale is certainly one side of the discussion. Other passages in scripture (e.g. Mark 11:25) seem to offer a different perspective.
At times, we need to distinguish between forgiveness and reconciliation or restoration and the timing between the two. Your heart attitude (internal granting of forgiveness) compared to the external granting of forgiveness based on the repentance of the person who sinned. For example, in the case of Joseph, he forgave his brothers (in his heart) long before he was able to externally forgive them for their sin. I see the first as unconditional and the second as conditional.
Overall, I am really enjoying Pink’s insights into the nuances of the Biblical texts.
7. Isaac
May 1, 2008
11:57 AM
The beginning of this chapter literally put tears in my eyes. I don’t remember the last book that has done that.
This has certainly caused me to rethink what I know about my forgiveness towards others. Pink’s argument is compelling. If we are to only forgive those who have repented, yet, we are not to bear ill will towards them, what does it really mean to forgive my neighbor? How does that period of not forgiving..pre-repentance, differ from the state of forgiving my neighbor?
These are things I’m going to be chewing on this week. Yours or anyone’s thoughts on this are greatly appreciated!
8. Kay
May 1, 2008
12:00 PM
‘…He (Christ) also taught us never to regard any as beyond the reach of prayer.’ ‘…never lose hope.’ (p20)
My wealthy, Jewish, 75 year old mother in law, put her trust in Christ last week on April 23, 2008 in New Orleans, LA. My husband was a new believer when we were married 21 years ago. Throughout all of these years he has told me that his mother would ‘get saved’. He had confidence that she would come to Christ. I, however, didn’t think it was likely and I had little hope. But God allowed me to be the one who sat with her and witnessed her salvation experience. There aren’t words to express how this has affected my life and my family. I’ve been thinking of other family members, friends, and neighbors that I have ‘dropped the ball’ and not been very faithful in praying for their salvation. Not now. Things have changed!
Thanks to Pink’s writing to affirm that Christ set the example during His final moments to pray for others and to ‘never lose hope’.
9. Mrs. J.D.Darr
May 1, 2008
12:28 PM
Loved all the thoughts! I, too, got teary-eyed at the beginning of the chapter…he was unwanted, unlovely, unfit for any room at the inn…
I loved Pink’s view of forgiveness. We have an extended family member who has said and done evil towards us. We allow them to come over to see our son, we spend time with them, we care for them as best we can…we pray for them and do not do the things to them that they do to us…BUT, we do not allow them free reign. We confronted them on their words and deeds, yet they say they have done no wrong…our own 9 year old son has even asked that this adult person leave his room on 3 different occasions…this person is free to act and say as they please, but they are not free to choose the consequences…hence, they are not allowed to come over too often, and they are not forgiven (they haven’t even asked) oh well…
10. Cliff
May 1, 2008
5:51 PM
“No ordinary death would suffice his implacable foes. A death of intense suffering and shame was decided upon.” These words are only the first in this chapter covered with green highlighter. My women’s Bible study has been studying the Life if Christ and being almost to the end we are looking at the crucifixion. One of the questions this week is, “Why did Jesus ask the Father to forgive”. Mr. Pink’s discussion of this very question is wonderfully laid out and was very helpful to me. Jesus was no longer in the place of authority, he had given up his divine prerogatives and because of his position at that point he became a suppliant before the Father. This chapter was a treasure. I’m greatly anticipating reading on.
11. John
May 2, 2008
8:28 AM
I found Pink’s comments on forgiveness extremely comforting as I am sure we all have had friends and family who have privately or openly sinned against us and as much as I try and maintain a heart felt forgiveness towards those who wronged me I know that there can be no full restoration of the relationship until they repent and ask for forgiveness. Also notice that Pink ask “Does Scripture teach that under all circumstances we must always forgive” is the context in which he says “emphatically, it does not”. The heart must always be ready to forgive but to grant total restoration of the relationship must always be preceded by repentance.
12. Richard
May 2, 2008
10:19 AM
We all act in rebellion and transgress the law of God. Thus, we commit crimes against God even with our most “respectable” sins (i.e. anger, impatience, selfishness, discontent, and the like).
As I reflect on God’s holiness and righteouness, I am always led to further know His infinite grace and love towards us as manifest in the crucifixion. We, being evil, put to death the holy Son of God; and, should always and everywhere “praise Him for an atonement of infinite sufficiency, which cleanseth from all sins.” Such a great forgiveness should lead us to pray and be quick to forgive others.
Richard
13. Bill
May 2, 2008
10:33 AM
I am getting in a bit late but I just purchased the book for my new Kindle and I am going to catch up right now.
Looking forward to it.
14. Scott D. Andersen
May 2, 2008
10:55 AM
Loving this book. Great stuff for much reflection and mediation. Thanks for all the comments above regarding Forgiveness conditional or not. Pink pointed out at least the following two connections for me that I had not considered from this prayer from a comparison to Acts chap 2 and 3. How He said “they know not what they do.” and then in Act 3.17 ” And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.” And also how the prayer was answered later in how the 3000 were saved in Act 2.41.
Also, there was a footnote at the end of the chapter that I really appreciated where Pink distinguished between judicial forgiveness of sin and restorative forgiveness of sin.
Also I had never considered the representative nature or substitutionary nature of the prayer “Father forgive..” which Pink points out as the first time Jesus asked the Father to forgive. I’m still considering that one. I think I remember though, that Pink pointed out this was also a mediatorial prayer - made by our Saviour’s in his mediatorial office. There is one mediator between God and Men..
There is something dramatically different in God’s forgiving - who alone has power to forgive - and our injunction to also forgive. We cannot think that we forgive in the same way that God does - judicially or with remission of sin actually.
15. Thomas Sullivan
May 3, 2008
5:08 AM
Matt wrote:”Appreciated Pink’s evangelistic appeals! ” Interesting comment, since this book was written right after his book on the Sovereignty of God. In that book Pink is charged with not holding the doctrine of the free offer of the gospel to the non-elect - and the Banner of Truth revised the book to reflect his later learning. But if you examine his preaching from those years, he did seem to be evangelistic. See “Letters of an Itinerant Preacher” by Rich Barry Press for proof.
Pastor Chris: I am confused by your comments… “Where I disagreed with Pink is on the question: is forgiveness dependent on repentance. Tim posted on this (2/15) titled “Is Forgiveness Conditional or Unconditional” and I am still not convinced. Pink’s rationale is certainly one side of the discussion. Other passages in scripture (e.g. Mark 11:25) seem to offer a different perspective.”
I reread Pink’s words and the Bible quote of Matthew 17.
A W Pink “Does scripture teach that under all circumstances we must always forgive?”
You stated that you are an elder involved in a church discipline case for two years… You are not saying that you would forgive the offender irregardless of his repentance? If so, why discipline? Please elaborate.
16. David Porter
May 3, 2008
8:41 PM
Here is a link to my thoughts on this chapter:
http://www.boomerinthepew.com/2008/05/the-first-words.html
This is a lot to chew on in this chapter. I will be looking at what forgiveness really means.
I appreciate everyones thoughts on this matter. Before I speak, I need to read, pray, meditate and seek God’s wisdom in this matter.
17. James
May 6, 2008
11:02 AM
Slightly late this week in getting round to reading the chapter. One thing that struck me particularly was something that I had never noticed before - …”Mark carefully His own words, and then behold the marvelous accuracy of Scripture. He had said, ‘The Son of Man hath power on the earth to forgive sins’…But He was no longer on earth! He had been lifted up from the earth.” So often we can read passages of Scripture and miss the true meaning because we don’t take the time to study it - very challenging thought.
Also as mentioned in other postings…the emphasis placed by Pink on prayer.