V. THE EXCUSES OF SINNERS CONDEMN GOD

“Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? Wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?”-Job xl. 8.

ALTHOUGH in the main, Job had spoken correctly of God, yet in his great anguish and perturbation under his sore trials, he had said some things which were hasty and abusive. For these the Lord rebuked him. This rebuke is contained in our context:

“Moreover the Lord answered Job, and said—Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct Him? He that reproveth God, let him answer it.

“Then Job answered the Lord, and said—Behold I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay my hand upon my mouth. Once have I spoken but I will not answer; yea, twice, but I will proceed no further.

“Then answered the Lord unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said—Gird up thy loins now like a man; I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? Wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?“-Job xl. 1-8

It is not, however, my object to discuss the original purpose and connection of these words, but rather to consider their present application to the case of sinners. In pursuing this object, I shall

I. Show that every excuse for sin condemns God.

II. Consider some of these excuses in detail.

III. Show that excuse for sin adds insult to injury.