Campbell was a gifted minister in the Free Church of Scotland during the mid-1900’s, and the author of numerous edifying books.
Sermon on Numbers 10:29 from The Everlasting Love, Knox Press. These quotes were compiled by Colin Maxwell
And since it is the will of God that none should perish but that all should return to Him and live, this precious invitation is not merely from man’s heart or lips but from the heart of God Himself. We are but Christ’s ambassadors who plead with men to be reconciled to God.
The blessed implication of these words, you will notice, is that the free offer of salvation and the invitations of the Gospel have the sanction of God’s Word. We find them in every part of Scripture. Our Lord addressed men in these words: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” [Matt 11:28] Since all men enter the world under a burden of guilt and sin these words are, therefore, addressed to “all”. None is excluded. One of the last words in the Bible is “Come”. The Spirit and the bride say “Come”. [Rev. 22:17] The Church unites in uttering the same word as Christ and the Spirit. So do all who hear and obey God’s voice.
To say that this appeal to men implies that they have some measure of ability to save themselves is not true. In the matter of salvation man, of himself, can do nothing. He is utterly helpless. But there are, on the other hand, three solemn facts which confront us in relation to the offer and invitations of the Gospel. The first is that man is accountable to God. Why shall the ungodly be excluded on the last day from the presence of God? Is it because they had lost all ability to come to Christ? No. “I was a stranger and you took me not in.” He knocked at their door, but they kept it closed. How often, and in how many ways, has He knocked at your own?
Another truth is that there is something we can do. This is not a contradiction of what we have just said. We can pray. We can cry for mercy. “I waited patiently for the Lord, and He included unto me and heard my cry.” It is truly God’s power and hand that rescues us from the pit of sin; but, as in the case of the Psalmist, He does this in answer to prayer. Prayer is always the expression of our inability to save ourselves. You stay as you are and you will remain where you are. Keep silent and God may keep silent also. The cry of a drowning man cannot save him, but it may bring someone to his side who can rescue him. Let me ask the Lord’s people here this question. Was it not in answer to prayer, and with your eye upon Christ crucified, that the Lord saved you? I can almost hear the still small voice of a universal “yea” within the souls of all to whom the question comes.