The Forgiveness of Sin As a Debt by Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry presents a rigorous treatment of the Gospel, describing sin as a debt, as found in Matthew 6:12. He says: “This similitude, which represents sin as a debt, and the pardon of sin as the forgiving of that debt, our Saviour often used: and it is a proper one, and very significant.” This first part answers the questions of how we are in debt to God, what kind of debt sin is, what kind of debtors sinners are, and the danger of these debts. The second part covers what is included in the forgiveness of sin as a debt, why we have hope for it, and what is required of us. The third part gives six applications. This hard to find sermon is sure to interest anyone looking into the heart of Christianity.

Paperback 8X5.25, 72 pages, ISBN 9781946145086

Matthew Henry (1662-1714) was born at Broad Oak, Flintshire, Wales. His father Philip Henry was a nonconformist minister who was ejected by the Act of Uniformity in 1662, and took up residence at his wife's property in Broad Oak. Matthew was educated at home by his father, the academy of Thomas Doolittle two years, and at Gray's Inn for law studies. He was ordained in 1687 and began as pastor of a Presbyterian church in Chester and stayed for for 25 years. He married Katherine Hardware in 1687 (died in childbirth), then Mary Warurton in 1690. He moved to Hackney London in 1712 for two more years when he died of apoplexy. He is known for his popular commentary of the Bible.