Here is a confession that belongs to every one of God's elect people. Every last one has fallen, and therefore, in one common chorus—from the first who entered heaven to the last who shall enter there—they all cry out: "All we like sheep have gone astray!"

But notice: while this confession is unanimous, it is also peculiar and particular. "We have turned every one to his own way." There is a peculiar sinfulness about every individual. All are sinful, yes, but each one with some special aggravation not found in his fellow. This is the mark of genuine repentance—it naturally associates itself with other penitents, yet it also takes up a position of loneliness. When I say, "I have turned to my own way," I am confessing that I sinned against light peculiar to myself, sinned with an aggravation I cannot perceive in others.

This confession is unreserved. Not a word to detract from its force! Not a syllable by way of excuse! It is the giving up of all pleas of self-righteousness. It is the declaration of men who are consciously guilty—guilty with aggravations, guilty without excuse! They stand with their weapons of rebellion broken in pieces and cry, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way."

Yet hear this—no dolorous wailings attend this confession of sin! For the next sentence makes it almost a song: "The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."

This is the most grievous sentence of the three, yet it overflows with comfort. Strange is it that where misery was concentrated, mercy reigned! Where sorrow reached her climax, weary souls find rest! The Savior bruised is the healing of bruised hearts.

See how the lowliest penitence gives place to assured confidence through simply gazing at Christ on the cross!