Fortner expounds Matthew 15:21-28 and Luke 19:5 to demonstrate that genuine salvation requires radical humiliation before God's throne of mercy. The author argues that conversion necessarily involves a "downward path" wherein sinners must strip themselves of self-righteousness, self-sufficiency, and self-reliance, recognizing their complete helplessness, depravity, and deserving of God's wrath until they reach the dust at Christ's feet where alone mercy is found. This sermon emphasizes that God's call to salvation is inherently humbling, contrasting the biblical pattern with contemporary preaching that exalts human free will rather than compelling sinners to acknowledge their absolute spiritual bankruptcy and need for divine grace.
What does the Bible say about humility before God?
The Bible teaches that humility is essential for receiving God's grace, as illustrated in Matthew 15:21-28.
Furthermore, the call to 'come down' is central in understanding salvation from a sovereign grace perspective. As sinners, we must be stripped of our self-righteousness and come to the end of ourselves to truly understand our need for Christ. The journey of faith begins with recognizing that we cannot save ourselves and must rely solely on God's mercy and grace. Thus, humility is not merely a trait; it's a prerequisite for salvation and a continual posture for the believer as they walk with Christ.
Matthew 15:21-28, James 4:6
How do we know God's call to salvation is true?
God's call to salvation is true as it is consistent with Scripture and the experience of believers who respond in faith.
Furthermore, Scripture assures us in Romans 10:13 that 'whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.' This promise reflects God's faithful and unchanging character, ensuring that His calls to salvation are always effective for those who believe. The personal experience of believers throughout history confirms this truth, as many have encountered their own sinful state and responded to God's gracious invitation. Thus, we can confidently trust in the authenticity of God's call to repentance and faith, knowing it aligns with His sovereign purpose and our desperate need for His grace.
Luke 19:5, Romans 10:13
Why is acknowledging our sin important for Christians?
Acknowledging our sin is crucial for Christians as it leads to true repentance and reliance on God’s grace.
Additionally, genuine acknowledgment of sin leads to true repentance, which is necessary for experiencing spiritual transformation and restoration (2 Corinthians 7:10). As believers, coming down from our prideful notions of self-sufficiency allows us to embrace the love and forgiveness Christ extends to us. Jesus invites us to bring our burdens and flaws to Him, promising healing and redemption (Matthew 11:28-30). Thus, the acknowledgment of our sin not only clears the way for grace but also deepens our relationship with Christ as we rely solely on His righteousness.
Ephesians 2:1-3, 2 Corinthians 7:10, Matthew 11:28-30
And going out from there, Jesus withdrew to the parts of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a woman of Canaan coming out of these borders cried to Him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is grievously vexed with a demon. But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came and begged Him, saying, Send her away, for she cries after us. But He answered and said, I am not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, Lord, help me! But He answered and said, It is not good to take the children's bread and to throw it to dogs. And she said, True, O Lord; but even the little dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' tables. Then Jesus answered and said to her, O woman, great is your faith! So be it to you even as you wish. And her daughter was healed from that very hour. - Matthew 15:21-28
Anyone who experiences the grace of God in salvation will be brought down in the dust of humiliation before the throne of his sovereign mercy. Before God exalts a man, he abases him. Before God clothes any sinner with the garments of Christ’s righteousness, he strips the sinner of the filthy rags of his own righteousness. Take the case of Zacchaeus again. ‘When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for today I must abide at thy house’ (Luke 19:5). When God calls the sinner to Christ, he always says, ‘Come down’. The way of salvation is a downward path. You must come down.
God’s call is a humbling call. Many a time the preacher calls men to Christ with a call which makes them proud, exalts them in their own esteem and leads them to think, ‘I can come to God when I like. I do not need the influence of God the Holy Spirit. It is not God’s call that is the thing that determines whether or not I shall be saved, but my own free will.’ Today sinners are being called to go up and not to come down. But God always humbles the sinner. One of the first steps you must take is to go down from your own good works. That is a gigantic step down, far too humbling for most, but it must be taken.
Some stand upon their own self-sufficiency. But Christ says, ‘Come down. You must come down from your own good works and come down from your own self-sufficiency.’ That is another great step downward, but it must be taken. Down, my friend, you must come down. Come down from all your hope in yourself and in what you do. Come down until you see that you are utterly without strength, until you are utterly lost, until you see that you are nothing and can do nothing. Come down until the waters of God’s wrath swell around you and you are made to see that you justly deserve to die. Come down until you are made to see your utter wickedness, vileness, corruption and filthiness. You must come down, down to the feet of Christ. The place of mercy is in the dust. Come down!
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