Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. he is: or, let him be - 2 Corinthians 5:17
There is no subject more important than the nature and extent of the inward change that takes place when a man is savingly joined to Christ. "If any man be in Christ he is a new creation, old things are passed away and all things become new.” Some think that this sanctification is God's work alone, that man has no part or concern in the matter, but is wholly passive. We wake up one day and find that we are saved; wake up the next day and discover that we have grown to spiritual maturity! Others think that this sanctification is man's work entirely—that God gives us the means of grace and waits to see what we will make of ourselves. Both are wrong! We are the elect of God, chosen, quickened and made alive by the will and power of God, redeemed by Christ alone and sanctified by his grace—but this change is effected through knowledge and belief of the truth. 2 Thess. 2:13: 1 Peter 2:1-2 tell us that the Word of God is not only the means of grace but also of growth. God enables us both to will and to do his good pleasure and by his grace we desire and perform that which is commanded. I may be a strong believer in election but if I do not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ I will perish. I may believe in the security of the elect but if I do not continue in the faith I will hear him say, "Depart from me I never knew you."
About Henry Mahan
Henry T. Mahan was born in Birmingham, Alabama in August 1926. He joined the United States Navy in 1944 and served as a signalman on an L.S.T. in the Pacific during World War II. In 1946, he married his wife Doris, and the Lord blessed them with four children.
At the age of 21, he entered the pastoral ministry and gained broad experience as a pastor, teacher, conference speaker, and evangelist. In 1950, through the preaching of evangelist Rolfe Barnard, God was pleased to establish Henry in sovereign free grace teaching. At that time, he was serving as an assistant pastor at Pollard Baptist Church (off of Blackburn ave.) in Ashland, Kentucky.
In 1955, Thirteenth Street Baptist Church was formed in Ashland, Kentucky, and Henry was called to be its pastor. He faithfully served that congregation for more than 50 years, continuing in the same message throughout his ministry. His preaching was centered on the Lord Jesus Christ and Him crucified, in full accord with the Scriptures. He consistently proclaimed God’s sovereign purpose in salvation and the glory of Christ in redeeming sinners through His blood and righteousness.
Henry T. Mahan also traveled widely, preaching in conferences and churches across the United States and beyond. His ministry was marked by a clear and unwavering emphasis on Christ, not the preacher, but the One preached. Those who heard him recognized that his sermons honored the Savior and exalted the name of the Lord Jesus Christ above all.
Henry T. Mahan served as pastor and teacher of Thirteenth Street Baptist Church in Ashland, Kentucky for over half a century. His life and ministry were devoted to proclaiming the sovereign grace of God and directing sinners to the finished work of Christ. He entered into the presence of the Lord in 2019, leaving behind a lasting testimony to the gospel he faithfully preached.
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