But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. - 1 Corinthians 15:10
If I am elect my election is of grace.
If I am redeemed my redemption is of grace.
If I am called I am called by grace.
If I am preserved I am preserved by grace.
Whatever there is in me that is acceptable or gives my soul any comfort must be all of grace and grace alone.
John Newton used to say that for a believer in sovereign grace to be proud was the most inconsistent thing in the world, for by his own profession he owns that he is what he is, knows what he knows, and has what he has only by the grace of God.
Perhaps we have worshipped with some friend, prayed with him, or even heard him preach and teach the Word. And he seemed to be a man of strong faith, deep conviction, and devout life. Then, all of a sudden, he is gone from the church, from the gospel, and from the fellowship of the saints. What do you feel at such a time? You feel a sadness and a broken heart for him as well as a fear for yourself as you are led to say with Paul, "But by the grace of God I am what I am."
Or perhaps you say with John Newton:
"When any turn from Zion's way,
Alas, what numbers do!
I think I hear the Savior say,
Will you forsake me too?
Ah, Lord with such a heart as mine,
Unless You hold me fast,
I know I must, I shall decline,
And prove like them at last."
Let us all be warned against pride of heart and spirit and be ever reminded by the Word and our own experience that, "But by the grace of God we are what we are."
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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