How complex and mysterious is the person of our Lord Jesus Christ. Isaiah calls him a child and a counselor. In the same breath he calls him a son, he calls him the Everlasting Father. He who is an infant is the infinite God. The man of sorrows is the mighty God. despised of men, yet he is wonderful. His garments are rolled in blood, but he is the prince of peace. How these words remind me that he is not discovered by research and reason, but by revelation! He said to Peter, “Flesh and blood hath not revealed the knowledge of my glory to you, but the Father has revealed it.”
There is no seeing Christ nor understanding Christ except in his own light. He is the door, but he openeth and no man shutteth. He is the lesson, but he is also the teacher. He is the destination, but he is the way. He is the object of faith, but he is also the author of faith. He is that which is to be seen and the light by which we see. “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God. How unsearchable are his judgements and his ways past finding out” (Rom. 11:33). How empty are the words “the simple plan of salvation” in the light of this complex and mysterious person, Jesus Christ.
O, Spirit of God, sanctify our carnal thoughts and illuminate our dark understanding. Give us that saving knowledge of him who enables God to be just and justifier, who is both the wisdom and the power of God.
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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