To come empty to Christ means to recognize one's total inability to earn salvation and to rely solely on His grace.
Coming empty to Christ is an essential aspect of genuine faith. It involves acknowledging that one's own righteousness is insufficient for salvation, as stated in Matthew chapter 25 where the goats are cast out for relying on their works instead of true faith. Recognizing this need is a prerequisite for receiving grace. The sermon illustrates this with the example of Jacob, who, realizing the famine, acted on his need for food from Egypt. Similarly, sinners must realize their spiritual famine and come to Christ empty of self-righteousness, trusting wholly in Him for salvation. This humility and recognition of one's depravity is how God draws the elect to Himself to receive the fullness of salvation stored in Christ.
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