The Essence and Objects of Christ's Mission by Charles Spurgeon

Matthew 1, 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

the essence of Christ's mission, to save from sin. This verse is a glorious declaration of the very heart of the mission of the Lord Jesus Christ, not salvation from suffering, not salvation from political oppression, not salvation from earthly poverty, but salvation from their sin, that which separates man from God, damns the soul and defiles every part of life. He did not come to be a moral teacher, a political reformer, or a cultural icon. He came to save from sin.

Sin is not a light matter. It is the rebellion of the creature against the Creator, the transgression of God's Holy Word, and the corruption of human nature. Sin stains every thought, word, and deed. Sin places every sinner under the righteous wrath of Almighty God. Therefore, the greatest need of every human soul is not self-improvement or religious reformation, but divine salvation.

Jesus did not come merely to forgive sin, but to save from sin. That means He delivers from sin's guilt by His atoning death, from sin's power by His Spirit's indwelling presence, and soon from sin's presence altogether in eternal glory. He came not only to justify, but to sanctify. Any gospel that offers pardon without purification, or heaven without holiness, is a false gospel. Jesus saves entirely, from the penalty, power, and pollution of sin.

The Objects of Christ's Mission

His People

Who are the recipients of this glorious salvation? The text is unmistakably clear. His people. Not all mankind indiscriminately, but those whom the Father gave to Him from eternity past. John 6, 37, 17, 2. Those chosen in Him before the foundation of the world. Ephesians 1, 4. And for whom He laid down His life as their Good Shepherd. John 10, 11, 15.

This truth exalts the sovereign grace of God. Jesus did not come to make salvation possible for all, but to secure salvation for His people, a definite, elect, blood-bought multitude. His mission was not to offer redemption hypothetically, but to accomplish it perfectly. He will save. Is the language of certainty, not possibility?

Yet how can one know if he is among his people? The answer is found in the fruits of saving grace. Conviction of sin, faith in Christ, repentance toward God, love for holiness, and perseverance in the truth. Those who trust in Christ and walk in His ways show themselves to be the people He came to save. Do not rest in a shallow profession. Examine your heart. Has Christ truly delivered you from the love of sin, the dominion of self, and the darkness of unbelief?