In Greg Elmquist's sermon titled "A Parable in Action," the primary theological topic addressed is the light of Christ and the spiritual blindness of humanity, as illustrated in John 9:6-7. Elmquist emphasizes that Jesus, as the light of the world, reveals humanity's alienation from God due to sin and the darkness it brings. He interprets the miracle of Jesus healing a blind man as a parable illustrating God's sovereign grace—showing how He uses means, such as preaching and affliction, to teach and bring about spiritual sight. Key Scripture references, including Ephesians 1:14 and 2 Peter 3:13, are used to illustrate the transition from spiritual blindness to the hope and clarity found in Christ. This signifies the importance of God’s sovereignty in salvation and His active role in using earthly means for divine purposes, inviting believers to trust in God’s grace.
Key Quotes
“The only kind of grace there is is sovereign grace.”
“We are by nature dead. A dead man can't see anything.”
“The Lord uses means to bring us to Himself.”
“The entrance of thy words giveth life.”
The Bible teaches that salvation is entirely of God's grace and is according to His sovereign will, as seen in Ephesians 1:4-5.
Scripture emphasizes that salvation stems entirely from God's sovereign grace. Ephesians 1:4-5 highlights that even before the foundation of the world, God chose those whom He would save. This divine election underscores the reality that man's will does not initiate salvation, but rather it is God's mercy and grace that lead sinners to repentance and faith. The concept of sovereign grace affirms that God's choices, not human efforts, are central to one's salvation, ensuring that all glory belongs to God alone.
Ephesians 1:4-5, Romans 9:16
Irresistible grace is supported by scripture, particularly in John 6:37, where Jesus states that all whom the Father gives to Him will come to Him.
The doctrine of irresistible grace assures believers that when God extends His grace to an individual, that person will inevitably respond to His call. John 6:37 reveals this truth when Jesus indicates that everyone the Father gives Him will come to Him, affirming that God's elected ones cannot ultimately resist His will. This aligns with Romans 8:30, which states that those whom He predestined, He also called, justified, and glorified. The assurance of irresistible grace provides comfort to believers, knowing that God's divine plan will come to fruition without fail.
John 6:37, Romans 8:30
Being 'blind' symbolizes our spiritual condition before salvation, highlighting the need for divine illumination from Christ to understand spiritual truths.
The concept of spiritual blindness is pivotal in understanding the human condition apart from Christ. In John 9, the healing of a blind man illustrates how all people are born into spiritual darkness, unable to comprehend God's truth. Without the light of Christ, we are groping in darkness, completely unaware of our need for salvation. This metaphor serves to remind believers of the transformative power of Christ, who opens the eyes of the spiritually blind, enabling them to see and understand the gospel. Ephesians 2:1-5 further emphasizes that we were dead in our sins before God made us alive in Christ, showcasing the profound change that occurs when God imparts spiritual sight to His children.
John 9:6-7, Ephesians 2:1-5
The Bible teaches that God uses means such as preaching, prayer, and the sacraments to accomplish His purpose of salvation.
The sovereignty of God in salvation does not negate the necessity of means. Throughout scripture, God employs various instruments—such as the preaching of the Word, prayer, and the sacraments—to work His transformative grace in the lives of His people. James 5:14 emphasizes prayer and the anointing of the sick as means of healing, which illustrates God's active engagement in using tangible actions to execute His divine will. Moreover, in Romans 10:14, Paul notes that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God, further confirming the role of preaching as a means of awakening faith in the elect. Thus, the use of means enhances rather than diminishes God’s sovereignty and reflects the glory of His providential plan.
James 5:14, Romans 10:14
The incarnation is crucial because it demonstrates God's condescension to save humanity, as Jesus fully identifies with our human condition.
The incarnation of Christ is foundational to the doctrine of redemption because it signifies God's intimate involvement in human history for the purpose of salvation. John 1:14 states that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, highlighting the profound reality that God took on human nature. This union of divine and human natures ensures that Jesus, as our mediator, can fully empathize with our struggles while perfectly fulfilling the law on our behalf. By being born as a man, experiencing suffering, and ultimately dying for our sins, Christ provides a perfect atonement needed for our justification. His humanity assures believers that He comprehends our weaknesses, while His divinity guarantees the efficacy of His redemptive work.
John 1:14, Hebrews 4:15
Comments
Your comment has been submitted and is awaiting moderation. Once approved, it will appear on this page.
Be the first to comment!