In his sermon titled "The New Song," Clay Curtis expounds on the theological significance of the new heart and song believers receive upon regeneration. He emphasizes that true praise is a response to God's glorious works, particularly through Christ's atoning sacrifice, as seen in Psalms 40, 98, and Revelation 5. Curtis illustrates that God's salvation is accomplished solely by His grace, without any contribution from human effort, exemplified in the intertwining of mercy and justice through Christ (Romans 10:4). The doctrinal significance lies in recognizing that the new song reflects not only individual salvation but also the corporate identity of God's people, chosen and redeemed from every nation, affirming the Reformed doctrine of irresistible grace and the union of believers with Christ.
Key Quotes
“This is the new song the Lord puts in our hearts when he calls us and regenerates us and gives us a new heart.”
“Salvation's a gift. It's a gift. We don't earn it, we can't earn it.”
“No man will give him all the glory till God gives us a new heart and faith to see that Christ is truly all in salvation.”
“Salvation is of the Lord.”
Psalm 144 speaks of a new song that believers sing, reflecting God's works and salvation.
Psalm 144:9 states, 'I will sing a new song unto thee, O God.' This new song symbolizes the transformation that occurs in the hearts of those whom God regenerates. In Psalm 40:2-3, we see a similar sentiment, where the Lord brings us out of our sinful nature and places a new song in our mouths, one that praises His glorious works in saving His people. This theme of a new song continues through Scripture, as it highlights that our praise is not based on our merit but rather on what God has accomplished through Christ.
Psalm 144:9; Psalm 40:2-3; Psalm 98:1-3; Revelation 5:6-13
The Bible teaches that God puts a new song in the hearts of His people when He regenerates them, signifying a transformation in worship and praise.
In Scripture, particularly in Psalms, singing a new song represents the fresh work of salvation that God performs in the hearts of believers. Psalm 40:2-3 mentions how God delivers His people from their sin and gives them a new song to express their gratitude and praise. This notion continues through Psalm 98, where the call to sing is based on the marvelous deeds of God, emphasizing that our worship is centered not on our accomplishments but on God's redemptive acts. Revelation 5 also echoes this theme, where the redeemed from every nation sing a new song in recognition of Christ's sacrifice and His sovereignty over salvation. Thus, the new song embodies the essence of the faith that glorifies God for His salvation work.
Psalm 40:2-3, Psalm 98:1-2, Revelation 5:9-12
Salvation is a gift from God, as emphasized in Scripture, where it states that we cannot earn it but receive it freely.
The doctrine of salvation being a gift is prominently illustrated in Romans 6:23, which teaches that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. This indicates that salvation is not something we can earn or deserve but is purely a divine gift given to those whom God chooses. Ephesians 2:8-9 also reinforces this by declaring that we are saved by grace through faith, and this is not of ourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast. This underscores that our salvation rests completely in the mercy and grace of God through Christ.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9
Recognizing that salvation is fully of God underscores His sovereignty and grace, preventing mankind from boasting about personal merit.
Understanding that salvation is solely the work of God is crucial for Christians, as it establishes our dependence on grace rather than works. Ephesians 2:8-9 states that we are saved by grace through faith, and this is not of ourselves; it is the gift of God. This doctrine emphasizes God's sovereignty as He chooses whom He will save, demonstrating that human effort plays no role in our redemption. As Psalm 144 indicates, it is God who gives salvation, reminding believers that any attempt to claim credit for salvation diminishes God's glory. In recognizing that salvation is utterly His, we are encouraged to rest in His mercy, reflect on our own sinfulness, and respond with gratitude and worship rather than pride.
Ephesians 2:8-9, Psalm 144:10
Christ's obedience is essential for salvation because it fulfills the law and secures our redemption.
The significance of Christ's obedience in relation to salvation is profound. Hebrews 5:8-9 highlights that though He was a Son, He learned obedience through the things He suffered, and being made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. Christ's obedience was perfect and absolute, fulfilling the requirements of the law on behalf of His people. He represented us as the last Adam, ensuring that His obedience credits us, allowing us to be found righteous before God. It is His obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death, that secures our redemption and justifies us before a holy God.
Hebrews 5:8-9; Romans 5:19
Christ's obedience is central to salvation because He fulfilled the law and received the punishment sinners deserved, making Him the perfect substitute.
Christ's obedience is the cornerstone of our salvation, as highlighted in Romans 5:19, where we learn that through one man's disobedience, many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Jesus Christ, the second Adam, came to fulfill the law and produce a perfect righteousness on behalf of His people. He submitted perfectly to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). Moreover, His willingness to bear the penalty for sin—representing His people—demonstrates that salvation is achieved through His obedience. This truth is confirmed in Hebrews 10:10, which states that we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Therefore, it is Christ's achieving obedience that secures the eternal redemption of His chosen ones.
Romans 5:19, Philippians 2:8, Hebrews 10:10
Salvation being of the Lord means that He is the sole source and provider of our salvation.
'Salvation is of the Lord' encapsulates the entire doctrine of sovereign grace. Jonah 2:9 states, 'Salvation is of the Lord,' affirming that it is solely His work. This truth resonates throughout the Bible, emphasizing that apart from God's sovereign hand, humanity is incapable of saving itself. All spiritual blessings and the gift of faith are granted by God's grace alone, as seen in Ephesians 1:3-5, where God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world. This perspective encourages believers to recognize that their hope, faith, and salvation rest entirely upon God's initiative and power rather than any human endeavor.
Jonah 2:9; Ephesians 1:3-5
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