In the sermon on Revelation 21:5-7 delivered by Fred Evans, the main theological topic centers around the theme of God's grace as it culminates in the new creation. The preacher articulates five key points: the announcement, assurance, accomplishment, and abundance of grace, alongside the promise of God's perpetual presence. Specifically, he references Scripture passages such as Ezekiel 36:24-27 and 2 Corinthians 5:17, which support the doctrine of regeneration and new creation in Christ, emphasizing that believers have been made new through the work of Jesus. The practical significance of this message lies in the assurance it provides believers regarding their salvation, grounded in the finished work of Christ and the transformative power of grace that brings assurance of eternal life and new identity as children of God.
Key Quotes
“Behold, I make all things new. This is surely the heart of all the sons of God for Jesus Christ to come and fulfill all of these promises.”
“The salvation of sinners then is the work of God alone. It is a work of grace and not based on merit.”
“He did not make salvation possible; otherwise, it wouldn't be finished. If He died for everyone and then just left it up to you, then it's not done.”
“For a believer, the old man of sin is still present, which is why we need constant assurance from God's Word.”
The Bible declares that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away and all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The concept of the new creation is foundational in Scripture, particularly expressed in 2 Corinthians 5:17, where Paul asserts, 'Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.' This transformation is not merely an external change but a radical internal renewal by the sovereign grace of God. The old nature, which is sinful and corrupt, is replaced with a new heart that desires to follow God's commandments. This new creation is a work of God's grace, emphasizing that salvation is not a cooperative effort but the decisive work of Christ alone.
2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 4:21-24
God's promises are assured through His character as faithful and true, as stated in Revelation 21:5.
In Revelation 21:5, the one who sits on the throne declares, 'Behold, I make all things new.' He emphasizes, 'Write, for these words are true and faithful.' This assertion grounds our confidence in God's promises; His unchanging nature guarantees their fulfillment. Throughout Scripture, we see God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, demonstrating that His word is indeed trustworthy. Believers can find assurance in the character of God, knowing that He does not waver, and therefore, His promises to us are certain and reliable.
Revelation 21:5, 2 Peter 3:9
Grace is vital for Christians as it signifies God's unmerited favor, leading to our salvation and new life in Christ.
Grace is central to the Christian faith as it highlights our dependence on God's unmerited favor for salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 affirms that we are saved by grace through faith, which is not of ourselves; it is the gift of God. This reinforces the idea that salvation is entirely based on God's initiative and not human effort. Understanding grace encourages humility in believers, leading them to live lives that reflect this grace towards others. Furthermore, God's grace sustains the believer daily, offering forgiveness, strength, and power to live in a manner worthy of the calling we have received in Christ.
Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:8-9
'It is done' signifies the completion of Christ's redemptive work, confirming that salvation is fully accomplished.
When Jesus states 'It is done' (found in John 19:30), He proclaims the completion of His work of redemption. This phrase captures the essence of the gospel, emphasizing that Christ has finished the task that the Father sent Him to accomplish, which includes the atonement for sin. It is a declaration of victory over sin and death, assuring believers that our salvation does not rely on our works but is secure in the completed work of Christ. This assurance leads to a joyful confidence in our standing before God, knowing we are saved and justified by faith in His finished work.
John 19:30, Hebrews 10:14
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