The sermon "That Same Jesus" by Fred Evans centers on the theological significance of Jesus Christ as both fully divine and fully human, as declared in Acts 2:36. Evans emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus not merely as a historical figure or a moral teacher but as the Lord and Messiah appointed by God. He supports his argument with various Scripture references, particularly highlighting the need to understand Jesus as the one who fulfills Old Testament prophecies and the purpose of His coming to provide for the salvation of His people through His righteousness and atonement. The sermon challenges listeners to confront their understanding of Christ and underscores the practical significance of knowing the true Jesus, which is critical for one's relationship with God and salvation, resonating with Reformed doctrines of election, total depravity, and the effectual call.
Key Quotes
“I want to declare to you that God hath made Him both Lord and Christ. I'm not asking you to make Him Lord and Christ. He's already Lord and Christ.”
“Except you believe that Jesus Christ is God, manifest in the flesh, you will die in your sins.”
“If your Christ has done all he can do and something's left for you to do, that's not the same Jesus of this book.”
“He is Lord, and He is the Christ. [...] Any Jesus that is not like that is not Jesus.”
The Bible affirms that Jesus is the eternal Son of God, manifest in the flesh, fully God and fully man.
Scripture teaches that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God and also fully human. In Acts 2:36, Peter declares that God made Jesus both Lord and Christ, affirming His divine sovereignty. The unity of His divine and human natures is central to historic Reformed theology, affirming that without this dual nature, the efficacy of Christ's atonement would be meaningless. As the God-man, He serves as the perfect mediator between God and humanity, representing mankind in His life and death.
Additionally, John 1:14 states that 'the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,' highlighting the reality of the Incarnation. This doctrine assures believers that our Savior is intimately acquainted with our human experience, yet without sin. To be a true believer, one must acknowledge both the deity and humanity of Christ, as John 8:24 emphasizes, 'For if you believe not that I am, you shall die in your sins.' Thus, recognizing Jesus as both God and man is essential for salvation and understanding His redemptive work.
Acts 2:36, John 1:14, John 8:24
Jesus is the only way to salvation as He uniquely fulfilled the requirements for atonement and righteousness on behalf of His people.
In historic Reformed theology, the exclusivity of Christ as the only way to salvation is rooted in His unique role as the God-man, who fulfilled the law perfectly and made atonement for sin. Romans 3:21-22 teaches that righteousness apart from the law is found only in Jesus Christ, given to all who believe. His righteousness exceeds all others, as He came to fulfill the law for us, living a sinless life while fully human.
Moreover, in Acts 4:12, it is stated, 'Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.' This underscores the necessity of faith in Christ for salvation. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, He satisfied divine justice, making Him the sole mediator capable of reconciling us to God (2 Corinthians 5:19). The historic Reformed view emphasizes that salvation is entirely by grace through faith in Christ, and any message of salvation outside of Him is not consistent with the teachings of Scripture.
Romans 3:21-22, Acts 4:12, 2 Corinthians 5:19
Believing in the resurrection of Jesus is crucial as it validates His claims and guarantees the believer's own resurrection and eternal life.
The resurrection of Jesus is a cornerstone of Christian faith, serving as proof of His divinity and the effectiveness of His atonement for sin. In 1 Corinthians 15:17, the Apostle Paul states, 'And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.' This emphasizes that without the resurrection, the burden of sin remains, and the hope of salvation is nullified. Jesus’ resurrection confirms His victory over sin and death, validating His claims as the Son of God.
Furthermore, the resurrection assures believers of their future resurrection and eternal life. Romans 6:4 proclaims, 'Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.' This transformative reality motivates believers to live righteously, empowered by the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead. Thus, the resurrection is not merely a historical event; it is foundational for Christian hope, ensuring that all who believe in Christ will share in His resurrection.
1 Corinthians 15:17, Romans 6:4
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