In the sermon titled "Jesus Christ Himself," Tom Harding emphasizes the centrality of Jesus Christ in the foundation of Christian faith as outlined in Ephesians 2:19-20. He argues that the church is not merely an institution but a family of believers united under one heavenly Father, emphasizing the powerful transformative nature of salvation as being raised from spiritual death to life in Christ Jesus. Harding provides supporting scriptures, including Ephesians 2:1, 4, and Philippians 4:19, to illustrate God’s grace and mercy in salvation, underscoring that true salvation is found exclusively in Christ. The doctrinal significance of the message is profound, asserting that the essence of preaching should revolve around Christ Himself as the all-sufficient Savior, a principle echoed throughout the Reformed tradition concerning the necessity of Christ's centrality in both salvation and proclamation.
Key Quotes
“It's just not reformation. It's a new creature. It's being raised from the dead.”
“Salvation is in a person. He that hath the Son hath life. He that hath not the Son, you don't have life.”
“From this pulpit has been preached the glorious promises of the gospel. Precious promises.”
“When we're done preaching Christ, you better be done with preaching.”
Ephesians 2:19-20 illustrates that believers are fellow citizens with the saints, adopted into the household of God.
Ephesians 2:19-20 emphasizes the privilege and reality of believers being no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household. This signifies a profound transformation rooted in the work of Christ, who makes us partakers of God's grace. Adoption is crucial as it signifies not just a change in status, but the intimate relationship we now hold as children of God, fully accepted and loved by our Heavenly Father. This adoption is a part of God's eternal purpose, as seen in Ephesians 1:4-5, where He predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, aligning with His good pleasure and will.
Ephesians 2:19-20, Ephesians 1:4-5
The Bible teaches that believers are adopted as children of God through Jesus Christ, as seen in Ephesians 1:4-5.
The adoption of believers as children of God is a profound biblical truth, grounded in the sovereign grace of God. Ephesians 1:4-5 states that God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world, predestining us to be adopted as His children according to His will. This action reinforces the idea that our relationship with God is not based on our merit but solely on His grace. Through Christ's redemptive work, we who were once strangers and aliens are brought into the household of God, enjoying all the privileges as His beloved children.
Ephesians 1:4-5, Ephesians 2:19
Salvation by grace through faith is affirmed in Ephesians 2:4-5, which explains that we are saved by grace because of God's rich mercy.
The truth of salvation by grace is rooted deeply in Scripture, particularly in Ephesians 2:4-5, which states that God, who is rich in mercy, has made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. This underscores that our salvation is not by our own works or merit, but solely by God's grace through faith. The doctrine of grace emphasizes that we cannot attain salvation through our efforts; it is a gift from God. The unmerited favor bestowed on sinners is both a demonstration of God's love and a fulfillment of His sovereign plan, as seen in 2 Corinthians 9:15, where Paul calls Christ 'the unspeakable gift.' This highlights the theme of grace throughout the New Testament and reassures believers of the security found in Christ's finished work.
Ephesians 2:4-5, 2 Corinthians 9:15
Salvation is uniquely through Jesus Christ, as Acts 4:12 affirms that there is no other name given among men by which we must be saved.
The doctrine of salvation through Jesus Christ alone is one of the central tenets of Christian faith. Acts 4:12 clearly states that there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. This exclusivity highlights the necessity of Christ's atoning work for redemption. In Philippians 3:9, Paul emphasizes that righteousness can only be found in Christ, not by our own works or adherence to the law. The understanding of salvation as a gift freely given by grace further underscores that it is not earned, but offered through Christ's finished work. It encapsulates the heart of the gospel message: that true salvation is rooted in faith in Jesus alone.
Acts 4:12, Philippians 3:9
Preaching Christ is essential because He is the foundation of our faith and the source of life for believers.
Preaching Christ is of utmost importance as it embodies the very essence of the Gospel message. In Philippians 3:8, the Apostle Paul emphasizes counting all things as loss for the excellency of knowing Christ Jesus. This reflects that the entirety of Scripture testifies about Christ, as John 5:39 states that it is He who grants life. The message of Christ's person and work is vital for believers' growth in faith; it is through Christ that we understand the grace of God and our salvation. As the sermon emphasizes, when one is done preaching Christ, they might as well cease preaching altogether, for He is the sum and substance of all Scripture. The ministry's aim must remain rooted in declaring the unsearchable riches of Christ, as He is the hope of glory for believers.
Philippians 3:8, John 5:39
Understanding sovereign grace is crucial for grasping the depth of God's mercy and the assurance of salvation He provides to His people.
Sovereign grace is a foundational doctrine within Reformed theology, asserting that salvation originates in God's sovereign choice and grace rather than human effort. Ephesians 2:4-5 proclaims that it is God’s rich mercy and great love that quickens the dead in sin and grants salvation through grace. This understanding fosters a deep appreciation for the unmerited favor of God, allowing believers to rest in the assurance that their salvation is secure, not dependent on their faithfulness or works but rather on God's unchanging nature. It emphasizes the relational aspect of being brought into the family of God, and instills a sense of gratitude and worship as believers recognize that their salvation is a divine gift.
Ephesians 2:4-5
God demonstrates His grace to sinners by offering salvation through faith in Christ, despite their sinful condition.
The grace of God is most profoundly displayed through His initiative to save sinners. Ephesians 2:5 reveals that we are made alive together with Christ by grace, showing that salvation is His gift to those who are spiritually dead in their sins. This act of love is not based on our works but solely on God's mercy and love (Ephesians 2:4). The message of 2 Corinthians 8:9 accentuates that Christ, though rich, became poor for our sake, that we might be enriched. This exchange highlights the depth of God’s grace, showing that He willingly bears the weight of our sin in order to redeem us. Thus, grace is both unmerited and transforming, leading us from death to life and establishing our identity as children of God.
Ephesians 2:5, 2 Corinthians 8:9
The Bible describes the unsearchable riches of Christ as the comprehensive blessings and rewards found in Him, illustrated in Ephesians 3:8.
The concept of the unsearchable riches of Christ is a profound and multifaceted theme throughout Scripture. Ephesians 3:8 speaks of preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ, highlighting the boundless blessings that come from knowing Him. These riches encompass everything from peace and redemption to eternal life and God's presence. They serve as a reminder that all spiritual blessings are found in Christ alone, offering believers hope and fulfillment that the world cannot provide. The phrase 'unsearchable riches' emphasizes that no matter how deeply we explore our relationship with Christ, we will find new and immeasurable treasures in His grace and love. This understanding calls believers to continually pursue their knowledge of Him, recognizing that with each discovery comes a deeper sense of awe and gratitude.
Ephesians 3:8
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