In his sermon titled "The One Thing Needful," John Reeves addresses the Reformed theological doctrine of sovereign grace versus free will. He argues that true salvation comes solely from God’s grace and not from any human decision or effort, emphasizing that redemption hinges on Christ's atoning work and the Holy Spirit's effectual call. Key Scripture references such as Jonah 2:9 ("salvation is of the Lord"), Luke 10:38-42 (the choice of Mary over Martha), and Ephesians 2:8-9 ("by grace you are saved") illustrate the supremacy of God's sovereign will in the salvation process and the futility of human works. The sermon emphasizes the practical significance of recognizing our constant need for Christ, highlighting that believers must continually seek His presence and grace for sustenance amid their sinful nature.
Key Quotes
“To those who have been given an understanding of the gospel of free grace, The teachings of free willism...are repulsive because they are so contrary to the scriptures.”
“Christ is our need. We come to the table of remembrance to remember what our Lord has done for us.”
“We must be quickened. We must be made alive to see the glory of God in the face of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
“The only peace God's people have in this world with this body of death...is the one thing needful.”
The Bible states that salvation is solely God's work, as affirmed in Jonah 2:9, indicating that it is the Lord who saves.
The Scriptures clearly teach that salvation is entirely the work of God, emphasizing that 'salvation is of the Lord' (Jonah 2:9). This means that the eternal purpose of God to save His chosen people cannot be thwarted by the will of man. The redemptive work of Jesus Christ is sufficient and effective for those for whom He died, ensuring that His sacrifice on the cross will not be in vain. The Holy Spirit's regenerating work in the believer's heart is also irresistible, making it certain that those whom God has chosen will indeed come to faith. The understanding that salvation rests solely in God's sovereign will and power is foundational for Reformed theology.
Jonah 2:9
God's grace is defined as unmerited favor, which is confirmed in Ephesians 2:8-9, indicating that it is not based on works.
God's grace is fundamentally characterized as unearned and undeserved favor towards sinners. As Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-9, we are saved by grace through faith, and this not of ourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. This illustrates that salvation is a work of God alone, not dependent on human efforts or decisions. Anything that ties salvation to our actions would nullify this grace, making it a matter of personal achievement rather than divine mercy. The distinction between works-based salvation and grace is central to the doctrine of sovereign grace, highlighting that only through God's initiative are we brought into a right relationship with Him.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Resting in Christ is essential for believers as He is the source of true peace and salvation, fulfilling all our needs.
Resting in Christ is crucial for believers because, in Him, we find our only source of peace and assurance of salvation. As stated in Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites those who labor and are heavy laden to come to Him for rest. This rest is not merely physical but a profound spiritual peace that comes from recognizing that our works are insufficient and that Christ's sacrifice is fully sufficient for our salvation. Without this rest, believers might fall into the trap of relying on their own efforts or decisions, which can lead to spiritual exhaustion and despair. By continually looking to Christ and His completed work, we are reminded of His sufficiency and grace that sustains us daily.
Matthew 11:28-30
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