In his sermon titled "What a Wonderful Savior," John Reeves expounds on the doctrine of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ as illustrated in Matthew chapters 8 and 9. He emphasizes that faith is a heart matter, rooted in God's grace, which transforms sinful hearts and compels sinners to seek Jesus as their Savior. Key scriptural references include John 10:27-30, where Jesus identifies Himself with His sheep, showcasing God's sovereign choice in salvation. The miracles of healing a woman with a blood disease and raising a ruler's daughter exemplify how faith, though not inherently powerful, draws on the infinite power of Christ to save. The significance lies in understanding that true faith honors God and that the miracles performed by Jesus serve as a testament to His divinity and the ultimate reality of salvation for His elect.
Key Quotes
“It's not our faith, but the subject of our faith.”
“For by grace are ye saved through faith, and not of yourselves. It is the gift of God.”
“Faith honors God, and God honors faith.”
“What do these works bear witness of? They bear witness that this man is God manifest in the flesh.”
The Bible teaches that Jesus possesses divine authority to heal, demonstrating His power over both physical ailments and spiritual sickness.
In the account of Matthew 9:18-26, we witness Jesus perform two significant miracles of healing. This not only illustrates His compassion for human suffering but also showcases His authority over life and death. The woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years displayed remarkable faith in reaching out to touch His garment, believing that this act would heal her. Jesus' response to her, 'Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole,' highlights that while it was her faith that prompted her to seek Him, it was ultimately Jesus Himself who healed her. Similarly, when Jairus sought Jesus to heal his daughter who was dead, Jesus demonstrated His power over death by raising her to life. These miracles affirm Jesus as the Savior who is capable of restoring not just physical health but also spiritual well-being.
Matthew 9:18-26
Scriptural passages affirm that faith in Jesus, as a gift from God, is essential for salvation and leads to eternal life.
The assurance of salvation through faith in Jesus is rooted in several biblical passages. Ephesians 2:8-9 articulates that 'For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.' This underscores that salvation is not earned through personal efforts but is a gracious gift from God that can only be received through faith. Furthermore, John 6:37-40 provides confidence that everyone the Father gives to Jesus will come to Him, and He will not cast them out. Jesus' work is comprehensive and ensures that those who believe in Him will be raised on the last day. Therefore, the power and efficacy of faith stem from its object, who is Christ Himself.
Ephesians 2:8-9, John 6:37-40
Calling Jesus a 'wonderful Savior' highlights His unique role in salvation and the grace He extends to sinners.
Describing Jesus as a 'wonderful Savior' is significant because it encapsulates the essence of His redemptive work and the grace He offers. As mentioned in the sermon, a wonderful Savior means that He not only has the power to heal and restore but also does so out of love and mercy for His people. His actions throughout the Gospels, from healing the sick to raising the dead, reflect His authority and compassion. Furthermore, it speaks to the personal relationship believers have with Him; He is not just a distant deity but one who actively seeks and saves the lost. The truth of God's grace, as exemplified in the biblical narrative, assures us that despite our sinful condition, He has chosen to save us before the foundation of the world.
John 10:28-30
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