In the sermon titled "The Lord & His People," Paul Mahan addresses the theological doctrines surrounding the deity of Christ as highlighted in Psalm 110. Central to his argument is the claim that Jesus, identified as both Lord and God, fulfills the prophetic declaration of Psalm 110:1, where God instructs the Messiah to sit at His right hand until His enemies are made a footstool. Mahan utilizes several Scripture references, including Isaiah 43 and John 8:24, to emphasize that true knowledge of God comes exclusively through Jesus Christ, and that any assertion denying His divinity is a misunderstanding of Scripture. He underscores the practical significance of understanding Christ’s lordship, positing that recognizing Jesus as God is essential to authentic faith and salvation, asserting that one's acknowledgment of Jesus' rightful place as Lord reflects true belief and discipleship. Mahan stresses that salvation and true knowledge of God are gifts revealed by Christ, challenging listeners to boldly proclaim the truth of Jesus' divinity in a world filled with false teachings.
Key Quotes
“Nobody can know God except through Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time, nor can see God.”
“If He’s not God, we’re idolaters. If He’s not God, we’re all lost. This is all a waste of time, what we’re doing.”
“Thy people shall be willing in the day of Thy power. Willing to do what? To bow. To confess. Every knee will.”
“This is life eternal. Know Thee, the only true God.”
The Bible affirms the deity of Christ, stating He is God manifest in the flesh and deserving of worship.
The deity of Christ is a central tenet of Scripture, particularly emphasized in passages such as John 1:1, which declares, 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.' Additionally, Hebrews 1:3 states, 'Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person,' reinforcing that Jesus is not merely a man but God Himself revealed to humanity. When Thomas addressed Jesus as 'My Lord and my God' (John 20:28), it confirms the recognition of Christ’s divine nature. This understanding is crucial in historic Reformed theology, which insists on the full divinity of Christ, ensuring that true worship and salvation are grounded in the acknowledgment of Him as God.
John 1:1, Hebrews 1:3, John 20:28
The Bible declares that Jesus Christ is fully God, as affirmed in numerous scriptures, including John 1:1 and Colossians 2:9.
The deity of Christ is a central tenet in Scripture, with passages such as John 1:1 affirming that 'the Word was God.' Hebrews 1:3 describes Jesus as 'the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person,' demonstrating that He possesses the divine nature. Additionally, Isaiah 9:6 calls Him 'Mighty God,' underscoring His status as fully divine, while John 8:24 emphasizes the necessity of believing in Him as God to avoid dying in our sins. Therefore, the New Testament consistently confirms that Jesus is not merely a prophet or messenger, but God incarnate who has revealed the Father to us.
John 1:1, Colossians 2:9, Hebrews 1:3, Isaiah 9:6, John 8:24
Knowing Jesus as Lord establishes the foundation of a believer's faith and frees them from the bondage of sin.
Recognizing Jesus as Lord is fundamental for Christians because it shapes their entire understanding of faith, salvation, and relationship with God. Romans 10:9 states, 'If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.' This declaration not only affirms His divine authority but also indicates the transformative power of acknowledging Him as sovereign over one’s life. It signifies that salvation is not merely a matter of personal acceptance but involves a recognition of Christ’s lordship over all creation, which is central to the concept of sovereign grace. Moreover, the acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord leads Christians to worship Him correctly and live in accordance with His will, resulting in a life that honors God and reflects His glory.
Romans 10:9
Understanding the Trinity is essential as it encapsulates the nature of God as one being in three persons, crucial for grasping salvation and worship.
The doctrine of the Trinity is foundational to the Christian faith because it reveals the complex nature of God as one being existing in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This understanding is not only theological but practical; it informs our worship, as seen in John 5:23, where Jesus states that all men should honor the Son even as they honor the Father. Recognizing the equality and distinct roles of each Person of the Trinity safeguards our understanding of salvation, which is through Christ alone. As 1 John 5:7 notes, 'there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.' Thus, grasping the Trinity deepens our relationship with God and enriches our worship.
John 5:23, 1 John 5:7, Deuteronomy 6:4
Scripture teaches that salvation is entirely from the Lord, as it is He who initiates and completes the work of redemption.
The doctrine of salvation being from the Lord is thoroughly supported through various Scriptures which depict God as the sole author of salvation. Jonah 2:9 states, 'Salvation is of the Lord,' indicating that it is not dependent on human effort but entirely on God’s grace and initiative. Ephesians 2:8-9 reinforces this by declaring that we are saved by grace through faith, not of ourselves; it is the gift of God. Historical Reformed theology emphasizes that this grace is irresistible and effective, ensuring that all whom God has chosen will come to faith and ultimately be redeemed. This perspective draws from the covenantal promise seen throughout Scripture where God commits to saving His people, underscoring His sovereignty in the salvation process.
Jonah 2:9, Ephesians 2:8-9
Salvation is entirely of the Lord as scripture teaches that it is His sovereign work, as stated in Jonah 2:9.
Salvation is depicted in the Scriptures as a work solely initiated and completed by God, which is deeply rooted in the doctrine of sovereignty. As Jonah 2:9 asserts, 'Salvation is of the Lord,' indicating that it is not attained through human effort or decision but is a divine gift. This concept is echoed in Ephesians 2:8-9, highlighting that we are saved by grace through faith, emphasizing that it is God's grace, not our works, that leads to salvation. Furthermore, the sovereignty of God ensures that He calls, justifies, and glorifies His people as outlined in Romans 8:30. This underscores that our faith rests not in our actions, but solely on the finished work of Christ.
Jonah 2:9, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 8:30
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