The sermon titled "God's Family: A Family of Faith" by Paul Mahan centers around the doctrine of faith as presented in Hebrews 11, emphasizing the sovereign election of God and the unity of true faith among His people. Mahan articulates that faith is a gift from God to the elect, highlighting that true belief does not arise from human initiative but from divine calling. He utilizes various characters from Hebrews 11, including Moses and his parents, to illustrate how they exemplified this faith through actions that directly resulted from God's grace. Specific Scripture references, particularly Hebrews 11's outline of faith and its connection to Christ, reinforce his argument about the necessity of being found in Him for salvation, culminating in the profound practical significance that the identity of being part of God's family supersedes earthly ties and human status.
Key Quotes
“Faith is called in Scripture the faith of God's elect... It's by grace are you saved. That's an act of God, a work of God.”
“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches... What name do you want to be called by? Son of God. Child of God.”
“Moses rejected all the riches of Egypt... The true riches are Christ.”
“All of God's people come out of this world, they're in it, but they're not of it. They endure as seeing Him.”
The Bible defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).
In Scripture, faith is not just a mental agreement or a simple act of will; it is a gift from God, bestowed upon His elect. It is called the 'faith of God’s elect' and refers to the belief that God's chosen people have in Him through divine grace. As stated in Ephesians 2:8-9, our faith is a gift from God, not a result of works, so that none may boast. This faith is characterized by its focus on the truth of the Gospel and an unwavering trust in the promises of God, as exemplified in the lives of the faithful witnesses detailed in Hebrews 11.
Hebrews 11:1-2, Ephesians 2:8-9
God's elect are secured by His grace and called to faith through His sovereign will, as outlined in Romans 8:28-30.
The assurance of salvation for God's elect is fundamentally rooted in God's sovereign choice and His faithfulness. Romans 8:28-30 explains how those whom God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son. This indicates a divine purpose wherein God's elect are not only chosen but also effectively called to faith and ultimately glorified. This process is all of grace and emphasizes that salvation is not dependent on human effort but entirely on God's sovereign will and plan. Accordingly, the elect will demonstrate their faith through their lives, as they are kept by the power of God and will persevere until the end.
Romans 8:28-30, Ephesians 1:4-5
Being part of God's family assures Christians of their identity and inheritance in Christ, as shown in Hebrews 12:22-23.
The concept of being part of God's family is crucial for Christians as it signifies belonging to the body of Christ, the Church, and enjoying the privileges that come with that status. Hebrews 12:22-23 describes the heavenly Jerusalem, where all the names of the elect are recorded in the Lamb's book of life. This familial relationship offers assurance of eternal security, identity in Christ, and participation in the divine nature. Furthermore, being part of God's family empowers believers to live in faith and obedience, encouraging them to support and uplift one another as they strive to reflect Christ's image in their lives. Ultimately, it's a reflection of God's love and grace, as He has called and adopted us into His family.
Hebrews 12:22-23, Ephesians 1:5
In salvation, faith is the means by which we receive grace, while works are the evidence of genuine faith, as explained in Ephesians 2:8-10.
Historically, Reformed theology emphasizes that salvation is entirely by grace through faith alone, apart from works. Ephesians 2:8-10 clarifies that while we are saved by grace through faith, it is not of ourselves; it is a gift from God. The good works that follow are a natural consequence of true faith, representing a life transformed by the grace of God. James also states that faith without works is dead (James 2:26), indicating that genuine faith will inevitably produce good works as evidence of a living faith. Therefore, in Reformed thought, while works do not contribute to salvation, they are an essential aspect of the Christian life that results from the transformative power of God's grace.
Ephesians 2:8-10, James 2:26
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