The sermon titled His Name Jesus by Norm Wells focuses on the person and work of Jesus Christ as presented in Acts 1:1-3. The main theological topic revolves around the identity of Jesus not as an earthly king but as the Savior who fulfills the covenant of grace through his atoning sacrifice. Wells emphasizes how the apostles were initially misled by cultural misconceptions of a physical kingdom, which Jesus clarifies during His post-resurrection teachings. He cites Scripture from Matthew 16:21-23 to illustrate Peter's misunderstanding and how Jesus's mission was to redeem His people, not establish a temporal reign. The sermon underscores the significance of recognizing Jesus's sovereignty and redemptive work as crucial for understanding the Christian faith, reinforcing Reformed beliefs in the total depravity of man and the necessity of grace for salvation.
Key Quotes
“Jesus came to be a savior of his people. He came to atone for his people.”
“It was purposed in the covenant of grace. It was prophesied in the Old Testament. It was fulfilled in time by the Lord Jesus Christ.”
“The name Jesus means something. He's the son of God. He's Emmanuel. He's God with us.”
“This Jesus hath God raised up... because he fulfilled all the requirements of the covenant of grace.”
The Bible teaches that Jesus came to save His people from their sins and fulfill the covenant of grace.
According to the Scripture, Jesus' purpose for coming to earth was explicitly stated in Matthew 1:21: 'Thou shall call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins.' This mission reflects the heart of the gospel message and emphasizes that His work was to atone for the sins of His people, satisfying divine justice. Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently taught the truth about Himself and His mission, correcting misconceptions about establishing an earthly kingdom. Instead, He emphasized that the kingdom of God is spiritual, characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). His life and sacrificial death completed the redemptive plan orchestrated by God from eternity, allowing believers to enjoy fellowship with Him.
Matthew 1:21, Romans 14:17
Jesus is recognized as the Messiah through His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and His role in salvation.
The New Testament provides evidence that Jesus is indeed the Messiah, recognized by key confessions such as Peter's declaration in Matthew 16:16, 'Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.' His identity is affirmed through miraculous signs, fulfilled prophecies, and His unique authority as the Son of God. Furthermore, Jesus explicitly declared His purpose, stating that He came to lay down His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45) and that all that He did and taught was according to divine plan. Acts 2:36 reinforces this by proclaiming that God made Jesus both Lord and Christ. The historical fulfillment of prophecies, alongside the transformative power of His death and resurrection, serves as strong testament to His messianic identity.
Matthew 16:16, Acts 2:36, Mark 10:45
The resurrection of Jesus is crucial as it confirms His victory over sin and death, ensuring believers' salvation.
For Christians, the resurrection is the cornerstone of faith, as it affirms that Jesus triumphed over sin, death, and the grave. This is highlighted in Acts 2:32 where it's stated, 'This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.' The resurrection not only confirms Jesus' divine authority and identity as the Son of God, but it also provides assurance for believers that they, too, will experience resurrection and eternal life. Romans 6:4 teaches us that just as Christ was raised from the dead, we are raised to walk in newness of life. Thus, the resurrection is fundamental, securing the promise of salvation and the hope of eternity for all who trust in Him.
Acts 2:32, Romans 6:4
Believers are called friends of God through their faith in Jesus and the imputed righteousness they receive.
The concept of being a friend of God is beautifully illustrated in John 15:14-15, where Jesus states, 'Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.' This friendship is not based on mere performance but on the relationship established through faith in Christ, who grants us His righteousness. Abraham exemplified this friendship as he believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness (James 2:23). This relationship signifies acceptance and intimacy with God, where believers are not merely servants but close companions of the Lord, enjoying the privilege of knowing His will and sharing in His grace. Such a status is a profound gift, reflecting the depth of God's love and the assurance of a secure relationship with Him.
John 15:14-15, James 2:23
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