In "Storm Warning #160," various speakers emphasize the sovereignty of God in the context of salvation through Jesus Christ. The sermon argues that salvation is entirely a product of God's sovereign grace, highlighting that humanity's efforts or self-humiliation do not contribute to healing from sin; rather, it is solely through the suffering and sacrifice of Christ. Key Scriptures, such as Acts 13:39, Romans 9:15-21, and Isaiah 46:10, illustrate God's unwavering control over salvation and the distribution of mercy. The practical significance of these doctrines reassures believers of their complete dependence on God's grace, encouraging trust in His promises despite life's trials and the opposition of a world resistant to divine sovereignty.
Key Quotes
“Spiritual healing is by the stripes of the Savior, not the stripes of the sinner.”
“To look to, rely upon, or trust in anything other than the crucified, buried, risen, and exalted Redeemer is to set up a rival to Christ.”
“I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”
“Today is the day of salvation; Call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ while he may be found, and seek him while he is near.”
The Bible declares God's sovereignty as His supreme authority over all creation and His ability to act according to His will.
God's sovereignty is a fundamental doctrine in the Bible that denotes His absolute authority and control over all things. As stated in Daniel 4:35, 'He does according to His will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay His hand or say to Him, ‘What have you done?’' This illustrates that God's governance is unchallenged by any other power. Scripture also affirms that His plans will stand and that He can raise up nations and bring them down as He pleases (Psalm 22:28). In Romans 9:21, it further emphasizes His sovereignty by asking, 'Has the potter no right over the clay?' which underscores the authority God has over His creation.
Daniel 4:35, Psalm 22:28, Romans 9:21
Sovereign grace is demonstrated by God's choice to show mercy to whom He will, independent of any human action.
The concept of sovereign grace emphasizes that salvation is entirely a work of God’s unmerited favor. In Romans 9:15, God declares, 'I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,' which illustrates that His grace is not based on human effort or worth. Rather, it flows from His divine will and purpose. This is affirmed in Acts 13:39, where it states that 'by Him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.' The distinction between those who receive grace and those who do not showcases God's sovereignty in dispensing grace as He sees fit, according to His plan for His chosen people.
Romans 9:15, Acts 13:39
Believing in Christ's finished work is essential for justification and peace with God, as it recognizes His sacrifice as sufficient for our salvation.
The importance of belief in Christ's finished work is foundational to Christian faith. As highlighted in the sermon, we are justified by faith in the completed work of Jesus Christ alone (Acts 13:39). This belief signifies not only an acknowledgment of Christ’s sacrifice but also a deep trust in His ability to save. The essence of the gospel is that we are 'restored and redeemed by His blood,' which ensures our justification from all things. When we truly grasp that our righteousness is derived from Christ alone, it brings us peace with God, as stated in Isaiah 26:3, that He 'will keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on' Him.
Acts 13:39, Isaiah 26:3
The Bible teaches that faith provides assurance of salvation, built on the promises of God and the completed work of Christ.
Faith in Christ is not only a means to salvation but also a source of assurance. The scriptures tell us that faith involves believing the record God has given of His Son (1 John 5:10-11). This record is the foundational truth upon which our assurance rests. When we trust in the finished work of Jesus, we are filled with confidence that we are justified and accepted by God. Paul encourages believers to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:1), illustrating that our assurance should be rooted in the strength of Christ's grace rather than our own abilities. Furthermore, the promise of Isaiah 26:3 assures us that peace is given to those whose minds are steadfast on God, reflecting the comfort found in faith.
1 John 5:10-11, 2 Timothy 2:1, Isaiah 26:3
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