The sermon titled "Storm Warning #105" addresses the doctrine of total depravity and the necessity of divine grace for salvation. It emphasizes that all humans are thoroughly corrupt, void of any redeeming qualities due to sin, aligning with Reformed theology's teachings on the enormous chasm between divine holiness and human vileness. Key points include the assertion that genuine salvation is entirely a work of God’s sovereign grace and that humans are incapable of contributing to their salvation due to their sinful nature, supported primarily through scriptural references such as John 3:6 and Isaiah 23:9. The significance of the message lies in its call for believers to recognize their utter dependence on Christ’s righteousness and to abandon any confidence in their own flesh, which serves to magnify the grace and mercy of God in the saving work of Jesus Christ.
Key Quotes
“Salvation is a work quite out of nature, that the flesh has not the least hand in it, nor contributes the least might towards it.”
“Free willism essentially makes man his own savior because it takes the honor of salvation away from the Lord and gives it to the sinner.”
“Look unto me and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth, for I am God and there is none else.”
“Today is the day of salvation. Call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ while he may be found.”
The Bible describes human nature as totally corrupt and sinful, in need of regeneration by the Holy Spirit.
The Scriptures reveal that human nature is completely corrupted since the fall, rendering us 'dead in trespasses and sins' (Ephesians 2:1). Jesus teaches in John 3:6 that 'that which is born of the flesh is flesh,' highlighting the insufficiency of our natural abilities to achieve righteousness. Isaiah 64:6 further emphasizes that all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags in God's sight. Thus, without divine intervention, humans remain hopeless in their sin, completely reliant on the sovereign grace of God for salvation.
Ephesians 2:1, John 3:6, Isaiah 64:6
God's grace is sovereign as He saves according to His purpose and will, not based on human effort.
The doctrine of sovereign grace affirms that salvation is entirely a work of God, rooted in His eternal decree. Jonah 2:9 states, 'salvation is of the Lord,' signifying that God's decision to save His chosen ones is not contingent upon human will but is according to His own purpose. The New Testament reinforces this with passages like Ephesians 1:4-5, where it declares that God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world. Therefore, the assurance we have of God's grace lies in His unchanging nature and His ultimate authority over all aspects of salvation.
Jonah 2:9, Ephesians 1:4-5
Understanding total depravity is crucial as it anchors our reliance on Christ for salvation rather than our own efforts.
The concept of total depravity helps believers recognize the depth of their need for a Savior. It reveals that all aspects of humanity—mind, will, and emotions—are affected by sin, leading to a condition where we cannot save ourselves. Romans 3:23 informs us that 'all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.' Acknowledging this truth fosters humility and encourages dependence on Christ's redemptive work rather than any meritorious act of our own. This understanding cultivates gratefulness as we reflect on God's amazing grace that saves wholly and completely. Hence, the importance of this doctrine cannot be overstated for our spiritual growth and assurance.
Romans 3:23
The gospel teaches that Christ's atonement is sufficient and effective for the sins of His people.
The doctrine of atonement reveals the depth of Christ's sacrifice and its significance for believers. Hebrews 9:26 asserts that Christ appeared 'to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself,' indicating that His blood holds the power to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Furthermore, 2 Corinthians 5:21 states, 'He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.' This reveals the substitutionary nature of Christ's death, allowing God's justice to be satisfied while freely offering grace to the elect. The efficacy of this atonement is rooted in God's sovereign choice and serves as the cornerstone of the assurance we have in our salvation.
Hebrews 9:26, 2 Corinthians 5:21
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