The sermon titled "Storm Warning #101" presents a comprehensive examination of salvation by grace through faith. The main theological topic addressed is the concept of justification by faith, particularly how God justifies the ungodly through the finished work of Christ. Key points include the assertion that God's justice is satisfied solely through Christ's atoning sacrifice, as seen in Romans 3:21-26, which emphasizes that believers are justified not by their works but through faith in Jesus. The sermon highlights the necessity of recognizing our total depravity and our inability to earn salvation, reinforcing the notion that divine grace is the only path to redemption, supported by references such as Romans 4:5 and 1 Peter 3:18. The practical significance of this message lies in encouraging believers to rest in Christ’s sufficiency, reminding them that their standing before God is based on grace rather than personal merit.
Key Quotes
“God can now, in perfect consistency with himself, justify the ungodly.”
“The way to be saved is by trusting on Christ alone. We are called to rest entirely on Him, and not on any supposed goodness we may have.”
“Stand still, O soul. Admire, adore, love, and confide in a gracious, wonder-working, sin-saving Lord.”
“God's chief concern is his own glory. In fact, reality exists for one purpose: That God would be glorified in the death of his son.”
The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by works.
The Scriptures clearly declare that salvation is a work of God's sovereign grace, as found in Ephesians 2:8-9, which states that we are saved by grace through faith, and that not of ourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. This divine grace is unmerited favor, given by God to poor, needy, and wretched sinners to save them from sin and hell. Romans 4:5 emphasizes this by stating that God justifies the ungodly, showcasing that our works cannot earn us favor; rather, we are called to trust in Christ alone for salvation. Trusting in our supposed goodness puts us at risk of embracing a false gospel that leads us away from grace.
Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 4:5
Election is affirmed in Scripture as God's sovereign choice to save certain individuals for His glory.
The doctrine of election is rooted in the eternal purpose of God, established before the foundation of the world, as stated in Ephesians 1:4-5. This doctrine teaches that God chose a people for Himself not based on foreseen merit, but purely by His grace. The elect are those whom the Holy Spirit brings to faith in the gospel, confirming their salvation through belief in Christ, as identified in 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5. While the gospel calls all sinners to repent and believe, it is the Holy Spirit who effectively applies this call to the elect, ensuring their response. Thus, the truth of election is evidenced by the faith that individuals exhibit in Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:4-5, 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5
Total depravity emphasizes our complete inability to save ourselves apart from God's grace.
The doctrine of total depravity is crucial because it highlights the fallen condition of humanity, affirming that all are dead in sin and cannot seek God on their own, as referenced in Romans 3:10-12. This understanding underlines our need for God's sovereign intervention through grace. Recognizing that we are spiritually bankrupt without hope fosters a greater appreciation for Christ's sacrificial work on the cross, where He bore our sins and offered perfect atonement. Acknowledging our total depravity leads us to understand that salvation is entirely a work of God, removing any grounds for boasting in our supposed righteousness and directing all praise to Him for His mercy.
Romans 3:10-12, Ephesians 2:1
Christ's atonement is significant as it is the perfect sacrifice that reconciles sinners to God.
The significance of Christ's atonement lies in its completeness and sufficiency. Hebrews 9:26 explains that Christ appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. His death fulfills the requirements of God's justice while demonstrating His mercy. Through His bloodshed, He propitiates God's wrath and secures forgiveness for the elect, as John 3:16 states that God loved the world and gave His only Son. The finished work of Christ allows believers to come boldly to the throne of grace, knowing they are accepted based on Christ's righteousness, not their own works. This gospel truth assures us of the depth of God’s love and the assurance of salvation for those who believe.
Hebrews 9:26, John 3:16
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