In Norm Wells' sermon titled "His Name Jesus," the main theological topic revolves around the identity and significance of Jesus Christ as the Messiah and Savior, as emphasized in Acts 1:1-3 and various other scripture passages. Wells argues that Jesus did not come to establish an earthly kingdom, as misunderstood by the apostles and their peers, but rather to atone for the sins of His people, underscoring the importance of His sacrificial death and resurrection. He supports his argument with scripture references, including Matthew 16 and Philippians 2:10, which affirm Jesus’ divine role and His purpose in God's redemptive plan. The sermon culminates in the practical significance of recognizing Jesus as Lord and Christ, essential for salvation, emphasizing the Reformed emphasis on grace and faith in Christ alone as the means of reconciliation to God.
Key Quotes
“He came to be a savior of his people. He came to atone for his people.”
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. That's what we enjoy today.”
“He came down to fulfill the covenant of grace.”
“At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow… and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
The Bible affirms that Jesus saves his people from their sins, as stated in Matthew 1:21.
In Matthew 1:21, the angel instructed Joseph to name Mary's son Jesus because He would save His people from their sins. This foundational truth emphasizes the redemptive purpose of Christ's coming into the world. It reflects the sovereign grace of God, affirming that salvation is an act of divine initiative. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus fulfills the covenant of grace, securing righteousness and eternal life for His people. This truth is echoed throughout the New Testament, where believers rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through Christ's atoning work.
Matthew 1:21
Jesus is recognized as the Messiah because of His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and His divine attributes.
The recognition of Jesus as the Messiah is anchored in the Scriptures, where His life and work resonate with numerous Old Testament prophecies. For instance, Peter's confession in Matthew 16 declares Him as 'the Christ, the Son of the living God,' solidifying His identity. Additionally, the miraculous signs He performed, His fulfillment of the covenant promises, and His resurrection further authenticate His messianic role. The Gospels detail how He came not to establish an earthly kingdom but to save His people, highlighting the spiritual nature of His kingship.
Matthew 16:16, Romans 14:17
The name of Jesus holds paramount significance as it embodies the Savior’s purpose and power to redeem.
The name of Jesus signifies the fulfillment of God's promise of salvation. As described in Acts 4:12, 'there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.' This underscores the exclusivity of salvation through Christ alone, affirming the core of the Christian faith. In Philippians 2:10, we see that every knee will bow at the name of Jesus, signifying His authority and lordship over all creation. For Christians, His name is a source of hope, assurance, and reverence, encapsulating the grace and mercy found in His redemptive act.
Acts 4:12, Philippians 2:10
The Holy Spirit instructs believers about Jesus through biblical revelation and spiritual discernment.
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the life of believers by teaching them the truth about Jesus and His redemptive work. This instruction occurs through the reading and preaching of Scripture, enabling Christians to grow in their understanding of the gospel. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide His disciples into all truth (John 16:13). This means that believers receive divine help in interpreting and applying God's Word, which reveals the nature and work of Christ. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit connects the believer with the truths of Christ, affirming their faith and enabling them to live out the gospel.
John 16:13
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