This sermon by Don Fortner focuses on the doctrine of grace, particularly as presented in 2 Timothy 1:9. Fortner emphasizes that while many profess Christians believe they are saved by grace, the genuine understanding of grace is often compromised by teachings that introduce works or free will into the equation. He stresses that true grace strips humanity of all grounds for boasting and is rooted in God's sovereign will, ensuring that all glory belongs to Him alone. The practical import of this doctrine is to highlight the necessity of recognizing the full and unmerited nature of God's grace, which excludes human merit of any kind, as true salvation is only found in Christ and by grace alone. Supporting Scripture references include Ephesians 1:4-6, Acts 5:31, and Romans 11:6, which all substantiate his claims about the nature and characteristics of grace.
Key Quotes
“Salvation by grace strips man of every ground for human boasting.”
“If your religion makes you think you're something rather than nothing, then your religion is altogether wrong.”
“Grace is the operation of God, not the offer.”
“Salvation is in Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith alone.”
The Bible teaches that grace is a sovereign gift from God that results in salvation, emphasizing that it excludes any grounds for human boasting.
Grace, as described in the Scriptures, is an unmerited favor from God that leads to salvation. It is not contingent upon human actions or decisions; instead, grace is a divine operation that accomplishes what it intends. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1:9 about grace that was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, indicating its eternal nature. Furthermore, as Ephesians 2:8-9 states, we are saved through grace, which not only excludes boasting but highlights that salvation is entirely God's work.
In Hebrews 4:16, believers are invited to come boldly to the throne of grace, where they can obtain mercy and find help in times of need. This emphasizes the accessibility of grace through faith in Christ. Moreover, grace encompasses various forms, including prevenient, regenerating, justifying, and sanctifying grace, each showcasing God's sovereignty and mercy towards sinners, ultimately pointing to God's glory in all aspects of salvation.
Scripture repeatedly affirms the truth of grace, demonstrating its characteristics and its role in salvation throughout the Bible.
The truth of grace is substantiated within Scripture by its consistent presentation as an essential attribute of God's salvation. In Romans 11:6, the apostle Paul states that if grace is mixed with works, it ceases to be grace, highlighting its purity and sufficiency. Acts 5 teaches that Christ grants repentance, which is also an act of grace, while Ephesians 1 emphasizes that believers are chosen in Christ according to God's grace.
Moreover, the entire framework of the gospel revolves around grace, affirming that salvation is accomplished by Christ alone, not by human merit. This is reinforced in passages like Romans 3:24, which declares that we are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Such teachings leave no room for doubting the truth of grace, confirming its profound impact on the believer's experience from beginning to end.
Grace is vital for Christians as it underscores God's sovereignty in salvation, removes any grounds for boasting, and ensures the believer's security in Christ.
The importance of grace for Christians is multifaceted. Firstly, grace highlights the sovereignty of God in salvation, affirming that it is entirely God's work and not dependent on human effort (Romans 9:16). Salvation by grace removes any basis for human boasting, revealing that all spiritual blessings come solely from God's favor and mercy. This echoes Paul's charge in 1 Corinthians 1:31, where he instructs believers to let him who boasts boast in the Lord.
Additionally, grace assures believers of their security in Christ, as it is a reflection of God's enduring love and commitment to His chosen ones. 1 Peter 5:10 emphasizes that after believers have suffered for a while, the God of all grace will restore and establish them, showcasing the power and reliability of God's grace throughout a Christian's life. Understanding and embracing grace brings comfort, assurance, and a proper perspective of their identity in Christ.
Effectual grace means that God's grace effectively accomplishes salvation for those He has chosen, ensuring that it is not merely an offer but a guarantee of divine action.
Effectual grace pertains to the understanding that God's grace is not simply a possibility or an offer left to human response; rather, it is the active, divine work that brings about salvation for the elect. The teachings from Scripture clearly indicate that grace serves as the mechanism by which God accomplishes what He intends in the lives of His people. For instance, Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-9 that we are saved by grace through faith, emphasizing a definite outcome—salvation.
This concept of effectual grace directly opposes any notion that grace could fail or that individuals possess the power to thwart God's intentions. Romans 8:30 highlights this by stating that those whom God predestined, He also called; those He called, He justified; and those He justified, He also glorified. Thus, grace effectively ensures that all whom God has chosen will ultimately be saved, leaving no room for uncertainty in the redemption process.
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