In "Our Near Salvation," Tom Harding expounds on the theological implications of impending salvation as articulated in Romans 13:7-14. The sermon emphasizes the urgency and nearness of salvation for believers, underscoring that with each passing day, redemption approaches. Harding provides a thorough exploration of the sovereignty of God in salvation, citing biblical passages, such as Romans 9:15-16 and Ephesians 1:4-5, to illustrate divine election and the grace that undergirds it. He highlights practical implications for believers, urging them to be vigilant and to live in a manner consistent with their salvation, characterized by love and obedience to God's commandments. This reflects key Reformed doctrines, such as salvation by grace alone and the significance of living out one's faith authentically.
Key Quotes
“Knowing the time, that now it's high time to awake out of sleep, for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.”
“We know that salvation is of the Lord and salvation is being found in him, counting everything else lost, dung, and ruin that we may when Christ can be found in him.”
“We are to give, as it says there, render therefore unto God glory and honor for all things that he's accomplished for us in salvation.”
“The love of God that's given to us when he saves us by his grace will also inspire and motivate us to love, love our neighbors.”
The Bible teaches that salvation is of the Lord and is found in Jesus Christ alone.
Salvation is a crucial doctrine in the Bible, emphasizing that it is God's sovereign gift to sinners. Romans 13:11 states that our salvation is nearer than when we first believed, highlighting the urgency and assurance of salvation in Christ. Throughout Scripture, such as in Ephesians 1:4-5, it is clear that God has purposed our salvation from eternity, making it a work of grace rather than human effort. The Bible repeatedly underscores that salvation is not achieved by works but is a free gift of grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Romans 13:11, Ephesians 1:4-5
We know salvation is true through God's promises in Scripture and the fulfillment of His covenant in Christ.
The assurance of salvation rests on the unchanging nature of God and His promises as revealed in Scripture. Romans 9:15 asserts that God has mercy on whom He wills, affirming His sovereign choice in salvation. Additionally, the fact that Christ was foreordained to be the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:20) reveals God's eternal plan for redemption. The historical reality of Christ's death and resurrection confirms the truth of salvation, as those who trust in Him pass from death unto life (John 5:24). Furthermore, the fruits of the Spirit in a believer's life serve as tangible evidence of genuine salvation (Galatians 5:22-23).
Romans 9:15, 1 Peter 1:20, John 5:24, Galatians 5:22-23
Grace is central to the Christian faith as it is the means by which we are saved and empowered to live.
Grace is foundational to the Christian faith because it reflects God's unmerited favor towards humanity. As seen in Romans 11:5, grace is the means by which God elects and saves His people, distinguishing grace from works, which cannot save (Romans 11:6). Christians live under grace, which empowers them to fulfill God's commandments, enabling them to love one another genuinely, in accordance with John 13:34. Grace also assures believers that their standing before God is secure, not based on their performance but on Christ's righteousness (Romans 3:22). This understanding compels a response of gratitude and love in a believer's life, motivating them to live for Christ.
Romans 11:5, Romans 11:6, John 13:34, Romans 3:22
The Bible commands Christians to love one another as a reflection of Christ's love for us.
Loving one another is central to the Christian faith and is emphasized as a commandment by Jesus Himself. In John 13:34-35, Jesus tells His disciples to love one another as He loves them, establishing love as the distinguishing mark of His followers. This love is not merely an emotional response but is rooted in obedience and active expression, as Paul reiterates in Romans 13:8-10, where he asserts that love fulfills the law. Additionally, 1 John 3:16 points out that since Christ laid down His life for us, we ought to lay down our lives for our brethren. Thus, love is the evidence of genuine faith and the outworking of grace in the life of a believer.
John 13:34-35, Romans 13:8-10, 1 John 3:16
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