The sermon titled "The Last Word On The Matter" by Gabe Stalnaker focuses on the doctrine of grace as expressed in Revelation 22:21, stating, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." Stalnaker emphasizes that this grace is extended to all those who are truly in Christ, grounding his argument in Reformed doctrines of election and predestination as taught in Scripture, particularly Romans 8:29-30 and John 17:2. He delineates between the general knowledge of God and the specific, saving knowledge that signifies those written in the Lamb's Book of Life, affirming that the grace of Christ is specifically for His chosen people rather than for all of humanity. The practical significance of the sermon lies in affirming the believers’ identity in Christ and their assurance of grace, urging listeners to recognize their position in the elect and to understand that salvation is entirely an act of God.
Key Quotes
“He is speaking to all those who are going to be in glory with Him.”
“Predestinate. Do you know that is not the most popular word in the world?”
“There's only one. Why do you have to be so strict? I'm not. God is.”
“If you do, flesh and blood didn't reveal that to you. The Father which is in heaven.”
The Bible emphasizes that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is a gift that assures believers of His presence and salvation.
In Revelation 22:21, the last verse of the Bible, it states, 'The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.' This verse signifies the profound assurance and presence of Christ's grace, highlighting that it is not just favor, but the very essence of God's love and mercy. This grace is given freely to those who are in Christ, ensuring that they are not judged for their sins, but are recipients of His kindness and forgiveness.
Moreover, Ephesians 2:8-9 states, 'For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.' This solidifies that salvation is entirely a work of grace, not based on our merits but on Christ's sacrifice. Understanding grace is pivotal for Christians as it brings forth the assurance of salvation and the intimate relationship believers have with their Savior.
Predestination is affirmed in Scripture, particularly in Romans 8:29-30, which explains God's foreknowledge and predestination of the elect.
The doctrine of predestination is rooted deeply in Scripture, as seen in Romans 8:29-30, which states, 'For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son.' This passage indicates that God, in His sovereignty, has chosen specific individuals for salvation before the foundation of the world, thus affirming that our salvation is part of a divine plan, not a random or accidental occurrence.
Additionally, Ephesians 1:4-5 reveals that God chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, predestining us to adoption as sons according to the good pleasure of His will. The biblical basis for predestination showcases God's authority, faithfulness, and the security found in His divine purpose for His people. It affirms that salvation is entirely of the Lord, relieving believers from the burdens of works-based righteousness and assuring them of their eternal security.
Grace is essential for Christians as it is the foundation of salvation and the ongoing source of spiritual strength.
Grace is of utmost importance to Christians because it underpins the entirety of salvation. Without grace, there would be no forgiveness or redemption, as Romans 5:20 teaches that where sin abounds, grace abounds much more. This grace is not a mere concept but is embodied in the person of Jesus Christ, who offers His righteousness to those who believe, as noted in 2 Corinthians 5:21, 'For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.'
Furthermore, grace empowers believers in their daily lives, equipping them to live out their faith faithfully. It assures them of God's constant presence, as expressed in Revelation 22:21, emphasizing that His grace is with them always. Abiding in grace helps Christians navigate struggles, knowing that their salvation is secure and that they are accepted and beloved in Christ. It transforms their relationship with God from one of fear to one of deep love and trust.
The term 'you all' refers specifically to the elect, those chosen to receive God's grace and salvation.
In Revelation 22:21, the phrase 'you all' is a direct reference to the believers—the elect who are assured of God's grace. This assurance is rooted in the understanding that those included in the 'you all' are the ones who have been written in the Lamb's Book of Life, as noted in Revelation 21:27. This book contains the names of those whom God has foreknown and predestined for salvation, as elaborated in Romans 8:29-30, meaning that those who belong to this group can rest in the certainty of their salvation.
Being part of the 'you all' reinforces the idea that salvation is not based on personal merit but on God's sovereign choice and grace. Every believer can claim this promise of grace and fellowship with Christ, underscoring the unity and security found in the body of Christ. Therefore, when believers recognize that they are among the 'you all,' it brings encouragement and deepens their relationship with the Lord, affirming their identity as His chosen people.
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