The main theological topic addressed in Caleb Hickman's sermon is the believer's approach to God, articulated through the exhortations found in Hebrews 10:21-25. The preacher emphasizes that the call to "let us" draw near, hold fast, and consider one another is rooted in the assurance that Christ, as the high priest, provides all that is necessary for faith and obedience. Hickman illustrates these points using Scripture, particularly the pivotal verses that stress drawing near with a true heart (v. 22), holding fast to faith without wavering (v. 23), and encouraging believers to assemble and exhort one another (v. 24-25). The sermon highlights the practical significance of these exhortations, underscoring that such actions are not conditions for receiving grace but rather responses to the grace already bestowed by God, reinforcing the Reformed doctrines of total depravity, unconditional election, and the perseverance of the saints.
Key Quotes
“Everything that he requires, he must provide. Because he only accepts what he provides.”
“The only way we can draw near is by His blood alone, confessing His work alone.”
“We don't hold fast to tradition. We don't hold fast to our bloodline. We don't hold fast to what we're doing. We hold to Christ.”
“We love the brethren because the love of Christ has been shed abroad in our heart.”
The Bible instructs us to draw near to God with a true heart and full assurance of faith, as seen in Hebrews 10:22.
According to Hebrews 10:22, we are called to draw near to God with a true heart in full assurance of faith. This means that we approach God, not by our own works or confidence, but by looking to Christ as the mediator who has made it possible for us to have bold access to the Father. This drawing near is grounded in the understanding that our hearts have been cleansed by Christ's suffering, and it is through Him alone that we find the courage and assurance to approach the throne of grace.
Hebrews 10:21-22
Faith is considered a gift from God as it is explicitly stated in Ephesians 2:8-9, indicating it is not of ourselves.
In historic Reformed theology, faith is understood as a gift from God secured by His grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches that we are saved by grace through faith, and that this faith is not of our own doing but is a gift from God. This underscores the sovereignty of God in salvation, affirming that it is God who initiates and enables belief in our hearts. Our faith is not something we muster up by our efforts; rather, it is given to us by God's grace, allowing us to look to Christ and trust in His finished work alone for salvation.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Christians should hold fast to their profession of faith because Christ, who promised, is faithful.
In Hebrews 10:23, we are encouraged to hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering, as our hope is anchored in Christ's faithfulness. This perseverance is not about our strength but the acknowledgment that our security is found in Christ, who holds us secure. As believers, when we hold fast to our confession, we affirm our dependence on Christ's work and His promises, and this commitment strengthens our community and witness to others. It serves as a vital demonstration of the assurance we have in our salvation through Him.
Hebrews 10:23
'Considering one another' means understanding each other's struggles and encouraging one another in the faith.
'Considering one another' as expressed in Hebrews 10:24 means recognizing our shared identity as sinners saved by grace. It involves showing empathy and compassion towards each other, understanding the mutual struggles we face as believers. This mutual support is crucial in provoking one another to love and good works, requiring us to genuinely care for each other and point one another to Christ. By doing so, we fulfill our duty to encourage and lift each other up, ultimately glorifying God and enhancing our corporate worship.
Hebrews 10:24-25
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