In the sermon titled "Christ Came To Seek and To Save The Lost," Tom Harding addresses the doctrine of the sovereign grace of God in the salvation of sinners, exemplified in the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19:1-10. Harding emphasizes that Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, is on a mission to seek and save the lost, highlighting the necessity of His intervention in the lives of His elect, depicted through the transformative encounter of Zacchaeus. Key scriptural references include Luke 19:10, which encapsulates Christ’s mission, and passages from Luke 5:32 and John 10:27, which demonstrate that Christ’s call to salvation is effectual and personal, reaching even the most notorious sinners. The significance of this doctrine is profound in the Reformed tradition, affirming that salvation is entirely dependent on God’s sovereign will and grace, encouraging believers in both their own salvation and outreach to others.
Key Quotes
“The Son of Man is come... to seek out His sheep. To seek them out and to save them.”
“No sinner is too vile. No sinner is too mean. No sinner is too wicked, too wild. There's no case to the Lord Jesus Christ cannot heal.”
“Before the Lord heals us by His mighty grace, He must wound us with the sword of the Spirit.”
“Zacchaeus was one of those chosen in the covenant of grace before the foundation of the world.”
The Bible states that Jesus came to seek and save the lost, as highlighted in Luke 19:10.
In Luke 19:10, Jesus declares, 'For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.' This emphasizes His mission on earth to redeem those who are spiritually lost, likening humanity to lost sheep in need of a shepherd. The narrative of Zacchaeus exemplifies this as Jesus intentionally seeks out this notorious sinner, demonstrating His grace and the sovereignty in His salvific work.
Luke 19:10, Isaiah 53:6, John 10:11
Jesus saves sinners as evidenced by His interactions with notorious sinners like Zacchaeus.
The assurance of Jesus saving sinners is well-documented throughout the Gospels. He states that He came 'not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance' (Luke 5:32). This doctrine is vividly illustrated through the story of Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector who turned to Christ. Despite his sinful lifestyle, Jesus called Zacchaeus by name, emphasizing His divine knowledge and intention to save even the most undeserving. This narrative affirms that no one is beyond the reach of Christ’s redemptive power.
Luke 5:32, Luke 19:5-10, Romans 5:8
Grace is fundamental for Christians as it is the means by which they are saved and transformed.
Grace is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, as it undergirds salvation and the transformation of individuals. Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches that we are saved by grace through faith, underscoring that it is not of ourselves but a gift of God. The story of Zacchaeus highlights how this transformative grace elicits a response of repentance and change, as we see Zacchaeus pledging to give half of his possessions to the poor and restore any wrongs. Thus, grace not only brings salvation but also compels believers to live in a way that reflects God’s love and mercy.
Ephesians 2:8-9, Luke 19:8, Titus 2:11-12
God calls His people to salvation through the preaching of the Gospel.
God’s calling to salvation operates through the preaching of the Gospel, which He has ordained as the means to draw His elect out of darkness into His marvelous light. Romans 10:14-15 questions how people can believe without hearing the message, illustrating the necessity of preaching. Just like Jesus called Zacchaeus personally and powerfully, the Gospel serves as the instrument through which God effectually draws His chosen ones to Himself. This sovereign call is irresistible and transforms hearts, leading them to faith in Christ.
Romans 10:14-15, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14, Luke 19:5
The story of Zacchaeus illustrates Jesus’ mission to save the lost without regard for social status or reputation.
The narrative of Zacchaeus is significant as it embodies the essence of Christ's ministry to the outcast and the sinner. Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector scorned by society, exemplified moral failure yet is sought out by Jesus. His eagerness to climb a tree to see Jesus illustrates pursuit of the truth, while Jesus’ immediate call demonstrates divine initiative and grace. This story reassures believers that salvation is available to everyone, irrespective of their past, reaffirming the inclusive nature of the Gospel and a Savior who champions mercy over judgment.
Luke 19:1-10, Romans 5:20, Matthew 9:12
Jesus as the Good Shepherd signifies His role in protecting, guiding, and laying down His life for His sheep.
In John 10:11, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd, highlighting His sacrificial love for His people. This title emphasizes His intimate knowledge of and relationship with His sheep, as He cares for them and seeks their well-being. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep, embodying the ultimate demonstration of love and grace. In the story of Zacchaeus, we see this played out as Jesus seeks out a lost soul, showing that His mission is to guide and redeem those who are far from Him, ensuring their eternal safety.
John 10:11, Luke 19:10, Isaiah 53:6
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