Sermon #1089 Miscellaneous Sermons
Title: “We Can’t Both Be Saved.”
Text: Galatians 1:6-9
Reading: Jeremiah 23:1-40
Subject: The Gospel of The Grace of God
Date: Sunday Morning ― May 9, 1993
Tape #
Introduction:
Recently, a young Campbellite (Church of Christ) preacher came by my office to discuss some things I had written in the paper. He wanted to debate with me about those things. So our conversation did not last very long. Obviously, the two of us agreed on very little. But he made a statement as soon as he sat down and was very surprised when I said, “I couldn’t agree with you more.” The statement he made was this – “If we believe two different gospels, if we believe two different things about salvation, we can’t both be saved.” He was exactly right. “If we believe two different gospels, if we believe two different things about salvation, we can’t both be saved.”
That is exactly what Paul said in Galatians 1:6-9. The Judaizers came into the church after him and sought to turn men and women away from the gospel of Christ, sought to pervert the gospel of the grace of God, not by openly denying it but by subtly mixing works with grace, by mixing the works of man with the work of God in salvation. Read what Paul says about that in our text (Gal. 1:6-9).
(Galatians 1:6-9) "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: (7) Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. (8) But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (9) As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed."
Not all churches and preachers preach the same gospel. According to what I hear on the radio and television and according to what I read from a broad spectrum of religious writers, there are many gospels being preached today.
1. Some seek salvation through family ties. Many believe that parents can stand for their children before God. They have their babies sprinkled, when they get a little older they catechize them, confirm them, and call it salvation.
2. Some seek salvation in church membership. They imagine that having their names on a church roll will give them acceptance with God.
3. Some seek salvation in the ordinances what they call the sacraments.
· Baptismal Regeneration ― “Baptism does the same thing the blood of Christ does, it washes away sin” – (Steve Wolfgang, Pastor at Danville Church of Christ).
· The Mass, Penance, Etc.
4. Some seek salvation by moral uprightness. They vainly imagine that they can tip the scales of divine justice in their favor by their own imaginary good works.
5. Some seek salvation in a decision for Jesus. They think that since they decided to let God save them, walked the church aisle, and said “the sinner’s prayer” all is well with their souls.
6. Some think that salvation is to be found in a doctrinal system. As you well know, I delight in the great doctrines of God’s sovereign grace revealed in the gospel. But a sound doctrinal creed does not prove that there is grace in the heart.
It is written in the Scriptures – “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Pro. 16:25).
(Proverbs 16:2) "All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits."
(Isaiah 28:14-20) "Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem. (15) Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves: (16) Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. (17) Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place. (18) And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it. (19) From the time that it goeth forth it shall take you: for morning by morning shall it pass over, by day and by night: and it shall be a vexation only to understand the report. (20) For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it."
(Isaiah 55:8-9) "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. (9) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Proposition: Let me say one more time, (I hope you will hear what God says!), according to the Word of God there is only one gospel – (Gal. 1:6-9).
(Galatians 1:6-9) "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: (7) Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. (8) But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (9) As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed."
(Romans 1:1-4) "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (2) (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) (3) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; (4) And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:"
· It is the Gospel of God.
· It is the Gospel Promised in the Old Testament.
· It is the Gospel Concerning His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (Seed of David/Son of God!).
1 Corinthians 15:1-3 – “How that Christ died for our Sins according to the Scriptures.”
When Paul talked about the gospel of God he called it “my gospel.” I am going to talk to you about “my gospel.” This is the gospel upon which I hang my hope for eternity in Christ. This is the gospel I preach. This is the gospel of Grace Baptist Church. I want everyone here to frankly and honestly examine what I am saying today with the Word of God. I want you to make personal determination. I want to set before you seven distinctive points of my gospel. I want you to look at the Word of God and make this determination – Is my gospel the gospel of God? There is only one gospel. Is the gospel I believe that one, true, saving gospel. A lot is at stake here!
I. My gospel exalts a God who is totally sovereign in all things (Ps. 115:1-3; 135:6).
(Psalms 115:1-3) "Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake. (2) Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? (3) But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased."
(Psalms 135:6) "Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places."
Here are five things that this Book declares it pleased God to do. “It pleased the Lord.”
A. To Make you His People (1 Sam. 12:22).
B. That All Fullness Dwell IN His Son (Col. 1:18).
C. To Bruise Christ in the Place of His People (Isa. 53:10).
D. To Reveal His Son IN Me (Gal. 1:15-16).
E. To Do It By the Preaching of the Gospel (1 Cor. 1:21).
II. My gospel recognizes and declares the total depravity and spiritual inability of all men since the fall of Adam.
What happened in the garden? Did man fall or stump his toe? Did he get sick, or did he die? If he just stumped his toe, all he needs is a walking stick. If he just got sick, all he needs is a little religious medicine. If he died, he must have a Savior! What does the Word of God say? ― “Man, at his best estate, is altogether vanity!” ― (Psalm 14:2-3; 51:5; 58:3; Eccles. 7:29; Isa. 1:4-6; Rom. 3:10-14; 5:12-19; John 5:40-44; Eph. 2:1-4; Col. 2:13)
(Psalms 14:2-3) "The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. (3) They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one."
(Psalms 51:5) "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me."
(Psalms 58:3) "The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies."
(Ecclesiastes 7:29) "Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions."
(Isaiah 1:4-6) "Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward. (5) Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. (6) From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment."
(John 5:40-44) "And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. (41) I receive not honour from men. (42) But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. (43) I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. (44) How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?"
(Romans 3:10-14) "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: (11) There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. (12) They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. (13) Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: (14) Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:"
(Romans 5:12-19) "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (13) (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. (14) Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. (15) But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. (16) And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. (17) For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) (18) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. (19) For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous."
(Ephesians 2:1-4) "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins: (2) Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: (3) Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. (4) But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,"
(Colossians 2:13) "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;"
A. Because man is depraved, he cannot do good.
B. Because man is dead, he cannot change his condition.
C. Because man is a fallen, depraved, spiritually dead creature, if he is saved, it must be declared, “Salvation is of the Lord!” “Ye must be born again.”
Illustrations: Jarius’ Daughter
Lazarus
III. My Gospel Is Based Upon A Covenant of Grace (Heb. 13:20).
The word “covenant” appears in the Word of God more than 250 times. God made many covenants (Adam – Noah – Abraham – David). But I am talking about the everlasting covenant of grace, of which these covenants were only types. This covenant of grace and salvation is “the everlasting covenant”.
A. David Sang About It (II Sam. 23:5) When He Was Dying!
B. Paul Repaid In It (Heb. 7:22; 8:6; 13:20).
C. Our Lord Made It The Basis of His Prayer and His Work (John 17:2, 9, 24; 6:37-39).
D. Our Salvation was Secured By It (II Tim. 1:9-10).
Illus: Judah, Surety for Benjamin
Mephibosheth
III. My gospel declares a Savior who is the incarnate God – (Isa. 7:14; 9:6; John 1:1-3, 14; 2 Tim. 3:16).
Illustration: Question to Dr. Kuhn – “What do you believe about Jesus Christ?”
(Isaiah 7:14) "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."
(Isaiah 9:6) "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
(John 1:1-3) "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) The same was in the beginning with God. (3) All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made."
(John 1:14) "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."
(2 Timothy 3:16) "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"
Jesus Our Savior is Jehovah our God! “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” All the fullness of the Triune God dwells in the Man Christ Jesus.
· God alone can bring in everlasting righteousness!
· God alone can satisfy justice!
· God alone can save!
IV. My gospel declares an effectual salvation and an effectual Savior – (Isa. 42:1-4; Mt. 1:21).
(Isaiah 42:1-4) "Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. (2) He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. (3) A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. (4) He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law."
(Matthew 1:21) "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins."
A. There are some people in this world who are his people.
· “My Sheep” (John 10).
· “All which He hath given me!”
B. Christ shall save his people (John 10:16).
(John 10:16) "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd."
1. He brought in righteousness for them (2 Cor. 5:21). He makes us righteous!
2. He redeemed them (Eph. 1:7).
3. He sanctifies them (1 Cor. 1:30).
4. He bought forgiveness for them (Eph. 1:7).
5. He is all we need (Col. 2:9-10).
V. My gospel is a gospel of pure, free, unconditional, unqualified grace – (Eph. 2:8-9; 2 Tim. 1:9; Rom. 11:6).
(Romans 11:6) "And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work."
(Ephesians 2:8-9) "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast."
(2 Timothy 1:9) "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,"
· Electing Grace.
· Predestinating Grace.
· Redeeming Grace.
· Prevenient Grace.
· Regenerating Grace.
· Preserving Grace.
· Resurrecting Grace.
· Glorifying Grace.
VI. My gospel is good news to all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Romans 4:20-25) "He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; (21) And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. (22) And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. (23) Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; (24) But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; (25) Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification."
(Romans 5:1-11) "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (2) By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (3) And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; (4) And patience, experience; and experience, hope: (5) And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (6) For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. (8) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (9) Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (10) For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (11) And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement."
(Hebrews 10:10-22) "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (11) And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: (12) But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; (13) From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. (14) For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (15) Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, (16) This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; (17) And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. (18) Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. (19) Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, (20) By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; (21) And having an high priest over the house of God; (22) Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water."
A. Acknowledge your need of him (1 John 1:9).
B. Believe on his name – Trust His Work!
C. Bow to him as Lord!
Application: How can I know that my Gospel is the Gospel?
1. It gives all glory to God alone.
2. It is true to all the Scriptures (O.T. & N.T.) (Isa. 8:20).
3. It enables God to be just and the Justifier!
4. It gives real hope to real sinners.
5. It will keep a man saved – “Never Perish!”
6. It is the only gospel that allows a sinner to have real assurance before God.
7. I have experienced it in my very soul!
Illustration: The Indian & The Worm – “That’s what Jesus did for me!”
Come, ye sinner’s poor and needy,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore,
Jesus ready, stands to save you,
Full of pity, joined with power.
Come, ye weary, heavy laden,
Bruised and mangled by the foil,
If you tarry till you’re better,
You will never come at all.
Let not conscience make you linger,
Nor of fitness fondly dream,
All the fitness He requireth,
Is to feel your need of Him!
I will arise and go to Jesus!
He will embrace me in His arms!
In the arms of my dear Savior,
Oh, there are ten thousand charms!
Amen.