Sermon Theme
In our previous few sermons we have clearly seen that due to our corruption in sin through Adam’s disobedience, the whole of humanity is deserving of God’s wrath
We have therefore seen we ALL are in need of a MEDIATOR… someone to stand between us sinners and a HOLY GOD who can have nothing to do with sin
We have seen that Jesus Christ alone is the ONLY ONE that God has provided to be that MEDIATOR between Himself and fallen humanity Also last time we came to understand Jesus alone can be the one, because He is not just human, but also divine… being divine He alone had the power to withstand the outpouring of the wrath of God.
That leads to a most IMPORTANT QUESTION that is raised by the Catechism Are all saved through Christ just as all were lost through Adam? The answer could not be clearer: “No. Only those are saved who by true faith are grafted into Christ and accept all His blessings”.
This seems pretty harsh, and for people of other faiths, Christians believing this may be thought of as arrogant and intolerant… to think we in Christ alone will be saved.
So how does this stack up? Is this really so?
Sermon outline
- CHRIST ALONE THE SAVIOUR OF HUMANITY
- THE IMPORTANCE OF FAITH OUR UNION WITH CHRIST
- OUR DEBT CANCELLED ON THE CROSS
Readings reproduced on this page:
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1996, 1984. Grand Rapids: Zondervan
Sermon Outline
Readings
Heidelberg Catechism: Lord’s Day 7, QA 20-23
20 Q. Are all saved through Christ just as all were lost through Adam?
No.Only those are saved who by true faith are grafted into Christ and accept all His blessings.
21 Q. What is true faith?
True faith is not only a knowledge and conviction that everything God reveals in His Word is true;
it is also a deep‑rooted assurance, created in me by the Holy Spirit through the gospel,
that, out of sheer grace earned for us by Christ, not only others, but I too,
have had my sins forgiven, have been made forever right with God, and have been granted salvation.
22 Q. What then must a Christian believe?
Everything God promises us in the gospel.
That gospel is summarised for us in the articles of our Christian faith__ a creed beyond doubt, and confessed throughout the world.
23 Q. What are these articles?
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord.
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary;
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell.
The third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,the communion of saints;
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen
Text
Colossians 2:1–14 (NIV84)
1I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally.
2My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,
3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.
5For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him,
7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
8See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
9For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,
10and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.
11In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ,
12having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
13When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,
14having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.
