Psalm 48:1-3

The Grace Of God Can

James wrote in James 3:7-8 that men have succeeded in taming beasts, birds, serpents, and even the fish of the sea, "but the tongue can no man tame." No man can control it, hold it in check, nor stop its bitterness and evil. It's true--no MAN can tame the tongue, but THE GRACE OF GOD CAN AND DOES! The grace of God in Christ not only tames and subdues the tongue, but makes it an instrument of praise and goodness. When the Saviour indwells the heart, He will sanctify the tongue. The grace of God quenches the flames of pride and hate which once motivated the tongue. The grace of God implants a new nature of love which influences the tongue to speak kindly, truthfully, and sincerely for the glory of God. Only one power can change this small but powerful member from an instrument of evil to an instrument of good-- the grace of God!

Pastor Henry T. Mahan (bulletin 1994)

The Absolute Sovereignty Of God

The sovereignty of God is absolute. To acknowledge this truth is at once to acknowledge that God has foreordained whatsoever comes to pass; that nothing else can come to pass; that predestination is a fact; that God does rule in the kingdoms of men; that all human ties, bonds, and relationships are divinely appointed and formed; that salvation rests solely, fully, and only in God’s election; that salvation is by God’s grace and His grace alone; and that no part of man’s salvation is of himself either in origin or execution. Where men get the idea that man’s world is the all-determining factor or moving cause of his salvation is hard to see. Certainly, they do not get it from the Bible.

Pastor Scott Richardson (1923 – 2010)

THE ONLY REASON FOR SALVATION

“I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake” (1John 2:12).

There is only one reason revealed in Holy Scripture that any sinner would be pardoned from all sin. That one reason is Christ alone, “His name’s sake” (Eph.4:32). Christ Jesus was manifested to take away our sin and in Him is no sin (1John 3:5). The only reason for grace is Christ (John 1:16). The only reason for mercy is Christ (Titus 3:5). The only reason for salvation is Christ (Acts 4:12). The only reason for sanctification is Christ (1Cor. 1:30). “His name's sake” includes all these things and much more (Rom. 5:20-21).

Salvation is not because of our righteousness, merit, our baptism, nor our works, nor our prayers, nor our repentance nor our faith; but for the sake of Christ, His blood, His righteous obedience, His sacrifice and His satisfaction.

We thank God that His blood atonement reaches to all our sins, original and actual, secret and open, past, present, and future (Heb. 10:14-17). Therefore, the only reason for the whole salvation is not found in us, but rather in the Lord Jesus Christ alone (Isa.43:1-7; 44:21-23).

THE JUDGMENT THRONE OF CHRIST

“He shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matt. 25:33-34).

In this great and notable day of judgment, the Great Shepherd of the sheep shall make a just distinction between His elect, chosen and blessed in Christ and those left to justly perish in their sins (Matt. 25:41). As the sovereign Lord of all He has the supreme knowledge and divine right to make these exact distinctions between the sheep (believers) and the goats (unbelievers) (2Tim. 2:19). I want you to notice carefully the words of commendations and grace given to His church, “The King shall say unto them….”

1). “Come.” The great Shepherd calls His sheep unto Himself, ten thousand welcomes (John 17:24). Come to Me, come unto my dearest embraces, come into my sweet and eternal communion, come into my spiritual kingdom take possession of all covenant mercies (Rom. 8:32; Matt. 25:21). Come unto my throne of glory (Rev. 5:10).

2). “Come, ye blessed of my Father.” The reason of our coming and blessing is found in the eternal covenant of grace (Jer. 31:3; Psa. 65:4; John 6:44-45). As the Spirit glorifies the Son (John 16:14), so the Son glorifies the Father by referring the salvation of His sheep to the eternal purpose of God (Rom. 11:36), He is the first cause and last end in justifying His elect (Eph. 1:3-14; Eph. 3:10-11).

3). “Inherit the kingdom prepared for you.” This is the eternal inheritance of God’s grace (1Peter 1:3-5), bought with the precious blood atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ (Rev. 1:5-6; John 14:1-6). Not acquired by our merit, but rather by His free grace (Rom. 3:24). This inheritance is freely given to all those made heirs of God and joint-heirs with the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:17; Rev. 21:6-7).

4). “Prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” All of God’s preparations for the sheep on His right hand are by His eternal decrees (Acts 15:18; Rev. 13:8). These preparations are not only eternal but also particular, “for you” (2Thes. 2:13). The Lord Jesus Christ lived as Mediator (1Tim. 2:5) and died as Substitute for the sheep on His right hand (John 10:15; Matt 1:21). “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him” (1Thes. 5:9).