When or why does a person go to Christ? Usually, as the Spirit convicts, the person senses his own need, that he can't save himself, that he is a sinner and that all his own personal performance, righteousness, religious observance, cannot help or save him — he comes to Christ as a sinner seeking to be justified! It is only when he senses his need will he come — "All the fitness he requires is to feel your need of him." [Hymn Come, Ye Sinners] The healthy does not need a physician and those who think themselves righteous do not think they need Christ.
Explanation of vv. 17, 18 Today we will focus on vv. 17, 18. One commentator said that "these verses are not easy" (Stott) — ("complex" Longenecker; "obscure" Ridderbos; "unclear" Moo). If truth be told, it took me quite some time to come to terms with the meaning of these two verses! Two interpretations fit the context. FIRST Interpretation, Encourages People to Sin SECOND Interpretation, Increases the Number of Sinners
I. The Doctrine of justification by faith in Jesus Christ always alarms the legalist! a. Moralist b. Roman Catholics c. Self-righteous People II. The Doctrine of justification by faith in Jesus Christ never encourages sin! III. The Doctrine of justification by faith in Jesus Christ assumes the person is a sinner!
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Dr. Mark Herzer has been the pastor of Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church (P.C.A.) in Warminster, PA since 1997. Before this, he was ordained to labor as an Assistant Pastor of Korean United Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia (1992-1995). He received his M.A.R. and Ph. D....