WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.859 Great job, Brian, and a great song. 00:00:03.700 --> 00:00:08.040 You know, that is our testimony as Christians, isn't it? 00:00:08.779 --> 00:00:09.880 I mean, I know it's mine. 00:00:10.800 --> 00:00:17.260 I am in so, just every day in great need of God's grace, 00:00:17.480 --> 00:00:19.039 His undeserved favor. 00:00:19.640 --> 00:00:20.300 I love that. 00:00:20.300 --> 00:00:32.980 In 2013, Billy Graham concluded his long public ministries of 60 plus years 00:00:32.980 --> 00:00:36.799 at his 95th birthday party. 00:00:37.880 --> 00:00:40.079 He was unable to preach. 00:00:41.500 --> 00:00:45.159 There was a video made instead that was distributed nationwide. 00:00:45.159 --> 00:00:51.159 But that night, he was able to give what I think is one of the best final statements 00:00:51.699 --> 00:00:56.159 that any Christian leader could give when he said this, 00:00:56.719 --> 00:01:00.119 with all my heart, I want to leave you with truth. 00:01:01.159 --> 00:01:03.920 When I read that in the Greenville News the next day, 00:01:04.679 --> 00:01:08.219 I thought that's how I would like to conclude my ministry one day. 00:01:08.219 --> 00:01:15.039 Well, here it is almost eight years later, and that day has come. 00:01:15.780 --> 00:01:20.039 I am concluding 25 years as your pastor next Sunday. 00:01:20.959 --> 00:01:22.979 As I've said three weeks ago, 00:01:23.700 --> 00:01:29.379 that is the theme for my final messages here as your pastor. 00:01:30.280 --> 00:01:32.699 We looked at the first week the truth about the Bible, 00:01:33.719 --> 00:01:35.400 then the truth about the church, 00:01:35.400 --> 00:01:39.259 and last week the truth about today's key cultural issues. 00:01:40.259 --> 00:01:42.739 Today I want us to look at the truth about salvation, 00:01:42.739 --> 00:01:47.640 which will also prepare us to observe the Lord's Supper together. 00:01:48.719 --> 00:01:50.919 You know, whenever we come to a worship service like this, 00:01:51.000 --> 00:01:52.060 and you walk in the room, 00:01:52.619 --> 00:01:53.780 if you are a Christian, 00:01:53.899 --> 00:01:57.739 if you're familiar with what is on this table here, 00:01:58.739 --> 00:02:01.899 when you come in and you see these elements, 00:02:01.899 --> 00:02:05.159 the thought ought to come to your mind, 00:02:05.159 --> 00:02:10.620 that represents what Jesus did for me on the cross. 00:02:10.759 --> 00:02:11.479 He died. 00:02:12.280 --> 00:02:14.240 He paid the penalty for my sins. 00:02:15.340 --> 00:02:16.199 To put it another way, 00:02:16.280 --> 00:02:19.859 the Lord's Supper should cause us to think about the gospel, 00:02:20.780 --> 00:02:25.000 the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. 00:02:25.000 --> 00:02:29.579 One of the clearest expressions of the gospel found in the New Testament 00:02:29.580 --> 00:02:31.640 is 1 Corinthians chapter 15, 00:02:32.120 --> 00:02:34.480 and I want you to turn with me this morning and look at it. 00:02:35.100 --> 00:02:36.340 1 Corinthians 15. 00:02:37.500 --> 00:02:40.439 That's the great chapter on the resurrection of Jesus. 00:02:41.460 --> 00:02:44.020 Paul was dealing with a problem in the church, 00:02:44.200 --> 00:02:44.840 false teachers, 00:02:45.000 --> 00:02:50.860 some believing that some false teachers teaching the resurrection didn't really happen, 00:02:51.320 --> 00:02:52.740 denying its reality. 00:02:52.740 --> 00:02:59.560 And so Paul introduces the resurrection by talking about how it took place 00:02:59.560 --> 00:03:01.960 in the context of explaining the gospel, 00:03:03.280 --> 00:03:05.400 trying to set the record straight. 00:03:06.740 --> 00:03:11.360 The resurrection is the key part of the Christian faith. 00:03:11.740 --> 00:03:13.820 Without the resurrection, there is no Christianity. 00:03:14.020 --> 00:03:15.020 There is no salvation. 00:03:16.160 --> 00:03:17.160 Let's read it together. 00:03:17.300 --> 00:03:19.360 1 Corinthians 15, beginning in verse 1. 00:03:19.360 --> 00:03:23.840 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, 00:03:24.380 --> 00:03:27.420 which you received, in which you stand, 00:03:28.100 --> 00:03:30.480 and by which you are being saved, 00:03:30.780 --> 00:03:34.340 if you hold fast to the word I preached to you, 00:03:34.980 --> 00:03:36.600 unless you believed in vain. 00:03:37.820 --> 00:03:41.500 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, 00:03:41.900 --> 00:03:44.960 that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, 00:03:45.520 --> 00:03:46.520 that he was buried, 00:03:46.520 --> 00:03:50.219 and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, 00:03:50.640 --> 00:03:52.280 and that he appeared to Cephas, 00:03:52.500 --> 00:03:53.300 that's Peter, 00:03:53.960 --> 00:03:55.000 then to the twelve, 00:03:55.600 --> 00:03:59.360 then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, 00:04:00.400 --> 00:04:02.580 most of whom are still alive, 00:04:03.000 --> 00:04:04.360 though some have fallen asleep. 00:04:05.000 --> 00:04:06.480 Then he appeared to James, 00:04:06.879 --> 00:04:08.460 then to all the apostles, 00:04:09.280 --> 00:04:10.300 last of all, 00:04:10.780 --> 00:04:12.760 as to one untimely born, 00:04:13.360 --> 00:04:14.540 he appeared also to me. 00:04:14.539 --> 00:04:20.060 Now, Paul reminds the Corinthians of the gospel, 00:04:20.539 --> 00:04:21.699 that he had preached to them, 00:04:22.719 --> 00:04:27.379 that he explains in basically three statements in verses three and four. 00:04:27.879 --> 00:04:34.180 I want you to look at them with me as we prepare the way for looking at the aspects of salvation. 00:04:34.779 --> 00:04:35.199 First, 00:04:36.339 --> 00:04:39.800 that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures. 00:04:39.800 --> 00:04:43.400 The first statement of the gospel, 00:04:44.079 --> 00:04:46.600 Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures. 00:04:46.960 --> 00:04:48.000 Look at that first phrase, 00:04:48.160 --> 00:04:49.579 Christ died for our sins, 00:04:49.920 --> 00:04:53.180 points out that Jesus died in our place 00:04:53.180 --> 00:04:55.780 to pay the penalty for our sins. 00:04:56.480 --> 00:04:57.540 Jesus was sinless. 00:04:57.780 --> 00:04:58.759 He lived a perfect life. 00:04:59.160 --> 00:05:02.819 But he came into this world to go to the cross and become our substitute, 00:05:03.340 --> 00:05:04.939 to take our sins upon himself, 00:05:04.939 --> 00:05:06.459 to suffer the penalty, 00:05:06.660 --> 00:05:07.219 the punishment, 00:05:07.379 --> 00:05:09.079 the wrath of God that we deserve. 00:05:10.339 --> 00:05:12.519 Christ died for our sins. 00:05:13.600 --> 00:05:14.079 It says, 00:05:14.219 --> 00:05:15.180 in accordance with the scriptures. 00:05:15.519 --> 00:05:19.819 That means the Lord's death was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophetic scriptures. 00:05:20.220 --> 00:05:21.720 This was always God's plan, 00:05:22.019 --> 00:05:24.220 and he had revealed it much in advance. 00:05:24.579 --> 00:05:26.879 One of the best statements in the Old Testament, 00:05:27.159 --> 00:05:29.360 describing the death of Christ for our sins, 00:05:29.500 --> 00:05:31.060 is in Isaiah 53. 00:05:31.060 --> 00:05:33.160 I'd encourage you to read that later on. 00:05:33.699 --> 00:05:35.680 Second statement he makes about the gospel, 00:05:36.560 --> 00:05:37.540 that he was buried. 00:05:38.339 --> 00:05:41.639 Now that emphasizes that Jesus really did die. 00:05:41.759 --> 00:05:45.860 That was important in what he was trying to tell or convince the Corinthians of, 00:05:46.180 --> 00:05:49.579 refuting those who denied the reality of the resurrection. 00:05:50.439 --> 00:05:51.399 Jesus was buried. 00:05:52.060 --> 00:05:52.959 He died. 00:05:53.819 --> 00:05:55.560 He was placed in a tomb. 00:05:55.560 --> 00:05:58.060 But three days later, 00:05:58.899 --> 00:06:02.540 that tomb became forever known as the empty tomb, 00:06:03.160 --> 00:06:04.160 because he arose. 00:06:04.480 --> 00:06:05.300 Third statement, 00:06:05.959 --> 00:06:09.019 that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures. 00:06:09.720 --> 00:06:11.879 The gospel is good news, 00:06:12.399 --> 00:06:16.259 because Jesus was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures. 00:06:17.759 --> 00:06:21.139 If Jesus did not arose from the grave, 00:06:21.139 --> 00:06:25.079 he would have just been another Jew executed by Romans. 00:06:26.360 --> 00:06:27.720 The gospel message, 00:06:28.240 --> 00:06:30.019 certainly the centrality of the cross, 00:06:30.160 --> 00:06:33.259 what Jesus has done for us through his death on our behalf, 00:06:33.480 --> 00:06:34.319 is vital. 00:06:35.600 --> 00:06:37.079 But it would not be, 00:06:37.660 --> 00:06:39.660 if Jesus was not who he said he was, 00:06:39.860 --> 00:06:40.800 the Son of God. 00:06:40.959 --> 00:06:42.920 If he had not done what he said he would do, 00:06:43.199 --> 00:06:44.319 rise from the grave. 00:06:44.560 --> 00:06:46.120 And Paul is just emphasizing, 00:06:46.680 --> 00:06:47.420 this is true. 00:06:47.420 --> 00:06:50.899 Now, if you go on and read verses 5 through 8, 00:06:50.899 --> 00:06:54.000 that's the most detailed list in the New Testament, 00:06:54.000 --> 00:06:57.279 of who the resurrected Lord appeared to. 00:06:57.859 --> 00:06:58.719 All those people. 00:07:00.199 --> 00:07:05.060 Now, let's look back at how the Corinthians responded to this gospel, 00:07:05.739 --> 00:07:06.779 in verses 1 and 2. 00:07:07.459 --> 00:07:10.060 That's where we're going to look at the truth about salvation. 00:07:10.439 --> 00:07:11.199 Look at this again. 00:07:11.199 --> 00:07:13.579 Now, I would remind you, brothers, 00:07:14.079 --> 00:07:16.139 of the gospel I preached to you, 00:07:16.219 --> 00:07:17.519 which you received, 00:07:18.219 --> 00:07:19.439 in which you stand, 00:07:20.159 --> 00:07:22.459 and by which you are being saved, 00:07:22.579 --> 00:07:25.399 if you hold fast to the word I preached to you, 00:07:25.860 --> 00:07:27.599 unless you believed in vain. 00:07:27.600 --> 00:07:30.640 Let's look first at the truth about salvation 00:07:30.640 --> 00:07:34.680 is that it is more than a transaction. 00:07:36.640 --> 00:07:39.000 Salvation is not a deal that you do. 00:07:40.439 --> 00:07:44.360 Salvation does not involve checking a box 00:07:44.360 --> 00:07:48.160 of something that you have believed. 00:07:49.820 --> 00:07:53.640 Based on nearly 40 years of pastoral ministry, 00:07:54.939 --> 00:07:57.020 and by the way, I started when I was 10. 00:07:57.600 --> 00:08:01.200 But based on 40 years of pastoral ministry, 00:08:01.600 --> 00:08:03.180 excuse me, 00:08:04.060 --> 00:08:07.060 I think many, if not most, 00:08:07.140 --> 00:08:09.580 church members across this country 00:08:09.580 --> 00:08:14.100 don't fully understand the truth about salvation 00:08:14.100 --> 00:08:16.600 or the full meaning of the gospel. 00:08:17.320 --> 00:08:18.420 Now, I'm hoping you do. 00:08:19.400 --> 00:08:20.840 I'm trusting that you do. 00:08:21.379 --> 00:08:23.080 But there are many church members 00:08:23.080 --> 00:08:25.540 in this county, 00:08:25.540 --> 00:08:27.260 in this state, 00:08:27.360 --> 00:08:28.060 in this country. 00:08:29.100 --> 00:08:32.019 They don't really understand the truth 00:08:32.019 --> 00:08:35.940 about what salvation involves. 00:08:36.159 --> 00:08:38.519 They don't understand the real meaning of the gospel. 00:08:40.139 --> 00:08:40.360 Now, 00:08:41.120 --> 00:08:43.940 some Christians, 00:08:44.500 --> 00:08:45.800 many church members, 00:08:46.539 --> 00:08:49.680 think of the gospel simply as good news that, 00:08:50.000 --> 00:08:50.220 quote, 00:08:50.220 --> 00:08:51.920 Jesus died on the cross 00:08:51.920 --> 00:08:53.120 to pay the penalty for our sins 00:08:53.120 --> 00:08:54.399 to save us from hell. 00:08:55.759 --> 00:08:57.519 And some would probably add 00:08:57.519 --> 00:08:59.820 and to take us to heaven when we die. 00:09:00.779 --> 00:09:03.720 There's a problem of thinking just only that. 00:09:04.420 --> 00:09:06.100 That's not an incorrect statement. 00:09:06.100 --> 00:09:08.779 But the problem of thinking of the gospel 00:09:08.779 --> 00:09:10.220 only like that 00:09:10.220 --> 00:09:14.960 is that it makes salvation more of that transaction. 00:09:14.960 --> 00:09:20.120 I believe it's over and done with, 00:09:20.480 --> 00:09:21.620 deals done, 00:09:22.420 --> 00:09:23.879 go on your merry way. 00:09:26.019 --> 00:09:27.460 Let me ask you a question. 00:09:28.660 --> 00:09:30.259 There can be two questions on the board. 00:09:31.259 --> 00:09:32.360 If you are a Christian, 00:09:33.360 --> 00:09:36.180 which best describes the way that you, 00:09:36.540 --> 00:09:37.220 right now, 00:09:37.700 --> 00:09:38.300 think about, 00:09:38.540 --> 00:09:40.100 understand salvation? 00:09:40.100 --> 00:09:41.340 Now, 00:09:41.399 --> 00:09:41.700 don't, 00:09:41.920 --> 00:09:42.659 as you look at this, 00:09:42.759 --> 00:09:44.060 don't think about the words, 00:09:44.340 --> 00:09:45.440 have I ever said this? 00:09:45.639 --> 00:09:47.720 Think about what is being said there. 00:09:47.820 --> 00:09:49.060 Is that how you think? 00:09:50.420 --> 00:09:53.040 Is that what you believe about salvation? 00:09:53.340 --> 00:09:53.800 First, 00:09:54.399 --> 00:09:55.100 look at this. 00:09:56.940 --> 00:09:58.180 Does this describe you? 00:09:58.899 --> 00:10:00.639 I believe that Jesus died on the cross 00:10:00.639 --> 00:10:01.920 to pay the penalty for my sins. 00:10:02.500 --> 00:10:02.820 Therefore, 00:10:03.460 --> 00:10:05.460 I am now saved. 00:10:06.139 --> 00:10:07.259 Everything is settled. 00:10:07.259 --> 00:10:10.340 That's all I need to be concerned about. 00:10:11.460 --> 00:10:12.799 I move on with life. 00:10:13.480 --> 00:10:13.840 Or, 00:10:14.659 --> 00:10:15.799 is this next statement 00:10:15.799 --> 00:10:19.879 more along the line of how you think and believe? 00:10:20.600 --> 00:10:22.279 I believe that Jesus died on the cross 00:10:22.279 --> 00:10:23.480 to pay the penalty for my sins. 00:10:23.899 --> 00:10:25.659 I also believe that He arose from the grave 00:10:25.659 --> 00:10:28.039 and I am following Him right now 00:10:28.039 --> 00:10:29.759 as my Savior and Lord. 00:10:30.559 --> 00:10:33.559 Jesus died to save me from sin and death 00:10:33.559 --> 00:10:36.939 and to enable me to have a relationship with Him 00:10:36.940 --> 00:10:39.880 and God as my Heavenly Father 00:10:39.880 --> 00:10:41.640 now and forever. 00:10:42.900 --> 00:10:44.020 You see the difference? 00:10:44.820 --> 00:10:45.740 That first statement 00:10:45.740 --> 00:10:48.060 is more like that transaction. 00:10:50.600 --> 00:10:53.000 You jump through the hoops, so to speak. 00:10:54.420 --> 00:10:55.420 You've got a profession of faith. 00:10:56.020 --> 00:10:57.440 In some churches, you walk down an aisle. 00:10:58.040 --> 00:10:59.100 In some churches, you get baptized. 00:11:00.460 --> 00:11:01.660 It's a done deal. 00:11:01.659 --> 00:11:05.120 I go on with my life. 00:11:05.799 --> 00:11:06.079 Or, 00:11:07.039 --> 00:11:08.679 do you think of salvation in terms of, 00:11:08.839 --> 00:11:10.620 yes, you put your faith and trust in Jesus, 00:11:10.879 --> 00:11:13.039 but He is the living Lord Jesus Christ. 00:11:14.079 --> 00:11:16.000 And you love Him and serve Him 00:11:16.000 --> 00:11:17.179 and seek to follow Him. 00:11:18.559 --> 00:11:19.799 And in this way, 00:11:20.659 --> 00:11:22.939 you think of salvation more in terms, 00:11:23.100 --> 00:11:23.879 not a transaction, 00:11:24.219 --> 00:11:25.120 but a relationship 00:11:25.120 --> 00:11:27.079 that begins when you trust Jesus, 00:11:27.080 --> 00:11:29.900 but it continues throughout your life. 00:11:32.020 --> 00:11:33.300 The second statement, 00:11:34.300 --> 00:11:35.220 I hope, 00:11:36.320 --> 00:11:37.139 is what you think, 00:11:37.360 --> 00:11:38.200 how you believe. 00:11:39.200 --> 00:11:40.720 Now, let's move on 00:11:40.720 --> 00:11:42.320 and look at what Paul actually says 00:11:42.320 --> 00:11:44.420 about this salvation. 00:11:44.620 --> 00:11:44.940 Number two, 00:11:45.020 --> 00:11:46.220 the truth about salvation 00:11:46.220 --> 00:11:47.440 is that it involves 00:11:47.440 --> 00:11:49.940 an ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ. 00:11:50.400 --> 00:11:51.300 This is the fact. 00:11:51.500 --> 00:11:52.320 This is the truth. 00:11:52.800 --> 00:11:54.120 These verses describe salvation 00:11:54.120 --> 00:11:54.899 as a past, 00:11:55.299 --> 00:11:55.700 present, 00:11:55.840 --> 00:11:57.379 and future experience. 00:11:57.620 --> 00:11:58.320 Look at it quickly. 00:11:58.700 --> 00:12:00.759 Salvation is a past experience. 00:12:01.240 --> 00:12:01.539 He says, 00:12:01.639 --> 00:12:02.600 now I would remind you, 00:12:02.720 --> 00:12:02.919 brothers, 00:12:03.019 --> 00:12:04.259 of the gospel I preached to you, 00:12:04.500 --> 00:12:06.419 which you received. 00:12:07.419 --> 00:12:08.600 Paul uses that word 00:12:08.600 --> 00:12:09.340 in terms of 00:12:09.340 --> 00:12:11.240 which you believed. 00:12:11.620 --> 00:12:12.120 You embraced 00:12:12.679 --> 00:12:13.899 the good news 00:12:13.899 --> 00:12:15.080 that Jesus had died 00:12:15.080 --> 00:12:16.159 for your sins. 00:12:16.960 --> 00:12:17.600 He's talking about people 00:12:17.600 --> 00:12:18.360 who truly did 00:12:18.360 --> 00:12:19.240 trust Jesus 00:12:19.240 --> 00:12:20.440 as their Lord and Savior. 00:12:21.279 --> 00:12:22.240 He's talking about people 00:12:22.240 --> 00:12:23.500 who initially 00:12:23.500 --> 00:12:24.340 when a person 00:12:24.340 --> 00:12:25.480 initially believes 00:12:25.480 --> 00:12:26.080 the gospel. 00:12:27.080 --> 00:12:28.620 If you have received 00:12:28.620 --> 00:12:29.580 the gospel this way, 00:12:31.580 --> 00:12:32.700 if you are truly 00:12:32.700 --> 00:12:33.820 trusting Jesus, 00:12:34.700 --> 00:12:36.740 then you can say 00:12:36.740 --> 00:12:37.580 with confidence, 00:12:38.179 --> 00:12:40.659 I have been saved. 00:12:41.879 --> 00:12:42.940 The New Testament word 00:12:42.940 --> 00:12:44.159 for that is justification. 00:12:46.500 --> 00:12:47.659 Justification means 00:12:47.659 --> 00:12:49.679 when you put your faith 00:12:49.679 --> 00:12:50.340 and trust in Jesus, 00:12:50.539 --> 00:12:51.659 God looks at you 00:12:51.659 --> 00:12:53.199 and declares you 00:12:53.199 --> 00:12:54.839 by virtue of your faith 00:12:54.839 --> 00:12:55.199 in Jesus, 00:12:55.279 --> 00:12:56.439 your union with Jesus, 00:12:57.299 --> 00:12:58.419 God declares you 00:12:58.419 --> 00:12:59.439 righteous 00:12:59.439 --> 00:13:00.639 or right with Him. 00:13:02.719 --> 00:13:03.919 It's a declaration 00:13:03.919 --> 00:13:04.639 God makes 00:13:04.639 --> 00:13:05.500 right then and there 00:13:05.500 --> 00:13:07.019 because of what Jesus 00:13:07.019 --> 00:13:07.439 has done 00:13:07.439 --> 00:13:08.240 and you trust Him, 00:13:08.319 --> 00:13:09.019 you are declared 00:13:09.019 --> 00:13:11.120 right with Him. 00:13:12.000 --> 00:13:13.199 The Bible makes this clear 00:13:13.199 --> 00:13:13.959 in many places. 00:13:14.079 --> 00:13:14.899 Here's a good example. 00:13:15.860 --> 00:13:16.299 Paul wrote, 00:13:16.500 --> 00:13:16.720 therefore, 00:13:16.980 --> 00:13:17.679 since we have been 00:13:17.679 --> 00:13:18.839 justified by faith, 00:13:18.939 --> 00:13:20.159 declared right with God 00:13:20.159 --> 00:13:20.719 by faith, 00:13:21.299 --> 00:13:22.779 we have peace with God. 00:13:22.860 --> 00:13:23.559 We're no more enemies. 00:13:24.939 --> 00:13:26.139 We're no more strangers. 00:13:26.799 --> 00:13:27.799 We have a relationship. 00:13:28.079 --> 00:13:29.360 We have peace with God 00:13:29.360 --> 00:13:30.980 through our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:13:31.379 --> 00:13:32.379 When you trusted Christ 00:13:32.379 --> 00:13:33.219 for your salvation, 00:13:33.980 --> 00:13:34.459 I want you to think, 00:13:35.139 --> 00:13:36.279 God declared you 00:13:36.279 --> 00:13:36.819 at that moment 00:13:36.819 --> 00:13:38.480 not guilty 00:13:38.480 --> 00:13:40.500 of all your sins. 00:13:42.419 --> 00:13:43.519 When you put your faith 00:13:43.519 --> 00:13:44.240 and trust in Jesus 00:13:44.240 --> 00:13:45.019 for your salvation, 00:13:45.319 --> 00:13:46.019 at that moment, 00:13:46.220 --> 00:13:47.500 God forgave you. 00:13:47.699 --> 00:13:49.319 He wiped the slate clean. 00:13:49.320 --> 00:13:50.220 He gave you 00:13:50.220 --> 00:13:51.800 a fresh start. 00:13:53.200 --> 00:13:53.980 You think, 00:13:54.420 --> 00:13:56.180 how could God do that 00:13:56.180 --> 00:13:57.300 when I, 00:13:57.600 --> 00:14:00.100 I've still done those things. 00:14:00.680 --> 00:14:01.800 They're still on my record. 00:14:03.560 --> 00:14:04.040 Well, 00:14:04.200 --> 00:14:04.700 I want you to think 00:14:04.700 --> 00:14:05.200 of it this way. 00:14:05.660 --> 00:14:07.020 When you put your trust 00:14:07.020 --> 00:14:07.540 in Jesus, 00:14:08.220 --> 00:14:09.420 you became one 00:14:09.420 --> 00:14:10.220 with Him in faith. 00:14:10.640 --> 00:14:11.660 Paul likes to talk about, 00:14:11.920 --> 00:14:12.700 if we're Christians, 00:14:13.040 --> 00:14:14.560 we are in Christ. 00:14:14.740 --> 00:14:16.040 We are united to Jesus. 00:14:16.039 --> 00:14:17.860 We are one with Him 00:14:17.860 --> 00:14:20.579 through faith in Him. 00:14:21.459 --> 00:14:21.799 Now, 00:14:21.879 --> 00:14:22.519 when that happens, 00:14:22.559 --> 00:14:23.099 we become one 00:14:23.099 --> 00:14:24.139 with Christ through faith. 00:14:24.819 --> 00:14:25.759 From that point on, 00:14:25.799 --> 00:14:26.699 when God looks at you, 00:14:26.779 --> 00:14:27.740 He doesn't just see you, 00:14:28.059 --> 00:14:29.519 He sees you united to Jesus. 00:14:30.899 --> 00:14:32.159 And what that means is, 00:14:32.219 --> 00:14:33.879 He sees you united to Jesus, 00:14:34.120 --> 00:14:35.000 and He sees that Jesus 00:14:35.000 --> 00:14:35.980 lived a perfect, 00:14:36.319 --> 00:14:37.379 sinless life, 00:14:38.379 --> 00:14:41.259 and so the Lord's righteousness 00:14:41.259 --> 00:14:43.219 is credited to you. 00:14:43.220 --> 00:14:45.740 When He looks at you, 00:14:45.840 --> 00:14:46.899 you're united to Jesus, 00:14:47.139 --> 00:14:49.300 He sees Jesus paid the penalty 00:14:49.300 --> 00:14:50.240 for His sins. 00:14:51.519 --> 00:14:52.399 You're forgiven. 00:14:53.480 --> 00:14:55.580 It's all because of your union 00:14:55.580 --> 00:14:56.379 with Jesus. 00:14:56.500 --> 00:14:57.240 You're united to Him. 00:14:57.379 --> 00:14:58.600 You are one with Him. 00:15:00.060 --> 00:15:01.340 Here's a way to think about it. 00:15:04.100 --> 00:15:05.840 Suppose you have a daughter 00:15:05.840 --> 00:15:08.340 who marries a man 00:15:08.340 --> 00:15:10.399 that you consider 00:15:10.399 --> 00:15:12.340 unworthy of her. 00:15:13.220 --> 00:15:14.340 Some of you are saying, 00:15:14.580 --> 00:15:15.460 I do. 00:15:17.440 --> 00:15:18.279 Some of you are saying 00:15:18.279 --> 00:15:18.899 it's the man, 00:15:19.420 --> 00:15:20.519 but I'm not going to use it. 00:15:21.220 --> 00:15:22.460 I've got boys. 00:15:23.300 --> 00:15:25.300 I've got two daughters-in-law 00:15:25.300 --> 00:15:26.279 sitting here right now. 00:15:27.080 --> 00:15:28.320 And I don't want to use it 00:15:28.320 --> 00:15:29.200 to talk about man 00:15:29.200 --> 00:15:30.460 that other way 00:15:30.460 --> 00:15:31.060 because I don't want them 00:15:31.060 --> 00:15:31.500 to think 00:15:31.500 --> 00:15:34.259 that I just accept them 00:15:34.259 --> 00:15:35.220 only because 00:15:35.220 --> 00:15:36.120 of who they married. 00:15:36.840 --> 00:15:37.019 See, 00:15:37.080 --> 00:15:38.100 I've got wonderful, 00:15:38.360 --> 00:15:38.720 loving, 00:15:38.940 --> 00:15:39.320 sweet, 00:15:39.519 --> 00:15:40.940 kind daughters-in-law. 00:15:40.940 --> 00:15:43.260 And I say all that 00:15:43.260 --> 00:15:44.440 to lay the groundwork 00:15:44.440 --> 00:15:45.560 for them to take care of me 00:15:45.560 --> 00:15:46.320 when I'm old. 00:15:46.640 --> 00:15:46.760 You know? 00:15:49.740 --> 00:15:50.640 But let's use 00:15:50.640 --> 00:15:51.560 the way I said it. 00:15:52.020 --> 00:15:52.920 Suppose you have a daughter 00:15:52.920 --> 00:15:53.740 who marries a man 00:15:53.740 --> 00:15:54.360 that you consider 00:15:54.360 --> 00:15:55.380 unworthy of her. 00:15:56.660 --> 00:15:57.540 Even though 00:15:57.540 --> 00:15:59.560 he is unworthy, 00:16:00.000 --> 00:16:00.640 you know him. 00:16:01.620 --> 00:16:02.540 You don't like him. 00:16:02.600 --> 00:16:03.280 You would never 00:16:03.280 --> 00:16:04.400 have chosen him 00:16:04.400 --> 00:16:05.720 to be your son-in-law. 00:16:05.720 --> 00:16:08.200 But you receive him 00:16:08.200 --> 00:16:09.240 into your family 00:16:09.240 --> 00:16:13.000 because of your daughter. 00:16:14.360 --> 00:16:16.080 He's married to her. 00:16:17.340 --> 00:16:18.620 And because he's married to her, 00:16:18.740 --> 00:16:20.120 you start looking at him, 00:16:20.300 --> 00:16:21.759 not that unworthy guy 00:16:21.759 --> 00:16:22.160 I don't like, 00:16:22.320 --> 00:16:23.340 you start looking at him 00:16:23.340 --> 00:16:26.160 as your daughter's husband. 00:16:27.759 --> 00:16:28.600 Here's a little 00:16:28.600 --> 00:16:29.940 parenthetical statement. 00:16:30.580 --> 00:16:31.840 That's a smart thing to do. 00:16:31.840 --> 00:16:34.480 Whoever your son 00:16:34.480 --> 00:16:35.879 or daughter married, 00:16:37.040 --> 00:16:38.200 it wasn't your choice. 00:16:38.879 --> 00:16:40.000 You gotta live with it. 00:16:40.519 --> 00:16:42.019 Why not make the best of it 00:16:42.019 --> 00:16:43.740 and just embrace them 00:16:43.740 --> 00:16:45.600 because they're married 00:16:45.600 --> 00:16:46.660 to your son or daughter. 00:16:47.220 --> 00:16:48.399 Love them like they are. 00:16:49.399 --> 00:16:50.240 It'll make life 00:16:50.240 --> 00:16:51.100 a whole lot better 00:16:51.100 --> 00:16:51.840 in your family, 00:16:52.560 --> 00:16:53.740 in your family gatherings. 00:16:55.480 --> 00:16:56.740 But going back to the point, 00:16:57.440 --> 00:16:58.379 you start looking at this guy 00:16:58.379 --> 00:16:59.259 you consider unworthy 00:16:59.259 --> 00:17:00.960 as your daughter's husband. 00:17:00.960 --> 00:17:03.320 Your focus then 00:17:03.320 --> 00:17:05.259 becomes on your daughter. 00:17:06.200 --> 00:17:07.779 The guy is not accepted 00:17:07.779 --> 00:17:09.299 because of who he is 00:17:09.299 --> 00:17:09.779 or what he's done. 00:17:09.940 --> 00:17:10.960 He's still not worthy. 00:17:11.900 --> 00:17:12.720 He is accepted 00:17:12.720 --> 00:17:14.059 because he is united 00:17:14.059 --> 00:17:16.299 to your daughter. 00:17:17.160 --> 00:17:19.579 She makes him worthy. 00:17:20.420 --> 00:17:21.079 As Christians, 00:17:22.059 --> 00:17:23.259 we're not worthy 00:17:23.259 --> 00:17:25.299 to be called children of God. 00:17:26.059 --> 00:17:27.559 But we are accepted 00:17:27.559 --> 00:17:29.019 as God's children. 00:17:29.220 --> 00:17:30.519 We are right with God. 00:17:30.519 --> 00:17:32.019 Not because of who we are 00:17:32.019 --> 00:17:32.500 or what we've done, 00:17:32.559 --> 00:17:33.819 but because of who Jesus is 00:17:33.819 --> 00:17:35.559 and what he's done. 00:17:36.339 --> 00:17:37.319 And by trusting him, 00:17:37.500 --> 00:17:38.539 we're one with him. 00:17:39.440 --> 00:17:41.299 That makes us acceptable to God. 00:17:42.240 --> 00:17:43.900 But this is just a part of salvation. 00:17:44.220 --> 00:17:45.180 Here's what I want you to understand. 00:17:45.400 --> 00:17:46.180 What we're looking at now, 00:17:46.460 --> 00:17:48.400 this is the first part 00:17:48.400 --> 00:17:50.039 of the salvation experience. 00:17:50.200 --> 00:17:50.599 Number two, 00:17:50.940 --> 00:17:52.339 salvation is a continuing experience. 00:17:53.460 --> 00:17:54.539 Look back in the verse one. 00:17:54.539 --> 00:17:56.039 Now I would remind you, 00:17:56.200 --> 00:17:56.379 brothers, 00:17:56.519 --> 00:17:58.059 of the gospel I preached to you, 00:17:58.259 --> 00:17:59.599 which you received, 00:17:59.960 --> 00:18:01.940 in which you stand. 00:18:03.539 --> 00:18:06.220 Talking about where they are now. 00:18:07.220 --> 00:18:08.420 This is a description of the way 00:18:08.420 --> 00:18:10.279 Christians continue 00:18:10.279 --> 00:18:11.899 to believe the gospel. 00:18:13.839 --> 00:18:15.379 A true Christian continues. 00:18:16.019 --> 00:18:17.599 They stand firm 00:18:17.599 --> 00:18:19.980 in their trust of Jesus 00:18:19.980 --> 00:18:21.719 as their Savior 00:18:21.719 --> 00:18:23.539 and the Lord of their life. 00:18:24.959 --> 00:18:25.259 You know, 00:18:25.379 --> 00:18:26.699 if you've received the gospel, 00:18:27.539 --> 00:18:29.339 you truly have trusted Jesus. 00:18:31.099 --> 00:18:32.599 And you're standing firm 00:18:33.159 --> 00:18:34.000 in that belief, 00:18:34.119 --> 00:18:34.899 that commitment 00:18:34.899 --> 00:18:36.639 to Jesus right now. 00:18:37.639 --> 00:18:39.059 You can say, 00:18:39.599 --> 00:18:40.919 I am in the process 00:18:40.920 --> 00:18:42.980 of being saved. 00:18:43.820 --> 00:18:44.100 I mean, 00:18:44.140 --> 00:18:45.340 the process of being saved 00:18:45.340 --> 00:18:47.100 from the power of sin 00:18:47.100 --> 00:18:49.019 so that I can 00:18:49.019 --> 00:18:51.360 become more like Jesus, 00:18:52.100 --> 00:18:52.580 my Savior. 00:18:53.500 --> 00:18:54.000 The New Testament 00:18:54.000 --> 00:18:55.200 uses the word 00:18:55.200 --> 00:18:56.019 sanctification 00:18:56.019 --> 00:18:57.039 to describe 00:18:57.039 --> 00:18:58.640 this process 00:18:58.640 --> 00:19:00.240 as we are growing 00:19:00.240 --> 00:19:01.039 in our salvation. 00:19:01.640 --> 00:19:02.039 Sanctification 00:19:02.039 --> 00:19:03.340 is a lifelong process 00:19:03.340 --> 00:19:04.600 in which God works in us 00:19:04.600 --> 00:19:05.560 to make us 00:19:05.560 --> 00:19:06.779 more like Jesus. 00:19:08.440 --> 00:19:08.759 You know, 00:19:09.019 --> 00:19:09.880 I hope 00:19:09.880 --> 00:19:12.280 I hope you can 00:19:12.280 --> 00:19:13.800 illustrate that 00:19:13.800 --> 00:19:14.620 for yourself 00:19:14.620 --> 00:19:16.120 with at least 00:19:16.120 --> 00:19:17.180 two verses of Scripture 00:19:17.180 --> 00:19:18.700 that we have looked at 00:19:18.700 --> 00:19:20.340 many, many times 00:19:20.340 --> 00:19:21.660 over the last 25 years. 00:19:21.960 --> 00:19:22.540 I want to look at them 00:19:22.540 --> 00:19:23.200 one more time. 00:19:24.600 --> 00:19:25.580 Romans 8, 29. 00:19:27.040 --> 00:19:28.280 Here's what God's doing 00:19:28.280 --> 00:19:29.120 in every person 00:19:29.120 --> 00:19:29.780 He has saved. 00:19:30.640 --> 00:19:31.080 For those 00:19:31.080 --> 00:19:31.860 whom He foreknew, 00:19:33.300 --> 00:19:34.900 He also predestined 00:19:34.900 --> 00:19:36.560 to be conformed 00:19:36.560 --> 00:19:37.300 to the image 00:19:37.300 --> 00:19:38.340 of His Son. 00:19:39.060 --> 00:19:39.720 In order that He might 00:19:39.720 --> 00:19:40.720 be the firstborn 00:19:40.720 --> 00:19:42.079 among many brothers. 00:19:43.120 --> 00:19:43.640 Salvation 00:19:43.640 --> 00:19:46.079 is the work of God. 00:19:47.140 --> 00:19:48.440 God chooses us. 00:19:48.559 --> 00:19:49.920 God regenerates us. 00:19:50.120 --> 00:19:51.480 God puts His Spirit 00:19:51.480 --> 00:19:52.319 within us. 00:19:53.059 --> 00:19:53.720 God gives us 00:19:53.720 --> 00:19:54.240 the ability 00:19:54.240 --> 00:19:55.259 to see our sin, 00:19:55.380 --> 00:19:56.180 repent of our sin, 00:19:56.460 --> 00:19:57.079 trust Jesus 00:19:57.079 --> 00:19:58.200 as our Lord and Savior. 00:19:59.799 --> 00:20:00.600 Well, when God 00:20:00.600 --> 00:20:02.100 begins this work, 00:20:03.100 --> 00:20:05.920 He's going to 00:20:05.920 --> 00:20:07.700 never give up on us, 00:20:07.700 --> 00:20:10.200 but work in all kinds 00:20:10.200 --> 00:20:10.920 of situations 00:20:10.920 --> 00:20:11.860 in our lives 00:20:11.860 --> 00:20:14.259 to shaping 00:20:14.259 --> 00:20:15.120 and molding 00:20:15.120 --> 00:20:16.039 our character, 00:20:16.460 --> 00:20:17.160 making us 00:20:17.160 --> 00:20:18.559 more and more 00:20:18.559 --> 00:20:19.460 like Jesus. 00:20:20.019 --> 00:20:21.080 Here's another example 00:20:21.080 --> 00:20:22.259 and hope it is even 00:20:22.259 --> 00:20:24.180 more near and dear 00:20:24.180 --> 00:20:24.640 to you. 00:20:24.759 --> 00:20:25.519 Philippians 2. 00:20:27.100 --> 00:20:27.380 Therefore, 00:20:27.559 --> 00:20:28.019 my beloved, 00:20:28.120 --> 00:20:29.299 Paul's writing to a church, 00:20:29.299 --> 00:20:31.319 as you have always 00:20:31.319 --> 00:20:32.119 obeyed, 00:20:32.480 --> 00:20:33.139 so now, 00:20:33.220 --> 00:20:34.639 not only as in my presence, 00:20:34.759 --> 00:20:36.180 but much more in my absence, 00:20:36.519 --> 00:20:38.119 work out your own salvation 00:20:38.119 --> 00:20:38.960 with fear and trembling, 00:20:39.339 --> 00:20:40.139 for it is God 00:20:40.139 --> 00:20:41.519 who works in you 00:20:41.519 --> 00:20:42.480 both to will 00:20:42.480 --> 00:20:43.039 and to work 00:20:43.039 --> 00:20:43.859 for His good pleasure. 00:20:44.859 --> 00:20:45.879 Every person 00:20:45.879 --> 00:20:47.240 who is truly a Christian, 00:20:47.700 --> 00:20:48.419 the Spirit of God 00:20:48.419 --> 00:20:49.119 works in them, 00:20:49.240 --> 00:20:50.279 and the Spirit of God 00:20:50.279 --> 00:20:51.379 gives us the desire 00:20:51.379 --> 00:20:53.759 to please God. 00:20:53.759 --> 00:20:55.900 The Spirit of God 00:20:55.900 --> 00:20:56.599 works in us 00:20:56.599 --> 00:20:57.839 to give us the ability 00:20:57.839 --> 00:21:00.000 to please God. 00:21:01.079 --> 00:21:02.279 If you're a Christian, 00:21:03.180 --> 00:21:04.000 let me say it this way, 00:21:04.259 --> 00:21:05.240 if you are a Christian, 00:21:05.980 --> 00:21:07.859 then you know all this. 00:21:09.039 --> 00:21:09.940 If you're a Christian, 00:21:10.099 --> 00:21:11.619 you know from experience 00:21:11.619 --> 00:21:13.579 that God has been working 00:21:13.579 --> 00:21:14.299 in your life 00:21:14.299 --> 00:21:16.759 through His indwelling Spirit 00:21:16.759 --> 00:21:19.400 since the day you were saved. 00:21:19.400 --> 00:21:22.720 You know what it's like 00:21:22.720 --> 00:21:24.340 to have this heartfelt desire 00:21:24.340 --> 00:21:27.560 to overcome sinful habits 00:21:27.560 --> 00:21:31.140 and to develop 00:21:31.140 --> 00:21:33.100 Christ-like character. 00:21:34.180 --> 00:21:35.200 If you're a Christian, 00:21:35.540 --> 00:21:37.280 you know from experience 00:21:37.280 --> 00:21:38.180 because God's been working 00:21:38.180 --> 00:21:38.519 in you, 00:21:39.019 --> 00:21:39.960 you know what it's like 00:21:39.960 --> 00:21:40.960 to resist temptation. 00:21:41.519 --> 00:21:42.540 None of us do it 00:21:42.540 --> 00:21:43.420 all the time, do we? 00:21:44.519 --> 00:21:45.440 But if you're a Christian, 00:21:45.780 --> 00:21:46.259 the Spirit of God 00:21:46.259 --> 00:21:46.940 living within you, 00:21:47.740 --> 00:21:49.200 He has been working in you 00:21:49.200 --> 00:21:49.920 and you have seen 00:21:49.920 --> 00:21:50.940 some good results 00:21:50.940 --> 00:21:52.340 in being able to say no 00:21:52.340 --> 00:21:53.700 to some sinful habits, 00:21:54.400 --> 00:21:55.460 resist temptation, 00:21:56.640 --> 00:21:58.819 and actually overcome 00:21:58.819 --> 00:21:59.900 some things. 00:22:01.819 --> 00:22:02.960 And you can see 00:22:02.960 --> 00:22:03.779 in your life now 00:22:03.779 --> 00:22:05.180 far from perfect, 00:22:05.180 --> 00:22:07.140 but evidences 00:22:07.140 --> 00:22:10.319 of Christian fruit, 00:22:10.680 --> 00:22:11.440 character of Jesus 00:22:11.440 --> 00:22:12.539 type qualities like 00:22:12.539 --> 00:22:14.360 love, joy, peace, 00:22:14.500 --> 00:22:15.460 patience, kindness, 00:22:15.740 --> 00:22:16.900 goodness, faithfulness, 00:22:17.080 --> 00:22:17.519 gentleness, 00:22:17.880 --> 00:22:18.620 and self-control. 00:22:19.200 --> 00:22:20.860 I've said on many occasions, 00:22:20.860 --> 00:22:22.460 like the Chuck Swindoll book title, 00:22:23.059 --> 00:22:24.580 in this process of growing, 00:22:25.200 --> 00:22:25.840 sometimes we make 00:22:25.840 --> 00:22:26.840 three steps forward 00:22:26.840 --> 00:22:28.000 and then two steps back. 00:22:28.720 --> 00:22:29.799 But three steps forward 00:22:29.799 --> 00:22:30.600 and two steps back 00:22:30.600 --> 00:22:32.240 is progress. 00:22:33.039 --> 00:22:33.819 That's what I want us 00:22:33.819 --> 00:22:34.299 to see here. 00:22:35.059 --> 00:22:36.240 All of us have a long way 00:22:36.240 --> 00:22:36.960 to go in becoming 00:22:36.960 --> 00:22:37.860 more like Jesus. 00:22:38.740 --> 00:22:40.140 But if we're truly Christians 00:22:40.140 --> 00:22:41.039 and have been 00:22:41.039 --> 00:22:41.980 for any length of time, 00:22:41.980 --> 00:22:43.720 we should be able 00:22:43.720 --> 00:22:44.620 to see signs 00:22:44.620 --> 00:22:46.620 signs of progress. 00:22:48.220 --> 00:22:49.019 Not perfection, 00:22:50.180 --> 00:22:52.000 but signs of progress. 00:22:53.180 --> 00:22:55.299 Salvation is a lifelong process. 00:22:56.120 --> 00:22:56.940 It will continue 00:22:56.940 --> 00:22:58.440 until the Lord calls us 00:22:58.440 --> 00:22:59.539 home to heaven. 00:23:00.480 --> 00:23:01.579 But on that day, 00:23:01.700 --> 00:23:02.960 it will be complete. 00:23:03.539 --> 00:23:04.000 Look at this, 00:23:04.120 --> 00:23:04.500 one more. 00:23:05.160 --> 00:23:07.079 Salvation is a future experience. 00:23:07.680 --> 00:23:08.519 Now we're going to go 00:23:08.519 --> 00:23:09.360 into verse two. 00:23:09.359 --> 00:23:10.879 Now I would remind you, 00:23:11.019 --> 00:23:11.219 brothers, 00:23:11.339 --> 00:23:12.659 of the gospel I preached to you, 00:23:12.879 --> 00:23:13.500 which you received, 00:23:13.559 --> 00:23:14.159 which you stand, 00:23:14.459 --> 00:23:17.139 and by which you are being saved. 00:23:17.659 --> 00:23:18.899 This last phrase 00:23:18.899 --> 00:23:19.719 underlined there 00:23:19.719 --> 00:23:20.359 describes salvation 00:23:20.879 --> 00:23:22.839 as an ongoing process. 00:23:24.079 --> 00:23:25.439 Now since it will not 00:23:25.439 --> 00:23:26.319 be complete 00:23:26.319 --> 00:23:28.439 in this life, 00:23:28.799 --> 00:23:29.559 it won't be complete 00:23:29.559 --> 00:23:30.539 until we meet the Lord 00:23:30.539 --> 00:23:31.179 after death 00:23:31.179 --> 00:23:31.959 or at His coming. 00:23:33.339 --> 00:23:35.740 It points to the future 00:23:35.740 --> 00:23:38.019 of when our salvation 00:23:38.019 --> 00:23:39.339 will be complete. 00:23:39.359 --> 00:23:42.240 Now the New Testament word 00:23:42.240 --> 00:23:42.859 that describes 00:23:42.859 --> 00:23:44.399 our salvation being complete 00:23:44.399 --> 00:23:45.539 after life in this world 00:23:45.539 --> 00:23:46.859 is the word glorification. 00:23:47.779 --> 00:23:49.259 That's the final step 00:23:49.259 --> 00:23:50.879 in the process of salvation. 00:23:51.399 --> 00:23:52.559 It will take place 00:23:52.559 --> 00:23:54.119 not in this life, 00:23:54.879 --> 00:23:56.000 but when we see Jesus, 00:23:56.099 --> 00:23:57.000 however that happens. 00:23:58.119 --> 00:23:59.259 When that happens, 00:23:59.399 --> 00:24:00.439 we will be set free 00:24:00.439 --> 00:24:02.000 from all the sinful desires 00:24:02.000 --> 00:24:03.859 of our sinful nature. 00:24:05.259 --> 00:24:06.699 We'll be set free 00:24:06.699 --> 00:24:07.519 from all the temptations 00:24:07.519 --> 00:24:08.339 of the world 00:24:08.339 --> 00:24:10.240 and the devil himself. 00:24:11.019 --> 00:24:11.559 You know, 00:24:11.579 --> 00:24:12.579 there's a lot we don't know 00:24:12.579 --> 00:24:14.359 about what's going to be like 00:24:14.359 --> 00:24:16.579 because we don't know anybody 00:24:16.579 --> 00:24:17.480 that has arrived 00:24:17.480 --> 00:24:18.180 to that point yet. 00:24:19.139 --> 00:24:20.420 You've got to be dead 00:24:20.420 --> 00:24:22.039 in terms of this life 00:24:22.039 --> 00:24:22.639 and this world 00:24:22.639 --> 00:24:24.220 to experience glorification. 00:24:24.359 --> 00:24:25.440 So we don't know anybody. 00:24:26.139 --> 00:24:27.160 We don't know a soul 00:24:27.160 --> 00:24:28.059 except Jesus, 00:24:28.900 --> 00:24:30.500 what it will be like. 00:24:30.500 --> 00:24:32.819 But John, the apostle, 00:24:33.980 --> 00:24:34.940 he lets us know 00:24:34.940 --> 00:24:37.000 looking at Jesus is enough. 00:24:37.240 --> 00:24:37.940 Look at what he says 00:24:37.940 --> 00:24:39.200 about what things 00:24:39.200 --> 00:24:40.259 are going to be like one day. 00:24:40.859 --> 00:24:41.259 Beloved, 00:24:41.319 --> 00:24:42.440 we are God's children now 00:24:42.440 --> 00:24:43.880 and what we will be 00:24:43.880 --> 00:24:45.160 has not yet appeared, 00:24:45.700 --> 00:24:46.500 but we know 00:24:46.500 --> 00:24:48.400 that when he appears, 00:24:48.680 --> 00:24:50.140 we shall be like him 00:24:50.140 --> 00:24:52.460 because we shall see him 00:24:52.460 --> 00:24:54.019 as he is. 00:24:55.279 --> 00:24:56.579 This passage we're looking at 00:24:56.579 --> 00:24:56.819 this morning 00:24:56.819 --> 00:24:57.640 helps us see the truth 00:24:57.640 --> 00:24:58.400 about salvation. 00:24:59.940 --> 00:25:01.800 As we now prepare ourselves 00:25:01.800 --> 00:25:03.060 to observe the Lord's Supper, 00:25:04.500 --> 00:25:05.340 understand that 00:25:05.340 --> 00:25:07.840 if you are truly a Christian, 00:25:09.040 --> 00:25:10.480 you should think 00:25:10.480 --> 00:25:11.460 of the salvation 00:25:11.460 --> 00:25:12.720 that Jesus secured 00:25:12.720 --> 00:25:13.740 through his death 00:25:13.740 --> 00:25:15.500 and resurrection 00:25:15.500 --> 00:25:16.780 like this. 00:25:17.580 --> 00:25:18.740 Think like this. 00:25:20.200 --> 00:25:21.620 My salvation began 00:25:21.620 --> 00:25:23.180 at a moment in time 00:25:23.180 --> 00:25:25.740 when God called me 00:25:25.740 --> 00:25:27.380 to turn from my sin 00:25:27.380 --> 00:25:29.420 and put my trust 00:25:29.420 --> 00:25:30.020 in Jesus 00:25:30.020 --> 00:25:31.800 as Savior and Lord. 00:25:32.860 --> 00:25:33.280 Therefore, 00:25:33.460 --> 00:25:34.740 I can say right now, 00:25:35.240 --> 00:25:36.960 I have been saved. 00:25:37.620 --> 00:25:38.980 But that's not enough. 00:25:39.800 --> 00:25:41.040 That's not the whole gospel. 00:25:41.500 --> 00:25:42.880 That's not the full truth 00:25:42.880 --> 00:25:43.720 about salvation. 00:25:43.920 --> 00:25:44.880 That's just the beginning. 00:25:45.680 --> 00:25:46.480 If you're a Christian, 00:25:47.900 --> 00:25:48.440 you should be able 00:25:48.440 --> 00:25:49.100 to say right now, 00:25:49.480 --> 00:25:50.820 my salvation has continued 00:25:50.820 --> 00:25:52.880 ever since my conversion. 00:25:53.980 --> 00:25:54.880 God has been working 00:25:54.880 --> 00:25:55.840 within me. 00:25:55.839 --> 00:25:57.699 Enabling me 00:25:57.699 --> 00:25:59.000 to continue to believe, 00:25:59.799 --> 00:26:01.139 to love him more and more, 00:26:01.839 --> 00:26:02.839 to want to obey, 00:26:02.939 --> 00:26:03.619 put forth the effort 00:26:03.619 --> 00:26:04.199 to obey. 00:26:05.879 --> 00:26:06.859 If you're a Christian, 00:26:07.139 --> 00:26:07.679 your testimony 00:26:07.679 --> 00:26:08.299 would be right now, 00:26:08.439 --> 00:26:09.099 while I am, 00:26:09.759 --> 00:26:10.740 I've got a long way to go 00:26:10.740 --> 00:26:12.419 to truly be like Jesus. 00:26:13.679 --> 00:26:14.819 By God's grace, 00:26:14.899 --> 00:26:16.000 I can see progress. 00:26:17.639 --> 00:26:17.939 Therefore, 00:26:18.079 --> 00:26:18.699 if you're a Christian, 00:26:18.939 --> 00:26:20.000 you can say right now, 00:26:20.339 --> 00:26:22.879 I am actually being saved. 00:26:22.880 --> 00:26:23.980 I'm in the process 00:26:23.980 --> 00:26:24.960 of being saved. 00:26:25.700 --> 00:26:26.460 And then one more. 00:26:27.520 --> 00:26:28.340 If you're a Christian, 00:26:29.080 --> 00:26:29.540 you should be able 00:26:29.540 --> 00:26:30.040 to say right now, 00:26:30.120 --> 00:26:30.840 my salvation 00:26:30.840 --> 00:26:32.660 will be complete 00:26:32.660 --> 00:26:35.160 when God calls me home. 00:26:36.580 --> 00:26:37.440 I won't be, 00:26:37.700 --> 00:26:38.740 I won't have any more problems 00:26:38.740 --> 00:26:40.440 with temptation and sin. 00:26:41.620 --> 00:26:43.100 Then I'll be like Jesus. 00:26:44.900 --> 00:26:46.980 I will be fully mature 00:26:46.980 --> 00:26:47.620 as a Christian. 00:26:47.619 --> 00:26:49.779 And at that point, 00:26:50.319 --> 00:26:51.919 I will be able to say, 00:26:52.959 --> 00:26:55.739 I am saved. 00:26:55.839 --> 00:26:56.559 But until then, 00:26:57.239 --> 00:26:57.759 we say, 00:26:58.019 --> 00:26:59.219 I will be saved. 00:27:00.179 --> 00:27:00.959 Final thought. 00:27:02.079 --> 00:27:03.039 Paul makes it clear 00:27:03.039 --> 00:27:04.119 that saving faith 00:27:04.119 --> 00:27:05.539 is continuing faith 00:27:05.539 --> 00:27:06.179 in verse two. 00:27:06.279 --> 00:27:06.799 Look at this. 00:27:07.819 --> 00:27:09.519 And by which you're being saved, 00:27:10.000 --> 00:27:11.739 if you hold fast 00:27:11.739 --> 00:27:13.779 to the word I preach to you, 00:27:14.500 --> 00:27:16.939 unless you believed in vain. 00:27:16.940 --> 00:27:18.380 I've said this many times 00:27:18.380 --> 00:27:19.500 and we're closing with this. 00:27:20.720 --> 00:27:22.759 Saving faith continues. 00:27:24.259 --> 00:27:26.120 When God begins a work, 00:27:26.180 --> 00:27:26.960 he's going to bring it on 00:27:26.960 --> 00:27:27.640 to completion, 00:27:27.900 --> 00:27:29.980 Philippians 1, 6 tells us. 00:27:30.920 --> 00:27:32.080 So I want you to understand, 00:27:32.160 --> 00:27:32.840 look at that verse. 00:27:34.940 --> 00:27:37.140 By which you are being saved, 00:27:37.940 --> 00:27:40.080 if you demonstrate 00:27:40.080 --> 00:27:43.180 that you still believe, 00:27:43.680 --> 00:27:45.180 that you still love the Lord, 00:27:45.180 --> 00:27:46.720 that you still are seeking 00:27:46.720 --> 00:27:47.779 to follow the Lord. 00:27:48.180 --> 00:27:49.440 Only God can do 00:27:49.440 --> 00:27:50.420 that kind of work in us 00:27:50.420 --> 00:27:51.580 to cause that to be true. 00:27:51.940 --> 00:27:52.960 Only God gives us 00:27:52.960 --> 00:27:54.140 the desire and ability 00:27:54.140 --> 00:27:55.100 for that to be true. 00:27:57.680 --> 00:27:58.779 But if you're a Christian, 00:27:59.420 --> 00:28:00.880 that will be true. 00:28:02.820 --> 00:28:03.680 I want us to spend 00:28:03.680 --> 00:28:04.480 the next few minutes 00:28:04.480 --> 00:28:05.680 examining ourselves, 00:28:06.360 --> 00:28:07.320 thinking about what the Lord 00:28:07.320 --> 00:28:08.000 has said to us 00:28:08.000 --> 00:28:08.840 through this message, 00:28:09.460 --> 00:28:11.000 and prepare to observe 00:28:11.000 --> 00:28:11.580 the Lord's Supper. 00:28:11.720 --> 00:28:12.640 Would you pray with me now? 00:28:12.640 --> 00:28:13.680 Father, 00:28:14.180 --> 00:28:16.259 please work right now 00:28:16.259 --> 00:28:17.140 in the lives 00:28:17.140 --> 00:28:17.840 of every person 00:28:17.840 --> 00:28:18.340 in this room 00:28:18.340 --> 00:28:20.300 to show them 00:28:20.300 --> 00:28:21.220 where they stand 00:28:21.220 --> 00:28:22.020 before you. 00:28:23.740 --> 00:28:24.220 Father, 00:28:24.300 --> 00:28:25.220 I pray that every 00:28:25.220 --> 00:28:27.220 true Christian, 00:28:28.580 --> 00:28:29.140 you will give them 00:28:29.140 --> 00:28:29.800 assurance. 00:28:31.780 --> 00:28:32.500 Help them to understand, 00:28:32.620 --> 00:28:32.840 dear God, 00:28:32.900 --> 00:28:33.360 that salvation 00:28:33.360 --> 00:28:35.280 is your gift 00:28:35.280 --> 00:28:37.620 through faith in Jesus. 00:28:37.619 --> 00:28:42.419 but Lord, 00:28:42.479 --> 00:28:43.059 help them to see 00:28:43.059 --> 00:28:44.959 that saving faith 00:28:44.959 --> 00:28:46.219 is continuing faith. 00:28:47.279 --> 00:28:48.239 And I pray, dear God, 00:28:48.279 --> 00:28:49.039 that you will 00:28:49.039 --> 00:28:51.179 dispel the lie 00:28:51.179 --> 00:28:53.339 if anyone believes 00:28:53.339 --> 00:28:53.959 it this morning 00:28:53.959 --> 00:28:55.579 that simply because 00:28:55.579 --> 00:28:56.959 they mouthed words 00:28:56.959 --> 00:28:58.359 of confessing Jesus 00:28:58.359 --> 00:29:00.479 or walked an aisle 00:29:00.479 --> 00:29:00.919 in a church 00:29:00.919 --> 00:29:01.459 and were baptized, 00:29:01.799 --> 00:29:02.659 and they think of that 00:29:02.659 --> 00:29:03.779 as their salvation, 00:29:04.000 --> 00:29:04.839 a transaction, 00:29:05.000 --> 00:29:05.779 a done deal. 00:29:06.659 --> 00:29:07.219 Help them to see, 00:29:07.220 --> 00:29:08.200 that's wrong, 00:29:08.299 --> 00:29:09.339 that's a lie of the devil, 00:29:09.519 --> 00:29:10.460 that's deception. 00:29:14.680 --> 00:29:15.559 Help all of us 00:29:15.559 --> 00:29:16.019 to understand, 00:29:16.140 --> 00:29:16.480 dear God, 00:29:17.480 --> 00:29:19.019 that when you save, 00:29:19.860 --> 00:29:21.279 you never leave us alone. 00:29:23.579 --> 00:29:24.299 Help us to see, 00:29:24.380 --> 00:29:24.700 dear God, 00:29:24.759 --> 00:29:25.420 that even times 00:29:25.420 --> 00:29:26.380 when we fall away, 00:29:27.100 --> 00:29:29.339 you bring us back. 00:29:29.880 --> 00:29:30.759 You make our lives 00:29:30.759 --> 00:29:31.299 miserable 00:29:31.299 --> 00:29:32.700 until we confess our sin 00:29:32.700 --> 00:29:33.720 and come back to you. 00:29:33.720 --> 00:29:35.759 So, dear God, 00:29:35.940 --> 00:29:36.940 drive home the point 00:29:36.940 --> 00:29:37.759 in everyone's life 00:29:37.759 --> 00:29:38.120 this morning, 00:29:38.420 --> 00:29:39.620 the truth about salvation. 00:29:40.299 --> 00:29:41.460 There is a beginning, 00:29:41.759 --> 00:29:42.900 but it continues. 00:29:45.839 --> 00:29:46.779 Don't let anyone 00:29:46.779 --> 00:29:47.620 leave here today 00:29:47.620 --> 00:29:48.720 thinking 00:29:49.279 --> 00:29:53.720 that a mere profession 00:29:54.360 --> 00:29:54.880 of faith 00:29:54.880 --> 00:29:57.100 with no evidence 00:29:57.100 --> 00:29:59.019 of a changed life, 00:29:59.600 --> 00:30:00.860 no desire and ability 00:30:00.859 --> 00:30:01.799 to please you. 00:30:02.419 --> 00:30:03.199 Don't let them think. 00:30:04.019 --> 00:30:04.379 That's what 00:30:04.379 --> 00:30:05.579 biblical salvation is. 00:30:07.419 --> 00:30:08.079 Help us, 00:30:08.179 --> 00:30:08.240 Lord, 00:30:08.319 --> 00:30:08.879 also now 00:30:08.879 --> 00:30:11.539 to prepare ourselves 00:30:11.539 --> 00:30:14.139 through confession, 00:30:15.139 --> 00:30:15.779 through commitment, 00:30:16.000 --> 00:30:16.339 through whatever 00:30:16.339 --> 00:30:17.079 needs to be done. 00:30:17.639 --> 00:30:18.699 We might observe 00:30:18.699 --> 00:30:19.500 the Lord's Supper 00:30:19.500 --> 00:30:20.740 in a way 00:30:20.740 --> 00:30:21.599 that would honor you, 00:30:21.699 --> 00:30:22.079 that would be 00:30:22.079 --> 00:30:23.439 meaningful to us. 00:30:23.440 --> 00:30:26.820 and just, 00:30:27.000 --> 00:30:27.519 let's all now 00:30:27.519 --> 00:30:28.539 just an attitude of prayer. 00:30:28.680 --> 00:30:29.120 Heads bowed, 00:30:29.160 --> 00:30:29.680 eyes closed. 00:30:29.880 --> 00:30:30.480 Listen to the Lord, 00:30:30.600 --> 00:30:31.299 respond to Him, 00:30:31.600 --> 00:30:32.799 and prepare for the Lord's Supper. 00:30:32.799 --> 00:30:33.140 Amen. 00:30:33.140 --> 00:30:33.299 Amen. 00:30:33.299 --> 00:30:33.740 Amen. 00:30:33.740 --> 00:30:33.799 Amen. 00:30:33.799 --> 00:30:33.840 Amen. 00:30:33.840 --> 00:30:33.900 Amen. 00:30:33.900 --> 00:30:33.980 Amen. 00:30:33.980 --> 00:30:34.000 Amen. 00:30:34.000 --> 00:30:34.059 Amen. 00:30:34.059 --> 00:30:34.120 Amen.