Christ Alone: The Heart of Our Faith
Summary
In reflecting on the life and legacy of Martin Luther, we are reminded of the centrality of Christ in our faith. Luther's life was a testament to the proclamation of Christ alone, or "solus Christus," which is the essence of the gospel. This doctrine is not just a historical artifact but a pressing issue for the church today. A recent survey revealed a troubling confusion among evangelicals regarding the doctrine of Christ, highlighting the need for clarity and understanding in our beliefs about Jesus as truly God and truly man.
The early church faced significant challenges, including persecution and marginalization, yet they were encouraged to endure by considering Christ. This call to "consider Jesus" is as relevant now as it was then. The author of Hebrews urges us to reflect on Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who is worthy of more glory than Moses. This reflection is not merely academic but a call to deepen our understanding and relationship with Christ.
At Ligonier, we have worked diligently to articulate a Christology statement that is both accessible and profound, capturing the mystery and wonder of the incarnation. Jesus, the God-man, embodies the glory of God and sustains the universe by His power. His work on the cross was not just about atoning for sin but also about fulfilling the law, something Adam and all humanity could not do. This active obedience of Christ is crucial to our salvation, as it is His righteousness that is imputed to us.
The doctrine of imputation is central to our understanding of salvation. It is not about being infused with grace to achieve righteousness but about Christ's righteousness being credited to us. This alien righteousness, as Luther described, is what allows us to stand before God justified. Furthermore, Christ's ongoing ministry as prophet, priest, and king assures us of His reign and intercession on our behalf.
Ultimately, our theology should lead us to worship. As we affirm the lordship of Christ, we are moved to praise His holy name forever. This is the heart of our faith and the foundation upon which we stand.
Key Takeaways:
1. The centrality of Christ in our faith is encapsulated in the doctrine of "solus Christus," emphasizing that Christ alone is the essence of the gospel. This doctrine is crucial for the church today, as confusion about the person and work of Christ can undermine the very foundation of our faith. [02:38]
2. The early church's endurance amidst persecution serves as a powerful reminder for us to "consider Jesus" in our own trials. By focusing on Christ, we find the strength and perspective needed to navigate the challenges of our time. [08:20]
3. The doctrine of imputation is vital to understanding salvation. It is not about achieving righteousness through our efforts but about Christ's righteousness being credited to us, allowing us to stand justified before God. [24:12]
4. Christ's active obedience, fulfilling the law, is as essential to our salvation as His atoning death. This aspect of His work highlights the completeness of His redemptive mission, which not only cancels our debt of sin but also grants us His righteousness. [19:42]
5. Our theology should naturally lead to doxology, where deep understanding of Christ's person and work results in heartfelt worship. As we affirm Christ's lordship, we are moved to praise His holy name, recognizing His ongoing reign and intercession. [26:53]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:57] - Luther's Legacy and Christ-Centered Preaching
- [02:38] - Solus Christus: The Essence of the Gospel
- [03:24] - The State of Theology: Survey Insights
- [05:37] - The Importance of Christological Clarity
- [06:29] - Early Church Challenges and Endurance
- [08:20] - Consider Jesus: A Call to Reflection
- [09:09] - The Word Made Flesh: Christology Statement
- [10:36] - The Mystery and Wonder of the Incarnation
- [12:07] - Jesus: The Radiance of God's Glory
- [13:36] - Trinitarian Statement and Two Natures of Christ
- [14:25] - Historical Facts of the Incarnation
- [17:08] - Theological Facts: For Us
- [19:42] - Active Obedience and Salvation by Works
- [24:12] - Imputation: Righteousness Credited to Us
- [25:58] - Christ's Ongoing Ministry and Reign
- [26:53] - Theology Leading to Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Hebrews 3:1-3
- Hebrews 1:1-4
- 2 Corinthians 5:21
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#### Observation Questions
1. What does the author of Hebrews mean when he instructs us to "consider Jesus" in Hebrews 3:1? How does this relate to the challenges faced by the early church? [08:20]
2. According to the sermon, what was the central message of Martin Luther's preaching, as depicted in the painting by Lucas Cranach? [02:38]
3. How does the sermon describe the confusion among evangelicals regarding the doctrine of Christ, and why is this significant? [05:37]
4. What does the term "alien righteousness" mean in the context of the sermon, and how does it relate to the doctrine of imputation? [24:12]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "solus Christus" encapsulate the essence of the gospel, and why is it crucial for the church today? [02:38]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the early church's endurance amidst persecution serves as a model for us today? [08:20]
3. How does the sermon explain the significance of Christ's active obedience in fulfilling the law, and why is this important for our understanding of salvation? [19:42]
4. What role does Christ's ongoing ministry as prophet, priest, and king play in assuring us of His reign and intercession on our behalf? [25:58]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the centrality of Christ in your own faith. How can you ensure that your understanding of the gospel remains focused on "Christ alone"? [02:38]
2. When facing personal trials, how can you practically "consider Jesus" to find strength and perspective, as the early church did? [08:20]
3. The sermon highlights the importance of clarity in our beliefs about Jesus. What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of Christ's person and work? [05:37]
4. How does the doctrine of imputation affect your view of righteousness and your relationship with God? In what ways can this understanding transform your daily life? [24:12]
5. In what ways can your theology lead to doxology, resulting in heartfelt worship? How can you incorporate this into your personal or communal worship practices? [26:53]
6. Consider the idea of Christ's active obedience. How does this aspect of His work challenge or affirm your current understanding of salvation? [19:42]
7. How can you actively participate in Christ's ongoing ministry as prophet, priest, and king in your community or church? [25:58]
Devotional
Day 1: Christ Alone: The Essence of the Gospel
The centrality of Christ in our faith is encapsulated in the doctrine of "solus Christus," emphasizing that Christ alone is the essence of the gospel. This doctrine is crucial for the church today, as confusion about the person and work of Christ can undermine the very foundation of our faith. In a world where many voices compete for our attention, it is vital to remember that our salvation and hope rest solely in Jesus Christ. He is the cornerstone of our faith, and understanding His unique role is essential for a robust and unwavering belief system. [02:38]
Colossians 1:17-18 (ESV): "And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent."
Reflection: In what ways can you refocus your life to ensure that Christ remains at the center of your faith and daily decisions?
Day 2: Endurance Through Christ
The early church's endurance amidst persecution serves as a powerful reminder for us to "consider Jesus" in our own trials. By focusing on Christ, we find the strength and perspective needed to navigate the challenges of our time. The early believers faced immense hardships, yet their unwavering focus on Jesus provided them with the resilience to persevere. Today, we are called to adopt the same mindset, looking to Christ as our source of strength and guidance in the face of adversity. [08:20]
Hebrews 12:2-3 (ESV): "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted."
Reflection: What current challenge are you facing that requires you to fix your eyes on Jesus for strength and endurance?
Day 3: The Gift of Imputed Righteousness
The doctrine of imputation is vital to understanding salvation. It is not about achieving righteousness through our efforts but about Christ's righteousness being credited to us, allowing us to stand justified before God. This concept of "alien righteousness" means that our standing before God is not based on our merit but on the perfect obedience and sacrifice of Jesus. It is a humbling reminder that our salvation is a gift, not something we can earn, and it calls us to live in gratitude and humility. [24:12]
2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV): "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Reflection: How does understanding the imputation of Christ's righteousness change the way you view your relationship with God and others?
Day 4: Christ's Active Obedience and Fulfillment of the Law
Christ's active obedience, fulfilling the law, is as essential to our salvation as His atoning death. This aspect of His work highlights the completeness of His redemptive mission, which not only cancels our debt of sin but also grants us His righteousness. Jesus' life of perfect obedience to the law is credited to us, ensuring that we are seen as righteous in God's eyes. This truth should inspire us to live lives that reflect His holiness and love. [19:42]
Romans 5:19 (ESV): "For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous."
Reflection: In what ways can you strive to reflect Christ's obedience in your daily life, knowing that His righteousness has been credited to you?
Day 5: Theology Leading to Worship
Our theology should naturally lead to doxology, where deep understanding of Christ's person and work results in heartfelt worship. As we affirm Christ's lordship, we are moved to praise His holy name, recognizing His ongoing reign and intercession. True theology is not just about knowledge but about transformation, leading us to a deeper relationship with God and a life of worship. This understanding should permeate every aspect of our lives, drawing us closer to God and inspiring us to live for His glory. [26:53]
Revelation 5:12-13 (ESV): "Saying with a loud voice, 'Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!' And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!'"
Reflection: How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine, ensuring that your understanding of Christ leads to genuine praise and adoration?
Quotes
And Luther preached Christ and Him crucified. When we speak of the solas, really the one we are talking about is solus Christus. In one sense, solus Christus is shorthand for the gospel, Christ alone. It encompasses sola fide. It encompasses sola gratia. It reminds us of what the Reformation was about, Christ alone. [00:02:46]
What that tells us is there is a great deal of confusion over a doctrine that we cannot afford to have confusion on, the doctrine of Christ. It's at the center of the gospel. And the gospel is our birthright. And if we don't have the gospel right as a church, then we need to pack it up and go home, and all of us could've found a better way to spend this weekend. [00:05:37]
"You will experience suffering and persecution. And here's how you're going to endure – consider Christ." In fact, this is exactly what the author of Hebrews says. In chapter 3 verse 1, the author tells us, "Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God's house. [00:08:11]
We said that we're not sure that there was ever a time when so much effort by so many folks was put into so few words. We worked extensively on this statement, and our intention was not to have a statement that was out of reach. In fact, I think as we analyzed this, it's something like a fourth-grade reading level. We wanted to use an economy of words. [00:09:23]
Jesus is the very expression and radiance of the essence of God, because He is the exact imprint, as the text goes on to say, the exact imprint of His nature. The Greek word there is from which we get the English word "type." So, it’s the old days of the typewriter and the clicking of the keys, and the ringing as it gets to the end, and the pushing back. [00:11:51]
And "He upholds the universe by the Word of His power." This act of not only creating, but sustaining, just as it was the Word of God that went out over the darkness and brought life, light and life. And so, it is the Word that sustains all things. And "After making purification for sin, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels, as the name He has inherited is more excellent than theirs." [00:12:55]
And so, we begin with the Trinitarian statement, "With the Father and the Holy Spirit, the Son created all things, sustains all things, and makes all things new." Truly God, the eternal Son. Always God. "Truly God, He became truly man." And then to borrow a line from the early creeds, "two natures, human and divine, conjoined in one person." [00:13:36]
And Jesus, who was truly God, became truly man. And as the author of Hebrews will tell us in various places, "endured suffering for us." For us. For us, He kept the law. Now, how many of you have heard of the ABCs of salvation? You've all heard of this, right? "Accept that you're a sinner. Believe in Christ. Confess your sin." [00:18:09]
Theologians speak of this, of the active and passive obedience of Christ. When Christ paid for our sins, the debt of sin was canceled and our sins were forgiven. But do you know what that does? That sort of takes us back to where Adam was. Christ's work was far more than that, and theologians use this expression "the active obedience of Christ," because not only did Christ undo what Adam did, He did what Adam could not do. [00:19:00]
We are actually saved by works. They're just not our works. We're saved by Christ's works. And so, when we're thinking about the theological facts of the incarnation, please cement this in your head. He kept the law. He did what Adam could not do, and we should be grateful for it. We'll see why in a minute. He kept the law. [00:20:02]
One of the most beautiful words related to the doctrine of salvation is the word "imputation." In fact, if you were to ask the Reformers, they would tell you that the Reformation boiled down to this word, "imputation." When you get into the justification debates, you're going to be talking about imputation. Is it that Christ's death somehow empowers me? [00:23:39]
And what is there left to say, but the biblical confession, "Jesus Christ is Lord." That's the exclamation point of the statement. And then, in a hushed voice, we have another key verb. Theology leads to doxology. Good theology leads to worship. And so, with a hushed voice, out of a grateful heart we say, "We praise His holy Name forever. Amen." [00:26:36]
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