Embracing Christ: The Heart of Saving Faith

In today's discussion, we explored the profound question of whether treasuring Jesus is an integral part of saving faith or if it is a subsequent step in the process of sanctification. This inquiry stems from a tweet that sparked debate, suggesting that treasuring Christ might be an addition to the gospel. To address this, we delved into the nature of saving faith and its relationship with sanctification.

Firstly, it's crucial to understand that all growth in grace, including faith, is part of sanctification. Faith is present at the beginning of the Christian life as the sole instrument for obtaining justification. However, this does not exclude it from being part of the ongoing sanctification process. The Bible often emphasizes that the evidence of being a Christian is seen in the fruits of one's life. These fruits, while not part of justifying faith, are essential indicators of genuine faith.

The heart of the matter lies in understanding that treasuring Jesus is indeed part of saving faith. This is not about adding to faith but about the nature of receiving Christ. Saving faith is described as receiving Christ, which involves a joyful acceptance of Him as our supreme treasure. This is not merely about acknowledging Jesus as a rescuer or master but embracing Him as the ultimate treasure above all else.

Christian hedonism challenges us to examine the experience of receiving Christ. It is not a passive acceptance but an active preference for Christ over all things. This preference is not an optional add-on but central to saving faith. It means desiring Christ for who He is, not just for what He can do for us. Saving faith involves being satisfied with all that God is for us in Jesus, recognizing Him as the greatest treasure.

In conclusion, receiving Jesus in a saving way means embracing Him as our supreme treasure. This kind of affection for Jesus is not peripheral but central to saving faith. It calls us to press into the reality of what it means to truly embrace Jesus Christ in saving faith.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Sanctification and Faith: Growth in grace, including faith, is part of sanctification. Faith is present at the beginning of the Christian life as the instrument for justification, but it continues to grow as part of sanctification. This growth is essential for demonstrating genuine faith. [02:13]
• 2. Evidence of Faith: The Bible emphasizes that the evidence of being a Christian is seen in the fruits of one's life. These fruits are not part of justifying faith but are essential indicators of genuine faith. Without these fruits, we show that we are not truly saved. [03:46]
• 3. Treasuring Jesus: Treasuring Jesus is part of saving faith. It involves a joyful acceptance of Him as our supreme treasure, not just as a rescuer or master. This preference for Christ over all things is central to saving faith. [05:20]
• 4. Christian Hedonism: Christian hedonism challenges us to examine the experience of receiving Christ. It is not a passive acceptance but an active preference for Christ over all things. This preference is not an optional add-on but central to saving faith. [08:28]
• 5. Receiving Christ: Receiving Jesus in a saving way means embracing Him as our supreme treasure. This kind of affection for Jesus is not peripheral but central to saving faith. It calls us to press into the reality of what it means to truly embrace Jesus Christ in saving faith. [10:46]
  ** [10:46]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:14] - Introduction to the Question
• [00:45] - Treasuring Christ and the Gospel
• [01:54] - Sanctification and Growth in Faith
• [02:31] - Evidence of Saving Faith
• [04:07] - Biblical Basis for Treasuring Jesus
• [05:20] - Treasuring Jesus as Part of Saving Faith
• [06:18] - Receiving Christ in Faith
• [07:21] - Christian Hedonism and Receiving Christ
• [08:28] - The Experience of Receiving Christ
• [09:23] - Preferring Christ Over All
• [10:26] - Jesus as Our Supreme Treasure
• [11:32] - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
• [12:03] - Closing Remarks

1. Hebrews 12:14 - "Strive for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord."
2. Matthew 10:37 - "Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."
3. John 1:11-12 - "He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."

1. According to Hebrews 12:14, what is the significance of holiness in the life of a believer? How does this relate to the concept of sanctification mentioned in the sermon? [03:10]
2. In Matthew 10:37, Jesus speaks about the priority of love for Him over family. How does this passage illustrate the idea of treasuring Jesus above all else? [04:22]
3. John 1:11-12 describes receiving Christ. How does this passage define saving faith according to the sermon? [05:38]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the difference between receiving Christ as a mere rescuer and receiving Him as a supreme treasure? [09:44]

1. How does the concept of treasuring Jesus challenge the traditional understanding of faith as merely intellectual assent? What implications does this have for the believer's daily life? [05:20]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the fruits of one's life serve as evidence of genuine faith? How does this align with the biblical passages discussed? [03:46]
3. How does Christian hedonism, as described in the sermon, redefine the experience of receiving Christ? What does it mean to actively prefer Christ over all things? [08:28]
4. How does the sermon explain the relationship between justification and sanctification? Why is it important to understand that faith is both the beginning and part of the ongoing process of sanctification? [02:13]

1. Reflect on your current relationship with Jesus. Do you see Him as your supreme treasure, or is He more of a means to an end? What steps can you take to deepen your affection for Him? [10:46]
2. Consider the fruits of your life. What specific actions or attitudes demonstrate your faith? Are there areas where you feel your life does not reflect genuine faith? How can you address these areas? [03:46]
3. Think about the concept of Christian hedonism. How can you cultivate a joyful acceptance of Christ in your daily routine? What practical changes can you make to prioritize Him above all else? [08:28]
4. In what ways can you strive for holiness in your life, as mentioned in Hebrews 12:14? Identify one area where you can actively pursue holiness this week. [03:10]
5. How do you currently receive Christ in your life? Is it more like receiving a gift you need but don't want, or is it a joyful welcoming? What can you do to shift your perspective towards a more joyful reception? [06:42]
6. Reflect on the relationships in your life. Are there any that you prioritize over your relationship with Jesus? How can you realign your priorities to ensure that Jesus remains your supreme treasure? [04:22]
7. Identify one person in your life who may not see Jesus as a supreme treasure. How can you share your experience of treasuring Christ with them in a meaningful way this week? [09:44]