Embracing Salvation: The Urgency of Repentance and Faith

 

Summary

In the passage from John 5:31-35, Jesus addresses the skepticism of the Jews who questioned His authority, especially after He healed a man on the Sabbath. He acknowledges their need for multiple witnesses to validate His claims and points to John the Baptist as a credible witness. John the Baptist, a burning and shining light, testified to the truth of Jesus being the Son of God, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire. This testimony is crucial because it offers salvation to those who believe.

The sermon emphasizes the necessity of accepting the whole message of John the Baptist, including the final judgment. Jesus, as the ultimate judge, will separate the wheat from the chaff, symbolizing the righteous from the unrighteous. This judgment is not just a future event but a present reality that calls for immediate repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The sermon also highlights the human tendency to ignore spiritual truths until faced with dire consequences, much like how people often disregard medical advice until their health is critically threatened.

The message is a call to recognize the moral principles inherent in life, the reality of sin leading to suffering, and the certainty of a final judgment. It challenges the modern outlook that dismisses eternal truths in favor of temporal concerns. The sermon concludes with an invitation to repent, believe in Jesus Christ, and receive a new nature, ensuring a place in God's eternal kingdom.

Key Takeaways:

- Witness of John the Baptist: John the Baptist's testimony about Jesus is a powerful witness to His divine nature and mission. Believing in this testimony is essential for salvation, as it points to Jesus as the Son of God and the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. [02:50]

- Necessity of Repentance: True repentance involves a thorough acknowledgment of one's sins and a turning away from them. It is not merely a superficial change but a deep transformation that aligns one's life with God's will. [45:09]

- Final Judgment: The final judgment is a reality that cannot be ignored. It is a thorough process where every action and thought will be laid bare before God. This judgment is not based on heritage or religious rituals but on the nature of one's heart and life. [37:14]

- New Nature in Christ: Salvation is not about external adherence to religious practices but about receiving a new nature through faith in Christ. This new nature enables one to live a life pleasing to God and assures a place in His eternal kingdom. [43:56]

- Urgency of Salvation: The message of salvation is urgent and should not be postponed. Just as people respond to immediate physical dangers, they should also respond to the spiritual danger of eternal separation from God by accepting His offer of salvation. [12:16]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to John 5:31-35
- [00:49] - Jesus' Authority Questioned
- [01:23] - The Need for Witnesses
- [01:57] - John the Baptist's Testimony
- [03:39] - Jesus as the Son of God
- [04:38] - The Lamb of God
- [05:15] - Baptism with the Holy Spirit
- [07:00] - The Whole Message of John
- [09:25] - The Final Judgment
- [12:16] - Urgency of Salvation
- [17:25] - Temporal vs. Eternal Concerns
- [24:12] - Moral Responsibility
- [29:10] - Authority of Scripture
- [33:34] - Jesus as Judge
- [37:14] - Thoroughness of Judgment
- [43:56] - New Nature in Christ
- [47:54] - Invitation to Salvation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 5:31-35

Observation Questions:
1. What was the main reason the Jews questioned Jesus' authority in John 5:31-35? [01:06]
2. How does Jesus describe John the Baptist in this passage, and what role does John play in Jesus' argument? [02:15]
3. According to the sermon, what are the key elements of John the Baptist's testimony about Jesus? [03:39]
4. What analogy does John the Baptist use to describe the final judgment, and what does it signify? [09:25]

Interpretation Questions:
1. Why is John the Baptist's testimony considered crucial for salvation, according to the sermon? [02:50]
2. How does the sermon explain the necessity of repentance in the context of John the Baptist's message? [45:09]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the human tendency to ignore spiritual truths until faced with consequences? [11:11]
4. How does the sermon challenge the modern outlook that dismisses eternal truths in favor of temporal concerns? [17:25]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on John the Baptist's role as a witness to Jesus. How can you be a "burning and shining light" in your community, testifying to the truth of Jesus? [02:15]
2. The sermon emphasizes the urgency of salvation. Is there someone in your life who needs to hear the message of salvation? How can you share it with them this week? [12:16]
3. Consider the analogy of the wheat and chaff used to describe the final judgment. What steps can you take to ensure your life aligns with being "wheat" rather than "chaff"? [09:25]
4. The sermon discusses the necessity of repentance. Is there a specific area in your life where you need to repent and seek transformation? What practical steps can you take to align your life with God's will? [45:09]
5. How do you respond to spiritual truths? Are there areas where you tend to ignore them until faced with consequences? How can you cultivate a more proactive approach to your spiritual growth? [11:11]
6. The sermon challenges the focus on temporal concerns over eternal truths. What is one temporal concern that often distracts you from focusing on eternal matters? How can you shift your perspective this week? [17:25]
7. Reflect on the concept of receiving a new nature in Christ. How can you nurture this new nature in your daily life to live a life pleasing to God? [43:56]

Devotional

Day 1: The Testimony of John the Baptist as a Beacon of Truth
John the Baptist's role as a witness to Jesus is pivotal in understanding the divine nature and mission of Christ. He was a "burning and shining light" who testified that Jesus is the Son of God, the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world, and the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire. This testimony is not just historical but a present call to recognize Jesus' authority and divinity. Believing in this testimony is essential for salvation, as it points to the truth of who Jesus is and what He came to accomplish. The acknowledgment of John the Baptist's witness is a call to embrace the truth of Jesus' identity and mission. [02:50]

John 1:29-34 (ESV): "The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, 'Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, "After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me." I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.' And John bore witness: 'I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, "He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit." And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.'"

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the truth about Jesus today? How can you be a "burning and shining light" to them, sharing the testimony of who Jesus is?


Day 2: The Depth of True Repentance
True repentance is more than a superficial acknowledgment of wrongdoing; it is a profound transformation that aligns one's life with God's will. It involves a thorough acknowledgment of one's sins and a turning away from them, leading to a life that reflects God's holiness. This transformation is not merely about changing behavior but about receiving a new heart and mind that desires to follow God's ways. Repentance is a daily journey of turning away from sin and turning towards God, allowing His Spirit to renew and guide us. [45:09]

Acts 3:19-20 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus."

Reflection: What specific sin do you need to turn away from today? How can you invite God's Spirit to transform your heart and mind in this area?


Day 3: The Reality of Final Judgment
The final judgment is a reality that cannot be ignored. It is a thorough process where every action and thought will be laid bare before God. This judgment is not based on heritage or religious rituals but on the nature of one's heart and life. Understanding the certainty of this judgment calls for a life of integrity and faithfulness, knowing that God sees and knows all. It is a sobering reminder to live each day in light of eternity, seeking to honor God in all we do. [37:14]

2 Corinthians 5:10 (ESV): "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil."

Reflection: How does the reality of final judgment influence your daily decisions and actions? What changes can you make today to live more faithfully in light of eternity?


Day 4: Embracing a New Nature in Christ
Salvation is not about external adherence to religious practices but about receiving a new nature through faith in Christ. This new nature enables one to live a life pleasing to God and assures a place in His eternal kingdom. It is a transformation that begins in the heart and manifests in a life that reflects God's love, grace, and truth. Embracing this new nature means allowing Christ to live in and through us, shaping our thoughts, actions, and desires to align with His will. [43:56]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: In what ways do you need to "put off" your old self and "put on" the new self in Christ today? How can you allow Christ to shape your thoughts and actions?


Day 5: The Urgency of Responding to Salvation
The message of salvation is urgent and should not be postponed. Just as people respond to immediate physical dangers, they should also respond to the spiritual danger of eternal separation from God by accepting His offer of salvation. This urgency calls for a decisive response to the gospel, recognizing the eternal implications of our choices. It is a call to prioritize spiritual matters over temporal concerns, understanding that our eternal destiny is at stake. [12:16]

Hebrews 3:15 (ESV): "As it is said, 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.'"

Reflection: What is holding you back from fully responding to God's offer of salvation today? How can you prioritize your spiritual life and make a decisive commitment to follow Christ?

Quotes


John bore witness he said he is the Son of God he is has come down from heaven and then you remember we saw that he said that our Lord is the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world in other words he explains how the Son of God Saves us he saves Us by taking our sins upon himself and bearing their punishment in his own body on the cross the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world thank God he also said this that he is the one who baptizes with the Holy Ghost and with fire he saves not merely by delivering us from our sins he saves by giving us a second Birth by giving us new life a new nature he makes us partakers of the divine nature and by the mighty power of His Holy Spirit purges our souls from sin so that finally they shall be blameless and faultless without spot or wrinkle or any such thing we shall stand faultless in the presence of God [00:04:24]

John the Baptist taught quite plainly and clearly that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God is the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world the sin of the world is the one who baptizes with the Holy Ghost and with fire yes and finally he is the one who shall judge the world in righteousness at the End of Time whose fan he is in his hand and he will thly Purge his Flor now this is a reference to win winnowing the winno family it was the ancient method of getting the wheat germ out of its husk we have Machinery to do this in these days but in those ancient times they did it with what they called these winnowing fans and they beat the wheat that had thus been harvested and so they separated the wheat itself the wheat germ from the husk by which it had been surrounded what is becomes the chaff and so they separated the wheat and the chaf put the wheat on one side put the chaf on the other side and eventually took it out and burned it because it was useless [00:08:00]

our Lord let me remind you once more makes it plain and clear to these people that he is reminding them of the things that John the Baptist said in order that they might be saved and by reminding them of this he displays his wondrous love and kindness and compassion and God grant that as we look into this teaching this matter this evening we may realize that this teaching of the final judgment is a part of the gospel and that it is here before us and that we are to consider it in order that we might be saved I do this with confidence because I know sufficient about the history of the church and the preaching of the church in centuy is past to know that this message about the final judgment has often been used of God and by the holy spirit of God to bring men and women to a realization of the fact that they need to be saved and that they can be saved [00:09:36]

what strange creatures we are when we are presented with the free offer of Salvation in the gospel we often pay no attention to it at all it is only sometimes when we are made to realize the precariousness and the danger of our position that we become awakened we tend to be like that don't we in all the relationships of Life doctors will tell you often times that they have to frighten certain people literally in order to save their physical lives they may have put the truth quietly and mildly to them and have just warn them very gently patient pays no attention at all it is at times only when the patient is made to realize in preps what is a somewhat blunt manner that unless he pulls up and stops and takes a rest or submits to treatment or under goes an operation that if he doesn't do it he'll lose his life it's only when it comes to them that the men will listen such creatures we are when we are offered this salvation I say and told about the love of God it doesn't touch us but then I say when we realize the danger we begin to awaken to the situation and begin to pay attention [00:10:50]

there is a moral principle that runs through life not only that isn't it perfectly clear from human history and from personal experience that sin always leads to suffering the Bible says the way of the transgressor is hard and it is it always has been it always will be read of men in the Old Testament who sinned and they suffered for it you'll find the same in the new read your biographies it's always the same there is a moral principle in life do what you will you can't get away from it you have to pay for all you get there is always the morning after the night before and with all the Brilliance of science it cannot be abolished there is a moral principle which says that there is a hangover and do what you like with it say what you like you can't divide it you can't evade it we are living after all in a moral Universe though the devil is come in and has marred it the principle is there as a foundational thing as a foundational fact in life itself self and it suggests that it's something Eternal and absolute [00:22:41]

the whole idea of a future life surely Demands a judgment is it conceivable that what we do in this life doesn't matter at all can you envisage such a possibility that men and women who walked the narrow way should finally end up with the people who have gone with a crowd along the Broadway is there no value in moral striving and moral effort do all end in the same place can you conceive of that does your sense of right and wrong and of Justice allow such a conception the thing is Unthinkable so I say that if you believe in another life at all you must believe that there there is a division that what we do in this life must be judged and that it leads to an course I know many would like to think that when they come to die it's like one of these flowers dying or putting off a switch but can you conceive of yourself as not existing can you imagine yourself as non-existent is this life all and everything do we spend our time in this world as we do all to no purpose I see the thing is impossible [00:25:41]

Jesus Christ himself taught this and that is the complete and the final answer to this talk about the love of God I can't see says the Modern Man how a god of love can possibly do that answer this question how could Jesus Christ see that he taught that read the 16th chapter of Luke's gospel and there you'll see it again I read to you that end of The Sermon on the Mount isn't it plain narrow broad house on Rock House on send it's all judgment and it's running through his message everywhere here is the very Son of God himself who knows God as nobody else ever has or ever can know him because he's come out of his bosom because he's one with God because his own nature is love as God's nature is love here is one who really knows the love of God and yet he teaches that he himself is going to Jud judge the world at the end and that there will be this separation between the house on the rock and the house that collapses on the sand can't you see that it is the height of folly to pit your imaginary notion of the love of God against this authoritative declaration about the love of God by the Son of God himself [00:31:48]

the final argument it seems to me against this objection to the last judgment is this that this Doctrine only comes in after the other doctrines listen to John the Baptist listen to his testimony this is what he says look at him he says Jesus of Nazareth he says there is the Son of God here is one who has come from above and the one who is from above is above all he's come from Heaven says John he is the Son of God listen to him that's the first thing but then he went on to say Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world the Son of God has come into this world world says John to save us from punishment and from Hell Behold Him look at him stand in amazement as you behold the spectacle the Lamb of God is the Son of God Unthinkable but it's happen says John there he is that's the thing that comes next you see that we can be saved that he so loved us that he took our sins upon himself and bore their cruel punishment and the shame and the indignity of it all and died on the cross and was buried in a grave he did all that that you and I might be delivered might be saved he offers us new life and this power of the spirit all that comes first if there were none of that and nothing but a message about Jud judement well there is a sense in which I could understand the objection but you see the message of the the message about judgment only comes in after that [00:33:34]

what saves a man is his nature the wheat he will gather into his Garner the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable wheat and chaff are essentially different in their Natures that's the thing he says that's going to save at the end that you're wheat and not chaff or did you notice how he' put it earlier again the ax is laid he says to the root of the trees every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is heun down and cast Into the Fire did you notice how our lord said the same thing in The Sermon on the Mount the tree he said is either good or bad you don't get grapes of thorns or figs of thistles a good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit it's the nature that matters fruit may look all right but it's the tree good it's the nature that counts it's the foundation of the house and not the mere number of Windows or roof or paint or anything like that it's the foundation and that's the nature and you know my friends that's the only thing that will matter at the day of judgment when the whole world small and great will stand before Christ one thing only will matter and it's this have we got the new nature do we belong to Christ have we received from him life a new life Divine for obviously nothing can dwell with God and enjoy God except that which is like God [00:43:56]

believe that he indeed is the Son of God and that he came into this world to save you from that sin you've now come to see believe that he bore its punishment on that cross on calvary's Hill that as a lamb of God he's carried it away and that God offers you here and now in this service a free and a complete and an entire Parton without you doing anything just believing that Christ died for you and your sin believe it and believe that he'll give you this new nature this new birth this new life and put his Spirit into you which will purify you and burn away the drust and eventually land you complete and perfect and entire in his holy presence believe that and you will find that you've got the new nature it's a miracle don't try to understand it just believe his word that if you repent and turn to him and cast yourself upon him and his love and mercy and compassion he will indeed give you the new life create within you a new nature so that you will have nothing to fear in the Judgment you will be wheat and he'll gather you into his Ghana and he will say unto you come you blessed of the Lord inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world it's the nature that matters he gives it to all who ask him for it ask him and you can receive it here and now the wheat he will gather into his gar but the CH he will burn with fire unquenchable amen [00:47:54]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 25, 2017. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?