Embracing the Fullness and Security in Christ
Summary
In the Gospel of John, chapter 1, verse 16, we find a profound declaration: "And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace." This verse encapsulates the essence of the Christian life, emphasizing the fullness found in Christ and the grace that flows from it. The incarnation of the Son of God was purposed so that we might partake in this divine fullness. Without Christ's fullness, we would be unable to receive anything of spiritual value. His coming into the world, enduring all that He did, was to make it possible for us to receive this fullness.
The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 1:30, further elucidates this by stating that God has made Christ to be our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. This means that in Christ, we find true knowledge of God and ourselves. Philosophical notions fall short, but in Christ, we see the true nature of humanity and our need for reconciliation with God. Our wisdom in Christ reveals our lost state and the necessity of being reconciled to God.
The security of our salvation lies in the fact that it is God's work. We are placed in Christ by God, ensuring our eternal security. This understanding dispels any notion of falling away from grace, as it is God who has united us with Christ. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of understanding the particulars of our salvation—wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption—so that we can effectively counter the devil's attacks.
The order of these elements is crucial. Justification, or righteousness, comes first, followed by sanctification, leading ultimately to glorification. This order is vital because it reflects the true nature of our salvation. Justification by faith alone is a doctrine that must be upheld, as it assures us of our standing before God. Our righteousness is not our own but is imputed to us through Christ. This understanding brings joy and assurance, freeing us from the tyranny of justification by works.
Key Takeaways:
- The fullness of Christ is the source of all spiritual blessings. Without His fullness, we would be unable to receive anything of spiritual value. His incarnation and work on our behalf make it possible for us to partake in this divine fullness. [00:34]
- In Christ, we find true wisdom, revealing our lost state and the need for reconciliation with God. Philosophical notions fall short, but in Christ, we see the true nature of humanity and our need for redemption. [04:08]
- Our eternal security is grounded in God's work of placing us in Christ. This dispels any notion of falling away from grace, as it is God who has united us with Christ, ensuring our salvation. [06:08]
- The order of salvation—justification, sanctification, and glorification—is crucial. Justification by faith alone assures us of our standing before God, freeing us from the tyranny of justification by works. [15:42]
- Our righteousness is imputed to us through Christ, bringing joy and assurance. This understanding liberates us from the burden of self-righteousness and allows us to live a triumphant Christian life. [39:26]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - Introduction to John 1:16
[00:34] - The Fullness in Christ
[01:12] - The Incarnation's Purpose
[02:02] - Applying Christ's Fullness
[02:51] - Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, Redemption
[04:08] - True Knowledge in Christ
[05:03] - Reconciliation with God
[06:08] - Eternal Security in Christ
[07:12] - General and Particular Aspects of Salvation
[08:18] - The Importance of Particulars
[10:39] - Unity of Righteousness, Sanctification, Redemption
[15:42] - The Order of Salvation
[23:25] - Justification by Faith Alone
[39:26] - Imputed Righteousness in Christ
[46:38] - Living in Christ's Fullness
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 1:16 - "And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace."
2. 1 Corinthians 1:30 - "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does John 1:16 mean when it says, "of his fullness have all we received"? How does this relate to the concept of grace upon grace? [00:34]
2. According to 1 Corinthians 1:30, what four things has God made Christ to be for us? How do these aspects contribute to our understanding of salvation? [03:16]
3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between justification, sanctification, and glorification? Why is the order important? [15:42]
4. What is the significance of the statement that our righteousness is imputed to us through Christ? How does this affect our standing before God? [39:26]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the fullness of Christ serve as the source of all spiritual blessings, according to the sermon? Why is it essential for our spiritual life? [00:34]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that philosophical notions fall short in understanding our need for reconciliation with God? [04:08]
3. How does the sermon explain the concept of eternal security in Christ? What role does God's work play in ensuring our salvation? [06:08]
4. Why is justification by faith alone emphasized as a crucial doctrine in the sermon? How does it liberate us from the burden of self-righteousness? [15:42]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually empty. How can the understanding of Christ's fullness change your perspective in similar situations? [00:34]
2. Consider your current understanding of wisdom. How can you seek true wisdom in Christ to better understand your relationship with God and others? [04:08]
3. How does the assurance of eternal security in Christ impact your daily life and decisions? Are there areas where you struggle to trust in this security? [06:08]
4. In what ways can you remind yourself of the order of salvation—justification, sanctification, and glorification—when facing spiritual challenges? [15:42]
5. How can the knowledge that your righteousness is imputed through Christ bring you joy and assurance in your faith journey? [39:26]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you might be relying on self-righteousness. How can you shift your focus to Christ's righteousness instead? [39:26]
7. Think of a person in your life who may not understand the concept of grace. How can you share the message of grace upon grace with them this week? [00:34]
Devotional
Day 1: The Fullness of Christ as Our Source of Blessings
The fullness of Christ is the wellspring from which all spiritual blessings flow. Without His divine fullness, we would be spiritually impoverished, unable to receive anything of true spiritual value. The incarnation of Christ was a divine act of love, intended to make this fullness accessible to us. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ has opened the door for us to partake in the richness of His grace. This divine fullness is not just a theological concept but a living reality that transforms our lives, enabling us to experience the depth of God's love and grace. [00:34]
"For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority." (Colossians 2:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively seek to experience the fullness of Christ in your daily life today?
Day 2: True Wisdom in Christ Reveals Our Need for Reconciliation
In Christ, we find the true wisdom that reveals our lost state and the necessity of reconciliation with God. Philosophical ideas and human wisdom often fall short of addressing the deepest needs of the human soul. However, in Christ, we see the true nature of humanity and our need for redemption. This wisdom is not merely intellectual but transformative, leading us to a deeper understanding of our identity in Christ and our need for His saving grace. It is through this divine wisdom that we come to recognize our need for reconciliation with God and the path to true peace and fulfillment. [04:08]
"For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (1 Corinthians 1:25, ESV)
Reflection: How can you allow the wisdom of Christ to guide your decisions and actions today, especially in areas where you feel lost or confused?
Day 3: Eternal Security in Christ's Work
Our eternal security is grounded in the work of God, who has placed us in Christ. This divine act dispels any notion of falling away from grace, as it is God who has united us with Christ, ensuring our salvation. This assurance is not based on our efforts or merits but on the unchanging nature of God's promise. Understanding this truth brings peace and confidence, knowing that our salvation is secure in Christ. It encourages us to live boldly for Him, free from the fear of losing our salvation, and to rest in the assurance of His eternal love and grace. [06:08]
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6, ESV)
Reflection: What fears or doubts about your salvation can you surrender to God today, trusting in His promise of eternal security?
Day 4: The Order of Salvation: Justification, Sanctification, Glorification
The order of salvation—justification, sanctification, and glorification—is crucial in understanding our spiritual journey. Justification by faith alone assures us of our standing before God, freeing us from the tyranny of justification by works. This foundational truth leads to sanctification, where we are progressively transformed into the likeness of Christ, and ultimately to glorification, where we will be fully united with Him. This order reflects the true nature of our salvation and provides a roadmap for our spiritual growth, encouraging us to live in the freedom and joy of our justified status before God. [15:42]
"And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified." (Romans 8:30, ESV)
Reflection: How can you embrace the process of sanctification in your life today, knowing that your justification is secure in Christ?
Day 5: Imputed Righteousness Brings Joy and Assurance
Our righteousness is not our own but is imputed to us through Christ, bringing joy and assurance. This understanding liberates us from the burden of self-righteousness and allows us to live a triumphant Christian life. The righteousness of Christ, credited to us by faith, assures us of our acceptance before God and empowers us to live in the freedom of His grace. This imputed righteousness is a source of deep joy, as it reminds us that our worth and identity are found in Christ alone, freeing us from the need to prove ourselves through our own efforts. [39:26]
"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you rest in the imputed righteousness of Christ today, allowing it to bring you joy and assurance in your walk with God?
Quotes
The whole object he tells us of the Incarnation of the Son of God was that we might in this way and manner become partakers of his fullness now this is as I say a summary of the whole message of the gospel and therefore we've been looking at it and dividing it up we've seen that were it not for the fullness that is in Christ himself as the Eternal Son of God as the word of God we should never be in a position of receiving anything at all. [00:40:20]
God has made him the son in all his fullness and in the light of all he done to be unto us who are in him wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and Redemption now then what it means is this we've got to look at these different ways in which God the father has made the son to be these things for us and the first thing we've been looking at of course is the wisdom it is he alone who can give us any true knowledge of God. [00:07:07]
It is God's work that makes us Christians and therefore it is a secure work you can't be in Christ one day and out of Christ the next day and back again in Christ and out again that is why any such notion of Falling Away From Grace is an insult to the name of God it is of him that ye are in Christ Jesus he's put us there and it's God who's put us there. [00:06:01]
The order in which the three things are taken is also of vital importance the Apostle didn't put them hdly into this order he puts them into this order because this is the order in which they actually take place the first thing we all need is to be justified to be accepted to be reconciled and it is out of that that proceeds immediately this process of sanctification which leads ultimately to glorification. [00:15:42]
The Christian is meant to live a triumphant life a trul life he's a man as the last hym put it he's he's proud to sing and to say no more my Lord no more I boast of all the things that he's done he's finished with all that that was a very triumphant hymn we've just been singing whether it sounded like that I wouldn't like to say but it is meant to be it's a man who's understood this Doctrine and he's joyful and happy and he's triumphant. [00:18:33]
The Apostle Paul never did anything of the sort his men was primarily an evangelist and he traveled around and he preached and I think we can say that he'd never have written a single epistle if there hadn't been m in the churches it was because people were going wrong and misinterpreting and misunderstanding that the apostles were driven to write not only the Epistles but also the gospels themselves in order that the truth might be safeguarded. [00:21:16]
The Apostle Peter had come to see this very clearly when he says that we mustn't put upon these Gentiles a yoke that we ourselves were unable to bear and yet it's always the tendency to do that the Peter who came to see that so clearly was the Peter whom Paul had to withstand to the face at Antioch because he'd been frightened by the teachers that had come down from Jerusalem you see up to a point Peter was clear that justification is by faith alone and that works don't enter in. [00:24:59]
The perfect robe of righteousness weaved by the Son of God is taken by God and it is put upon us we are clothed with the perfect righteousness of Christ he removes our guilt and he gives us his own righteousness and what this Doctrine rarely proclaims therefore is this that God looking upon us clothed with the righteousness of Christ not only forgives us but declares us to be righteous he declares us not only forgiven but to be free from sin he regards us as positively righteous not in ourselves but in Christ. [00:37:09]
Justification is by faith only we conclude therefore says the apostle that a man is justified by faith not by the Deeds of the law and it is I say the most amazing astounding and thrilling thing that a man can ever realize that whatever you may have been whatever you may have done however terribly your life however app ping your record you believe this person and believe in him and believe that God has made him to be that to you and you're utterly absolutely forgiven you're clothed with the righteousness of Christ. [00:39:12]
You now sin not against law but against love you're now sinning as a child not as a rebel not someone who is under the wrath of God the whole position is different and it is different because you are in Christ and receiving of his fullness Look to Him Now look to him tomorrow look to him if you're alive in a year's time look to him on your Deathbed even there the saints of God have been accused by the devil even on their deathbed and they've replied to him and said all right all you say about me is absolutely true but I'm not relying on myself or anything in me my righteousness is Christ. [00:46:38]
The Apostle Paul in the first epistle to the Corinthians in the first chapter and the 30th verse where he says but of him that's to say of God are ye Christian people in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us wisdom righteousness sanctification and Redemption now there it is put very perfectly again just in this particular way that we're looking at together. [00:02:58]
The fullness that is in Christ as it is applied to us that's the next step you've got to take these things in their logical order you got to be clear about the person you've got to be clear about what he has done and then you come to this next inevitable step how is all this that he is and which he's done applied to us because this leads us directly into the secret of how it is that we do actually receive of his fullness and Grace upon Grace. [00:02:04]
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