One God, One Salvation: Unity in Christ

 

Summary

In our exploration of Romans 3:29-31, we delve into the profound truth that God's way of salvation through Jesus Christ abolishes all distinctions between people. This passage emphasizes that God is not only the God of the Jews but also of the Gentiles, highlighting the universality of salvation. The Apostle Paul underscores that there is one God who justifies both the circumcised and the uncircumcised through faith, thereby eliminating any division between Jews and Gentiles. This truth is crucial because it affirms that salvation is available to all who believe in Jesus Christ, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background.

Paul's argument is that the law demonstrated the inability of both Jews and Gentiles to achieve righteousness on their own, thus pointing to the necessity of faith in Christ. The cross of Christ has broken down every barrier, making all believers one in Him. This unity in Christ is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that should shape our understanding of the gospel and our relationships with others.

Furthermore, the Apostle warns against the dangers of diluting this message by suggesting that there are multiple ways to God. He emphasizes that there is only one way to be reconciled to God, and that is through Jesus Christ. This is a vital truth that must be upheld, as it is foundational to the Christian faith. The gospel is not just for a select group but for all humanity, and it is through faith in Christ alone that we are justified.

In today's world, where there is a tendency to embrace a pluralistic view of faith, it is essential to hold fast to the truth that there is only one God and one way of salvation. This message is as relevant now as it was in the early days of the church, and it is our responsibility to proclaim it boldly and clearly.

Key Takeaways:

- God's way of salvation through Jesus Christ abolishes all distinctions between people, uniting Jews and Gentiles in one faith. This truth emphasizes the universality of salvation and the inclusivity of the gospel. [03:17]

- The law demonstrated the inability of both Jews and Gentiles to achieve righteousness, pointing to the necessity of faith in Christ. The cross of Christ has broken down every barrier, making all believers one in Him. [07:13]

- There is only one way to be reconciled to God, and that is through Jesus Christ. This foundational truth must be upheld, as it is central to the Christian faith and the message of the gospel. [12:46]

- In a world that often embraces a pluralistic view of faith, it is crucial to hold fast to the truth that there is only one God and one way of salvation. This message is as relevant today as it was in the early church. [24:26]

- The gospel is not just for a select group but for all humanity, and it is through faith in Christ alone that we are justified. This truth should shape our understanding of the gospel and our relationships with others. [34:25]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - Introduction to Romans 3:29-31
- [00:52] - Redemption through Christ
- [02:17] - Boasting Excluded
- [03:02] - Abolishing Distinctions
- [05:13] - Justification by Faith
- [07:13] - The Law and Salvation
- [09:07] - Unity in Christ
- [11:04] - One God, One Salvation
- [13:03] - By Faith and Through Faith
- [18:11] - The Universality of the Gospel
- [21:28] - The Only Way to God
- [24:26] - The Error of Pluralism
- [29:33] - The Dispensational Error
- [33:30] - One Gospel for All
- [38:14] - Justification by Faith Alone
- [41:21] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Romans 3:29-31
- Ephesians 2:14-18
- Galatians 3:8

---

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 3:29-31, what does Paul say about the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in terms of salvation? How does this reflect the universality of the gospel? [03:17]
2. In the sermon, how does the speaker describe the role of the law in demonstrating the need for faith in Christ? [07:13]
3. What does the speaker identify as the main argument against the idea of multiple ways to God? [24:26]
4. How does the sermon explain the significance of the cross in breaking down barriers between different groups of people? [09:07]

---

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of one God and one way of salvation challenge the pluralistic views of faith that are common today? [24:26]
2. What implications does the unity in Christ have for how believers should view and interact with people from different cultural or ethnic backgrounds? [09:07]
3. How does the sermon suggest that the message of justification by faith alone should influence the way Christians understand their own faith and the faith of others? [12:46]
4. In what ways does the sermon warn against the dangers of diluting the gospel message, and how might this apply to contemporary Christian practice? [26:13]

---

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own understanding of salvation. How does the idea that there is only one way to God through Jesus Christ challenge or affirm your beliefs? [24:26]
2. Consider your interactions with people from different cultural or ethnic backgrounds. How can you actively demonstrate the unity in Christ that the sermon emphasizes? [09:07]
3. In what ways might you be tempted to embrace a pluralistic view of faith? How can you hold fast to the truth of the gospel in your daily life? [24:26]
4. The sermon highlights the importance of not diluting the gospel message. Are there areas in your life where you might be compromising on this truth? How can you address this? [26:13]
5. How can you ensure that your understanding of the gospel remains centered on the foundational truth of justification by faith alone? [12:46]
6. Think about a time when you felt excluded or included in a community. How can the message of unity in Christ influence the way you create inclusive environments for others? [09:07]
7. Identify one person in your life who might hold a different belief system. How can you engage them in a conversation about the uniqueness of salvation through Christ? [24:26]

Devotional

Day 1: Unity in Faith Through Christ
God's way of salvation through Jesus Christ abolishes all distinctions between people, uniting Jews and Gentiles in one faith. This truth emphasizes the universality of salvation and the inclusivity of the gospel. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 3:29-31, highlights that God is not only the God of the Jews but also of the Gentiles. This profound truth underscores that there is one God who justifies both the circumcised and the uncircumcised through faith, thereby eliminating any division between Jews and Gentiles. This unity in Christ is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that should shape our understanding of the gospel and our relationships with others. [03:17]

"For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:13, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life do you see as different or separate from you? How can you actively seek to build unity with them through the love of Christ today?


Day 2: The Necessity of Faith in Christ
The law demonstrated the inability of both Jews and Gentiles to achieve righteousness, pointing to the necessity of faith in Christ. The cross of Christ has broken down every barrier, making all believers one in Him. This truth is crucial because it affirms that salvation is available to all who believe in Jesus Christ, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background. The Apostle Paul argues that the law served to highlight humanity's need for a savior, as it showed that no one could achieve righteousness on their own. Therefore, faith in Christ is essential for salvation, as it is through Him that we are justified. [07:13]

"For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin." (Romans 3:20, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you relied on your own efforts to achieve righteousness? How can you shift your focus to faith in Christ alone today?


Day 3: The Exclusivity of Salvation Through Christ
There is only one way to be reconciled to God, and that is through Jesus Christ. This foundational truth must be upheld, as it is central to the Christian faith and the message of the gospel. In a world that often embraces a pluralistic view of faith, it is crucial to hold fast to the truth that there is only one God and one way of salvation. This message is as relevant today as it was in the early church, and it is our responsibility to proclaim it boldly and clearly. The Apostle Paul warns against the dangers of diluting this message by suggesting that there are multiple ways to God. [12:46]

"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" (John 14:6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you lovingly share the truth of Christ's exclusive path to salvation with someone who holds a pluralistic view of faith?


Day 4: The Relevance of the Gospel Today
In a world that often embraces a pluralistic view of faith, it is crucial to hold fast to the truth that there is only one God and one way of salvation. This message is as relevant today as it was in the early church. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that the gospel is not just for a select group but for all humanity, and it is through faith in Christ alone that we are justified. This truth should shape our understanding of the gospel and our relationships with others. As believers, we are called to proclaim this message boldly and clearly, ensuring that it remains central to our faith and practice. [24:26]

"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 2:5, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take to ensure that the gospel remains central in your daily life and interactions with others?


Day 5: Justification by Faith Alone
The gospel is not just for a select group but for all humanity, and it is through faith in Christ alone that we are justified. This truth should shape our understanding of the gospel and our relationships with others. The Apostle Paul underscores that salvation is available to all who believe in Jesus Christ, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background. This universality of salvation emphasizes the inclusivity of the gospel and the necessity of faith in Christ. As believers, we are called to live out this truth in our daily lives, demonstrating the love and unity that comes from being one in Christ. [34:25]

"For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law." (Romans 3:28, ESV)

Reflection: How can you demonstrate the inclusivity of the gospel in your interactions with others today, especially those who may feel marginalized or excluded?

Quotes



God's way of Salvation abolishes all distinctions between people. This of course is the message of verses 29 and 30: Is he the God of the Jews only? Is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, seeing it is one God who shall justify the circumcision by faith and the uncircumcision through faith. [00:03:08]

The distinction between Jews and Gentiles has been abolished. They are in exactly the same position now. One mechanical point, as it were, is of some importance here. You notice that I have read to you from the authorized: Is he the God of the Jews only? There is no "the" there. It should read like this: Is he God of Jews only? Is he not also of Gentiles? [00:03:42]

The law negatively, as it were, demonstrated that there is no difference between the Jew and the Gentile in this matter of Salvation because neither could keep the law, whether it was the law given externally through Moses or that law, this moral sense that was in the heart. All have failed. [00:06:48]

The Cross of Christ has broken down and demolished forever every middle wall of partition between Jew and Gentile, and of twain, he has made one new man, so making peace. The Gentiles are now fellow citizens with the Saints of the household of God, and they're being built together in this great Temple of the Lord. [00:09:00]

There is only one way of Salvation, and therefore that one way of Salvation is for all who are saved. There is no other; there is no alternative. Now we can see, can't we, very easily how essential it was for the Apostle to establish this point in these early days of the preaching of the Gospel. [00:18:11]

The great point, the great principle the Apostle is emphasizing again is that there is only one way of Salvation, and therefore that one way of Salvation is for all who are saved. There is no other; there is no alternative. Now we can see, can't we, very easily how essential it was for the Apostle to establish this point. [00:18:11]

There is only one way to be reconciled to God. It is in Jesus Christ and him crucified. Didn't he say it himself? I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh can come unto the Father but by me. I say the Muhammadan cannot come to God nor any one of the others. [00:25:40]

The World Congress of faiths, this Association of Jews and Christians, is a denial of the Gospel. It is a denial of what God has so plainly set forth, and far from being an indication of an understanding of the love of God, it is a betrayal of utter ignorance of the love of God. [00:26:15]

There is only one way to God. There is only one way to know God. There is only one way to be reconciled to God. It is in Jesus Christ and him crucified. Didn't he say it himself? I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh can come unto the Father but by me. [00:25:40]

The Apostle took the trouble to deduce these principles. Shouldn't we thank God that he led this man by the Holy Spirit not simply to state the way of salvation but to go on and be careful that he underlined it and showed it was absolutely crucial and that without it there was nothing? [00:27:07]

There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. You see, the Apostle, as we shall find later in verses 9, 10, and 11 of this great epistle, argues it out at great length. Those Jews, they think they're still worshiping God, but they're blinded. [00:27:53]

The position is this: that the Gentiles are made fellows with the Saints, with the Jews who had believed before and who were saved through trusting to what God was going to do in Christ. This great method of Salvation, always by faith, the distinction is gone, and it's gone forever and will never come back. [00:33:30]

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?