The Greatness of Salvation: A Divine Transformation

 

Summary

In our gathering tonight, we reflect on the profound privilege and responsibility of sharing the Gospel, a message that is both evangelistic and edifying. The essence of our faith is encapsulated in the greatness of our salvation, as highlighted in the first four verses of the second chapter of Hebrews. This passage serves as a reminder of the steadfastness of God's word and the urgency with which we must hold onto the truths we have received. The author of Hebrews exhorts us to give earnest heed to these truths, lest we drift away, much like a ship losing its moorings.

The greatness of our salvation is rooted in its divine authorship, originating from the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is not a message crafted by human wisdom but a divine revelation that addresses the deepest needs of humanity. It is a salvation that rescues us from the greatest calamity—eternal separation from God—and offers us the most glorious inheritance, eternal life with Him.

Our salvation is not merely about what we are saved from but also what we are saved to. It offers forgiveness, reconciliation, and adoption into God's family, making us heirs with Christ. This transformative power of the Gospel should be evident in our lives, serving as a beacon to a world in desperate need of hope and truth.

The challenge before us is to live in such a way that the greatness of this salvation is unmistakable to those around us. Our lives should reflect the joy and freedom that come from knowing Christ, compelling others to seek the same. As we look forward to future endeavors, let us be reminded that our daily lives are a testament to the Gospel's power and a call to those who have yet to experience its transformative grace.

Key Takeaways:

1. Divine Authorship: Our salvation is authored by the triune God, making it unparalleled in its origin and authority. This divine authorship assures us of its truth and power, distinguishing it from human philosophies and teachings. [19:28]

2. Rescue from Calamity: The Gospel saves us from the greatest calamity—eternal separation from God. Understanding the severity of this separation highlights the urgency and necessity of embracing the Gospel. [27:09]

3. Transformation and Adoption: Beyond forgiveness, the Gospel transforms us, adopting us into God's family and making us heirs with Christ. This new identity should be the source of our joy and confidence. [38:31]

4. Living Testimonies: Our lives should reflect the greatness of our salvation, serving as a living testimony to the world. This visible transformation can draw others to seek the hope and truth found in Christ. [18:15]

5. Eternal Inheritance: The Gospel promises an eternal inheritance, a world to come prepared for us, not angels. This future hope should anchor us amidst life's uncertainties and trials. [45:19]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction and Privilege
- [01:36] - Unity in Christian Preaching
- [03:43] - Exhortation from Hebrews
- [05:54] - The Greatness of Salvation
- [07:20] - The Church's Mission
- [09:12] - Misconceptions of Christianity
- [10:17] - New Testament Perspective
- [12:38] - Expressions of Greatness
- [14:12] - Art and Music as Expressions
- [16:05] - Self-Examination and Challenge
- [19:28] - Greatness in Authorship
- [27:09] - Salvation from Calamity
- [36:22] - Salvation for Glory
- [45:19] - Eternal Inheritance
- [52:31] - The Drama of Redemption
- [54:12] - Closing Hymn and Thanksgiving

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Hebrews 2:1-4
- John 3:16
- 2 Corinthians 5:19

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#### Observation Questions
1. What does the author of Hebrews warn us about in Hebrews 2:1-4, and why is it important to heed this warning? [03:43]
2. How does the sermon describe the authorship of our salvation, and why is this significant? [19:28]
3. According to the sermon, what are some of the transformations that occur when we are adopted into God's family? [38:31]
4. What is the role of the church in presenting the Gospel to the world, as discussed in the sermon? [07:02]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding the divine authorship of our salvation impact a believer's confidence in the Gospel? [19:28]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Gospel addresses the deepest needs of humanity? [09:12]
3. How does the promise of an eternal inheritance influence a believer's perspective on current life challenges? [45:19]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between the greatness of our salvation and our responsibility to live as living testimonies? [18:15]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt your faith was drifting. What steps can you take to anchor yourself more firmly in the truths of the Gospel? [05:21]
2. How can you actively demonstrate the joy and freedom of knowing Christ in your daily interactions with others? [16:56]
3. Identify one area in your life where you can better reflect the transformative power of the Gospel. What practical steps will you take this week to make this change? [18:15]
4. Consider the concept of being an heir with Christ. How does this new identity influence your daily decisions and interactions? [40:26]
5. What specific actions can you take to ensure that your life serves as a living testimony to the greatness of your salvation? [18:15]
6. How can the promise of an eternal inheritance provide comfort and hope during times of uncertainty or trial? [45:19]
7. Think of someone in your life who has not yet experienced the transformative grace of the Gospel. How can you share this message with them in a meaningful way this week? [07:02]

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Origin of Salvation
Our salvation is not a product of human invention but is authored by the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This divine authorship assures us of its truth and power, distinguishing it from human philosophies and teachings. The Gospel is a divine revelation that addresses the deepest needs of humanity, offering a solution to the greatest calamity—eternal separation from God. Understanding the divine origin of our salvation should fill us with awe and gratitude, knowing that it is a gift from God Himself, designed to rescue and transform us. [19:28]

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age." (Titus 2:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: How does recognizing the divine authorship of your salvation change the way you view your relationship with God today?


Day 2: Urgency of Embracing the Gospel
The Gospel saves us from the greatest calamity—eternal separation from God. This separation is the most severe consequence of sin, and the urgency of embracing the Gospel cannot be overstated. The author of Hebrews exhorts us to give earnest heed to the truths we have received, lest we drift away, much like a ship losing its moorings. Understanding the severity of this separation highlights the necessity of embracing the Gospel with urgency and commitment, ensuring that we remain anchored in the truth of God's word. [27:09]

"Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?" (Hebrews 2:1-3, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to ensure that you are not drifting away from the truths of the Gospel?


Day 3: Transformation and Adoption into God's Family
Beyond forgiveness, the Gospel transforms us, adopting us into God's family and making us heirs with Christ. This new identity should be the source of our joy and confidence, as we are no longer defined by our past but by our relationship with God. The transformative power of the Gospel should be evident in our lives, serving as a beacon to a world in desperate need of hope and truth. As heirs with Christ, we are called to live in a way that reflects our new identity and the greatness of our salvation. [38:31]

"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons." (Galatians 4:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: How can you live out your identity as an adopted child of God in your interactions with others today?


Day 4: Living as Testimonies of the Gospel
Our lives should reflect the greatness of our salvation, serving as a living testimony to the world. This visible transformation can draw others to seek the hope and truth found in Christ. The challenge before us is to live in such a way that the greatness of this salvation is unmistakable to those around us. Our lives should reflect the joy and freedom that come from knowing Christ, compelling others to seek the same. As we look forward to future endeavors, let us be reminded that our daily lives are a testament to the Gospel's power. [18:15]

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)

Reflection: What specific actions can you take today to ensure that your life is a living testimony of the Gospel's transformative power?


Day 5: Anchored in the Promise of Eternal Inheritance
The Gospel promises an eternal inheritance, a world to come prepared for us, not angels. This future hope should anchor us amidst life's uncertainties and trials. The promise of an eternal inheritance is a reminder of the glorious future that awaits us, providing us with the strength and perseverance to endure the challenges of this life. As we navigate the uncertainties of life, let us hold onto the hope of our eternal inheritance, allowing it to guide and sustain us in our journey of faith. [45:19]

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you." (1 Peter 1:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: How does the promise of an eternal inheritance influence the way you handle the uncertainties and trials you face today?

Quotes


Therefore we ought to give the more Earnest heed to the things which we have heard lest at any time we should let them slip for if the words spoken by Angels were steadfast and every transgression and Disobedience received a just recompense of reward how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him God also bearing them witness both with signs and wonders and with diverse Miracles and Gifts of the Holy Ghost according to his own will. [00:03:43]

The message is one of Salvation and we must never forget that the message of the church is a healing message it is a message that brings health to those who are sick it bring brings release to captives it is a Salvation now there is great need to emphasize this at the present time for there are many who seem to have the idea that the uh Christian message is nothing but some kind of negative protest against various things. [00:07:20]

Christian people do we realize do we realize the greatness of this salvation as we ought now as you read about it in the New Testament you find that this is always the way in which the New Testament writers refer to it here is this man talking about so great salvation look at the Apostle Paul what does he talk about well he he doesn't know what to do with himself he can't find language to express what he feels he talks about the exceeding Riches of God's grace but he finds that that isn't enough so he talks about the unsearchable riches of Christ. [00:10:17]

The church is a body of Believers and we all need to be built up in the faith but that in order that we may present the truth to others we should be concerned about the world that is outside and The Business of the church after all is to call upon the world to pay Earnest heed to these things that we've got to present to them and if ever the world needed to hear these things it is just at this present time. [00:05:54]

The first reason why the gospel is great as this it is great in its authorship where does it come from what is this gospel well the answer he gives is this which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord that's the Son of God the second person in the Trinity and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him God also bearing them witness that's God the Father both with signs and wonders and diverse Miracles and Gifts of the Holy Ghost there's the third person in the Blessed Holy Trinity. [00:19:28]

How shall we escape EES how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation now this is tremendously important let me use a simple illustration how do you test the value of a drug well you generally do so don't you in terms of what it can cure there's a very familiar drug called aspirin well it's a very useful little drug if you got an headache take aspirin aches and pains take aspirin it'll give you great relief but your aspirin's very cheap isn't it think you can still get about 100 tablets for a shilling why well because you see it only deals with headaches and aches and pains but there are other drugs which are sometimes called Miracle drugs and they're very expensive drugs. [00:27:09]

The gospel give us well it gives us the Forgiveness of sins and Reconciliation to God he puts it like this wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his Brethren that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people is there anything in this universe that is comparable to the forgiveness of sin the wealth of the universe can't purchase forgiveness of sins the wealth of the universe can't purchase peace of conscience. [00:36:22]

The world to come of which we speak now the world you see doesn't know anything about this and it's trembling when it hears the news doesn't understand it stops trembling when the news gets better like the people on the stock exchange you know how sensitive up and down these things go the world's like that but you see it doesn't know and it's horrified when it thinks of the possible fight catastrophe but not the children of God the world to come of which we speak this is a part of our inheritance and nothing can touch it nothing that the devil and hell can do leave alone men can ever rob us of this inheritance that is prepared for us. [00:45:19]

The greatness of the Gospel in this not only in its authorship not only in what it saves us from but much more when you consider what it saves you for or that to which it saves you this is glorious how many have come to this knowledge during the last 60 years in this place this is the thing for which we should thank God what they've been saved from what they've been saved to what they've been saved for. [00:38:31]

The drama of redemption so high he became so low so rich for our sakes he became so poor and then went back having prayed to the father father give me again the glory which I had with thee at the beginning and from the beginning and he's gone back to it and there he is in all the glory seated at the right hand of God waiting until his enemies shall be made his footstool and then he will come again not as a babe but as king of kings and Lord Lord of lords riding the Clouds Of Heaven surrounded by the Holy Angels to judge the world in righteousness to destroy all evil and sin and to set up his Everlasting and eternal Kingdom of glory and of righteousness. [00:52:31]

The quality and the character of the life of church members that God has always used throughout the centuries to attract the masses and if you I are giving the impression that what we've got is something small and cramped well of course we are antagonizing people but it's also wrong we must give them the impression that we've got I say the greatest thing in the universe so great salvation now here's the challenge that comes to us as Christian people and as church members at the present time we've got to show this to the world now God you see has always used the church in that way. [00:18:15]

The greatness of our salvation is rooted in its divine authorship, originating from the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is not a message crafted by human wisdom but a divine revelation that addresses the deepest needs of humanity. It is a salvation that rescues us from the greatest calamity—eternal separation from God—and offers us the most glorious inheritance, eternal life with Him. [00:00:11]

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Transcript
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