H.J. Vine
Henry James Vine (1857 - 1930). English Bible teacher, author, and Plymouth Brethren leader born in London. Converted in his youth, he joined the Brethren assembly at Fore Street, Exeter, and was mentored by figures like George Müller. A self-educated scholar of Greek and Hebrew, he began preaching in the 1870s, traveling across England, Scotland, and Ireland to teach at conferences and assemblies. Vine authored numerous articles and books, including The Work of Christ and contributions to The Witness magazine, emphasizing dispensationalism and Christ’s preeminence. Known for his gentle demeanor and expository clarity, he influenced thousands within the Brethren movement. Married with children, he lived modestly, often supporting missions. In later years, he focused on writing from Bournemouth, where his home became a hub for Bible study. His teachings, preserved in Brethren archives, remain influential among conservative evangelicals. Vine’s emphasis on scriptural precision and humility shaped a generation of Bible students.
Download
Topic
Sermon Summary
H.J. Vine preaches on the divine plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, emphasizing that Jesus came not to judge but to save the world, as the Father has sent Him for this purpose. Despite the rejection and cruelty Jesus faced from humanity, God's sovereign grace will prevail, leading to the ultimate blessing of the earth when Christ returns. The Holy Spirit reveals the Father and Son's pleasure in the salvation of mankind, highlighting the importance of honoring the Son to honor the Father.
Scriptures
The Son Is the Son of Man"
John 5:26-27 The testimony of 1 John 4:14 says, “The Father has sent the Son as Saviour of the world” (N.Tr.), and Jesus said, “I came not to judge the world, but to save the world” (John 12:47). Nor will the designs of sovereign grace fail. Eventually the salvation of God shall bless the whole earth, when Christ returns and reigns over all. Meanwhile, how good it is to be taught by the Holy Spirit the good pleasure of the Father and the Son as to this. Before the public and world-wide establishment of the Lord’s glory on the earth, during the present testing time, when the testimony and saving grace is proclaimed to man, the truth manifests where souls really are, as it says, “He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which has sent Him” (John 5:23). It was the Son who came and, being found here as a Man amongst men, He humbled Himself. To give effect to the will of God He became obedient even to a death of shame and scorn. Taking advantage of His heavenly grace and lowly demeanour, men despised the Saviour and heaped innumerable indignities upon Him. They hated Him, they smote Him, they spat upon Him, they rejected His divine mission. Judging Him to be worthy of death, they crucified the Holy One with the sinful and lawless. Contempt, dishonour, sorrow, grief and cruelty were His from the hands of men. Their judgment thus expressed itself. Is it then surprising to read that the Father “has committed all judgment to the Son” (John 5:22)? How divinely suitable is this, and what divine care for the glory of the One who was so vilely treated is thus justly shown, as it says, “That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father.” It was the Son who was here as Man. As the Son of Man He came for the blessing of man, but He was thus found within the reach of man’s cruel hatred and ill treatment, so they slew Him. The redeemed may well rejoice therefore that God has righteously exalted Him, and decreed that all shall own Him as LORD “TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER” (Phil. 2:11). Yea, our hearts rejoice exceedingly, because of the fitting word of John 5:26-27, that the Father has given “authority to execute judgment” to “THE SON . . . BECAUSE HE IS THE SON OF MAN.” Divine grace and divine justice are righteously maintained in Him to the eternal glory and praise of God.
- Bio
- Summary
- Transcript
- Download
Henry James Vine (1857 - 1930). English Bible teacher, author, and Plymouth Brethren leader born in London. Converted in his youth, he joined the Brethren assembly at Fore Street, Exeter, and was mentored by figures like George Müller. A self-educated scholar of Greek and Hebrew, he began preaching in the 1870s, traveling across England, Scotland, and Ireland to teach at conferences and assemblies. Vine authored numerous articles and books, including The Work of Christ and contributions to The Witness magazine, emphasizing dispensationalism and Christ’s preeminence. Known for his gentle demeanor and expository clarity, he influenced thousands within the Brethren movement. Married with children, he lived modestly, often supporting missions. In later years, he focused on writing from Bournemouth, where his home became a hub for Bible study. His teachings, preserved in Brethren archives, remain influential among conservative evangelicals. Vine’s emphasis on scriptural precision and humility shaped a generation of Bible students.