(Present Truths or the Supernatural) 4
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the divine nature and supernatural unity of the Christian church as a holy society set apart by Christ's sanctifying love.
In this teaching sermon, A.B. Simpson explores the supernatural and communal nature of the Christian church. He explains how Christ's sacrificial love sanctifies and unites believers into a holy society. Drawing from Scripture, Simpson highlights the early biblical foundations of God's people as a divine community called by His name. This message challenges believers to understand their identity and unity in Christ.
Text
"Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." (Eph. 5: 25-27.)
There is a social and collective element in our human life, and therefore Christianity involves not only a supernatural man but a divine society. Adam represented the race as a whole and Christ also has a people who are bound together by certain ties of life and fellowship and united under certain common characteristics as an organic whole.
Early in the story of the human race we find humanity divided into two great societies. One is called the sons and daughters of men developing in the family of Cain, the other the sons of God connected with the family of Seth.
Immediately after these two lines separate we find this remarkable statement in Genesis 4: 26, "Then began men to call upon the name of the Lord." More correctly this passage may be translated, "Then began men to call themselves by the name of the Lord." This was the organization of a divine society and it was organized with a divine name. They called themselves by the very name of the Lord as God\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Love of Christ for the Church
- Christ gave Himself for the church
- Purpose: to sanctify and cleanse
- To present a glorious, holy church
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II. The Church as a Divine Society
- Christianity involves a supernatural man and divine society
- Christ's people united by life and fellowship
- The church as an organic whole
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III. Early Division of Humanity
- Two great societies: sons of men and sons of God
- Family of Cain vs. family of Seth
- Organization of a divine society calling on the Lord's name
Key Quotes
“Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.” — A.B. Simpson
“Christianity involves not only a supernatural man but a divine society.” — A.B. Simpson
“Then began men to call themselves by the very name of the Lord as God.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Recognize the church as a holy community set apart by Christ's love and sacrifice.
- Commit to personal and communal sanctification through the Word of God.
- Embrace your identity as part of a divine society called by the name of the Lord.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Christ gave Himself for the church?
It means Christ sacrificed Himself to sanctify, cleanse, and present the church as holy and blameless.
How is the church described in this sermon?
The church is described as a divine society, united spiritually and organically under Christ.
What is the significance of Genesis 4:26 in the sermon?
It highlights the early formation of a divine society where men called themselves by the name of the Lord.
Why is sanctification important for the church?
Sanctification prepares the church to be holy, without blemish, and gloriously presented to Christ.