1 John 4:15
The sermon emphasizes the importance of confessing Jesus as the Son of God and the significance of faith in Christ for salvation.
John Gill emphasizes the significance of confessing Jesus as the Son of God, highlighting that this confession goes beyond mere acknowledgment; it requires a heartfelt belief that leads to righteousness and obedience. He contrasts true faith with the belief of demons and unregenerate individuals, stressing that genuine faith is accompanied by love and a commitment to Christ's teachings. Gill encourages believers to openly profess their faith in Jesus, assuring them that such a confession brings them into communion with God.
Text
Ver. 15. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God,....
The only begotten of the Father; that he is not a mere man, as the Jews, and Ebion and Cerinthus said, but a divine person, equal with the Father; which contains all that relates to the dignity of his person, and his fitness for his office as a Saviour, and which was the test of faith in those times, and the grand article of belief: not that a bare assent to this had what followed annexed to it; for the devils believed and owned that Jesus was the Son of God; and so might, and did, unregenerate persons, as the centurion at the cross of Christ, who know nothing what communion with God is; but this confession is such as is attended with a believing in Christ from the heart unto righteousness, life, and salvation, and a cheerful obedience to his ordinances and commands, from a principle of love to him, and faith in him, things not to be found in devils and carnal men; see Ro 10:9.
God dwelleth in him, and he in God; See Gill on "1Jo 4:13"; this should encourage to an open and hearty confession of Christ as the Son of God, and Saviour of sinners, and to a public profession of his name, and faith in him, and an holding it fast without wavering.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Dignity of Christ's Person
- A. He is the Son of God, the only begotten of the Father
- B. He is a divine person, equal with the Father
- C. This is the test of faith in those times
- II. The Importance of Confession
- A. Confession is not just a bare assent, but a believing in Christ from the heart
- B. It is attended with a cheerful obedience to his ordinances and commands
- III. The Encouragement to Confession
- A. God dwelleth in him, and he in God
- B. This should encourage an open and hearty confession of Christ
Key Quotes
“Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, the only begotten of the Father;” — John Gill
“God dwelleth in him, and he in God;” — John Gill
“This should encourage to an open and hearty confession of Christ as the Son of God, and Saviour of sinners,” — John Gill
Application Points
- Make a genuine confession of faith in Christ, not just a verbal agreement.
- Live a life of obedience to Christ's commands and ordinances.
- Hold fast to one's faith without wavering and make a public profession of faith in Christ.