Salvation through Faith
Salvation through Faith4
1 Peter 3:20
By John Gill0GEN 6:14MAT 7:131PE 3:20John Gill expounds on 1 Peter 3:20, discussing the disobedience of those in the days of Noah who ignored God's warnings and the preaching of Noah, leading to their destruction in the flood. He emphasizes God's longsuffering during the 120 years of ark preparation, where only eight souls were saved, illustrating the narrow path to salvation through faith in Christ, akin to entering the ark. Gill draws parallels between the flood's waters that saved Noah and his family and the Gospel's dual nature of salvation and judgment, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith amidst trials.
Christ Our Advocate With the Father
By Charles Finney0JHN 14:6ROM 8:34EPH 2:8HEB 7:251JN 2:1Charles Finney emphasizes the role of Jesus Christ as our Advocate with the Father, explaining that this title signifies His representation of sinners before God. He outlines the implications of having an advocate, including the acknowledgment of our sinfulness and the compassionate nature of God, who provides this Advocate. Finney details the essential qualifications of Christ as our Advocate, highlighting His righteousness, willingness to bear our burdens, and the necessity of our consent to His advocacy. He stresses that salvation is not about our works but about accepting the prepared righteousness of Christ, urging sinners to trust in Him for forgiveness and redemption.
Matthew 27:54
By Chuck Smith0MAT 1:23LUK 2:11JHN 3:3JHN 11:25JHN 14:6Chuck Smith emphasizes the profound truth of Jesus as the Son of God, detailing His miraculous birth, marvelous life, and supernatural ministry. He highlights the significance of Jesus' atoning death, which was foretold by over 300 prophecies, and the miraculous events that accompanied it. Smith argues that if Jesus were not the Son of God, it would render all prophecies mere coincidence and Christianity a delusion. He stresses the necessity of being born again and the exclusive path to salvation through Christ, affirming that faith in Him is not in vain and leads to eternal life.
The Cross
By J.C. Ryle0ISA 53:5JHN 3:16ROM 5:81CO 1:18GAL 6:14PHP 2:8COL 2:14HEB 12:21PE 2:24REV 5:6J.C. Ryle emphasizes the centrality of the cross of Christ in the Christian faith, urging believers to reflect deeply on their personal feelings and thoughts about it. He highlights the Apostle Paul's declaration of glory solely in the cross, contrasting it with the many things Paul could have boasted about, such as his heritage, works, and knowledge. Ryle warns against self-righteousness and the dangers of relying on personal merit for salvation, asserting that true faith rests entirely on Christ's sacrifice. He encourages Christians to continually meditate on the cross, as it embodies God's love, the seriousness of sin, and the completeness of salvation. Ultimately, Ryle calls for a faith that mirrors Paul's, one that finds glory and hope solely in the cross of Jesus Christ.