Geoff Hohneck
Romans 10:5-13
23 June 2013
Ask around and the Gospel of Christ Jesus is, at best, a blur to most people. It’s unfortunate, to say the least, given the plethora of resources available for learning the scriptures. But even then, knowing the true gospel in its entirety is one thing; declaring it with clarity, is quite another.
Does this mean that the gospel must only ever be declared in its minutest detail? Not at all, it only means that the gospel should only ever be declared in a manner that is consistent with the scriptures. The problem with most of evangelical Christianity is the gospel has been reduced to formulaic prayers and practices that either omit important aspects of the gospel, or add to it. But we need to remember that prayer is the result of saving faith; it never is the activator of saving faith.
The first truth that must be grasped – JESUS IS LORD. Many may believe in the virgin birth, miracles etc but unless Jesus is Lord of every aspect of the individual’s life, salvation has not happened. Intellectual acknowledgement of Christ is not the key that unlocks salvation, submission to His lordship is.
The second truth that must be grasped - JESUS AROSE FROM THE DEAD. Because this was the greatest demonstration of His sovereignty over Satan and sin and death. Apart from Christ’s resurrection, there can be no talk of salvation. For if there is no means of overcoming sin, there is no means of being sanctified. And without sanctification, there can be no glorification, which is the ultimate goal of our salvation.
Sermon Outline:
1. Will our religious practices ever make us perfect? (vs5)
2. If ‘righteousness based on law’ says No, what does ‘righteousness based on faith’ say? (vs 6,7)
3. “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”