In Christ Alone

Hebrews 1:3 NIV

3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

Colossians 1:15–16 NIV

15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

I. Introduction

Five Solas

We are made right with God by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone according to scripture alone for the Glory of God alone.

In this powerful statement, we have Christ in the center of the sentence! He is quite possibly the most important person that has ever lived.

Christ is the most unique person in history. No man can write a history of the human race without giving first and foremost place to the penniless teacher of Nazareth.

H. G. Wells

Jesus' ethical teachings, including the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), have had a profound impact on moral philosophy. Concepts such as love, forgiveness, humility, and compassion continue to shape ethical frameworks.

Jesus' emphasis on caring for the marginalized, healing the sick, and helping the needy has inspired countless humanitarian efforts and charitable initiatives throughout history.

The impact of Jesus is evident in art, literature, music, and various forms of cultural expression. Countless paintings, sculptures, novels, and musical compositions have been inspired by His life and teachings.

The dating system itself reflects Jesus' influence. The terms "B.C." (Before Christ) and "A.D." (Anno Domini, Latin for "In the Year of Our Lord") are used to mark historical eras.

The call for justice and equality found in Jesus' teachings has inspired social justice movements. Figures like Martin Luther King Jr. drew inspiration from Jesus' message in their pursuit of civil rights and equality.

Countless individuals throughout history have testified to personal transformations and spiritual experiences based on their encounters with Jesus' teachings.

I. Christ alone is the Savior

Acts 4:1–8“1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. 5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people!

Acts 4:9–12 “9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.””

Acts 4:12 NIV

12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Acts 4:19 NIV

19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges!

Acts 4:20 NIV

20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

"Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in thee;

Let the water and the blood,

From thy wounded side which flowed,

Be of sin the double cure,

Save from wrath, and make me pure.

[Cleanse me from its guilt and power.]"

Jesus saves us from both the guilt and the power of sin.

Cure for Guilt:

The first aspect of the double cure addresses the guilt of sin. Through His atoning death on the cross, Jesus provides forgiveness for the sins of believers. The shedding of His blood serves as a cleansing agent, washing away the guilt and consequences of sin.

1 Peter 2:24 NIV

24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

Cure for Power:

The second aspect of the double cure addresses the power or the ongoing influence of sin in the believer's life. The hymn acknowledges that Jesus' sacrifice not only forgives past sins but also empowers believers to live victoriously over the ongoing struggles with sin through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:1 NIV

1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

It will not save me to know that Jesus Christ is a Saviour; but it will save me to trust him as my Saviour.

Charles Spurgeon

John 16:33 NIV

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Jesus: “take heart, I have overcome the world”. John 16:33

II. Christ alone is the Mediator

Jesus is both God and Man- He has a Divine nature and a Human nature at the same time. He is the only and perfect mediator.

In our world, a mediator is defined as:

“A mediator is an impartial third party who facilitates communication and negotiation between conflicting parties, aiming to help them reach a mutually agreeable resolution. Through active listening, problem-solving, and fostering understanding, a mediator works to find common ground and promote a peaceful settlement to disputes or conflicts.”

1 Timothy 2:5 NIV

5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,

Isaiah 53 passage highlights— Christ pays for our transgressions and sin.

There is a price for our sin, and Jesus paid that debt in full. (Isa 53:11)

Isaiah 53:4–5 NIV

4 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Isaiah 53:11 NIV

11 After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.

Bridge Diagram:

Create slides to explain the diagram and bridge that Christ has become for holiness and justification.

A creative and compelling way to explain this concept is called the “Bridge Diagram” The Bridge is presented with four main points to consider:

God’s Love

Man’s Problem

God’s Solution

Man’s Response

III. Christ alone is the source of life

Hebrews 1:3 NIV

3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

1 John 5:11–12 NIV

11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Reference verses:

John 11:25–26 NIV

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

V. Conclusion

Solus Christus demands that we understand our salvation.

Solus Christus assists us to identify false gospels.

Solus Christus is offensive to the world.

Solus Christus exposes our own “add ons”.

Challenge the congregation to reflect on their faith in Christ alone and to share this foundational truth with others.

There are so many other add-ons that we get mixed up with:

Good works or Moral rules

Material success and wealth

Political or Social movements

Do we have something that we have added to Jesus as our Salvation, Mediation, or Source of Life?

Salvation— Do you understand with your mind that you have been freed— but find yourself still trying to earn it?

Mediation- Do you understand with your mind that you are forgiven, but struggle to walk free from sin?

Source of Life- Do you understand with your mind that Jesus is the source of all life— but you are still pursuing earthly pleasures, possessions, or power?

Christ will either be a whole Saviour or none at all.

John Berridge