In Christ Alone

Ephesians 2:1-10

Introduction

The Reformation

The Five Solas

Scripture Alone, well the whole thing.

Grace Alone: 2:8

Faith Alone: 2:8

Christ Alone: 2:5-7

God’s Glory Alone: 2:1-10

This morning on the 504th anniversary of what is considered the beginning of the Reformation, we will focus in on why and how Christ and Christ alone saves sinners like you and me.

Who do you need? You need Jesus.

Body

1. You need Jesus and He is true God (John 1:1-2; 18; 8:58; 20:28; Colossians 1:15-16; Philippians 2:6; Mark 6:50).

Jesus must be true God that “He might by the power of His Godhead sustain in His flesh the burden of God’s wrath and might recover and restore to us that righteousness and life which we lost” [Collins, 15](Isa. 55:3, 8; Acts 2:24; 1 Pet. 3:18; John 3:16; Acts 20:28; 1 John 1:2; 4:9-10).

2. You need Jesus and He is true man (John 1:14; Hebrews 2:14-15; 10:5; Matthew 26:38; Luke 1:27, 31, 34, 35, 42; Galatians 6:4; Hebrews 4:15; 7:26).

Jesus must be man “Because the justice of God requires that the same human nature which has sinned do itself likewise make recompense for sin; but he that is himself a sinner, cannot make recompense for others” (Rom. 5:12, 17; 1 Pet. 3:18; Heb. 7:26). [Collins, 16]

3. You need Jesus and He came according to the eternal Covenant (Ephesians 1:3-5; Titus 1:2; Philippians 2:5-11; John 17:1-5).

The covenant of redemption is a covenant between the persons of the Godhead to save a people out of sinful humanity.

The Father promises to give a people to the Son.

The Son fulfills a covenant of works to become man, obey the Law, and give himself as a substitute on the cross for the people promised to him.

The Spirit works in and through the Son in his incarnation, life, ministry, death, and resurrection. He also is sent by the Father and the Son to apply the redemption promised by the Father and executed by the Son in calling, regenerating, gifting faith to, and preserving the elect.

4. You need Jesus and He has three offices: prophet, priest, and king(Acts 3:22; Hebrews 12:25; 2 Corinthians 13:3; Hebrews 5:5-7; Psalm 2:6; Isaiah 9:6-7; Matthew 21:5; Psalm 2:8-11).

Prophet As a prophet, Jesus reveals the will of God for our salvation to us by His Word and Spirit (John 1:18; 2 Peter 1:10-12; John 15:15; 20:31) Priest As a priest, Jesus once offered Himself as a sacrifice to satisfy God’s justice and reconcile us to God; and makes His continual intercession for us (Hebrews 9:14, 28; 2:17; 7:24, 25; Romans 3:25, 26). King As a king, Jesus subdues us to Himself, rules over us, defends us, and restrains and conquers all His and our enemies(Acts 15:14-16; Isaiah 33:22; 32:1, 2; 1 Corinthians 15:25; Psalm 110).

5. You need Jesus and He underwent humiliation (Philippians 2:5-8; Isaiah 52:13-53:9).

Active Obedience Jesus’ active obedience is his obedience to the law of God in the stead of His people (1 Corinthians 1:30; Hebrews 4:15-16; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Matthew 4:1-11; Galatians 4:4) Passive Obedience Jesus’ passive obedience is his willingly undergoing the punishment due His people on the cross (1 Peter 3:18; Philippians 2:5-9; Romans 5:12-17; Hebrews 2:6-10; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

6. You need Jesus and He underwent exaltation (Philippians 2:9-11; Isaiah 53:10-12).

Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; John 20:25-27) Ascension/Session (Acts 1:9-11; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 9:24) Return (Acts 10:42; Romans 14:9, 10; Acts 1:11; 2 Peter 2:4; Matthew 24:29-31)

7. You need Jesus, so place your faith in Him (John 3:16; 1:12; Romans 3:21-25; 1 John 3:23; Galatians 6:14; 3:25).

Faith is the personal knowledge of, trust in, and rest on the person and work of Christ for the remission of sins, imputed righteousness, and eternal life.

Renounce yourself as the source of your salvation. Cast yourself on Christ person and work. Receive Him and His salvation. Stay in Adam and die. Come to Christ and live.

Conclusion

The Reformation

Five Solas

Christ