The Sum & Substance of our Gospel
"Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto Thee. Hide not Thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline Thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily. For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth." -Psalm 102:1-3 [KJV]
-------0-------
"CHRIST DIED FOR THE UNGODLY." This is the sum and substance of our gospel and is the great article of faith.
WHO DIED? Christ, the only-begotten, well-beloved Son of God in human nature (Romans 8:34; Matthew 3:16-17).
HOW DID HE DIE? A death of shame, under the wrath and judgment of God (Philippians 2:8).
WHY DID HE DIE? He died for, in the stead of, and as a substitute for all God's elect in order that God might be just and justifier (Romans 3:24-26).
FOR WHOM DID HE DIE? "For the ungodly," not for righteous men, nor religious men, nor deserving men, but for those who are ungodly in nature and practice (see Ephesians 2:1-5).
WHEN DID HE DIE FOR US? When we were without strength to obey Him or to keep His law, and without ability to help ourselves. We were in bondage to law and to sin and unable to change our condition (Jeremiah 13:23). He died for us "in due time," at the time appointed by the Father (Galatians 4:2-5; I Timothy 2:5-6).
This is the greatest single proof of love, to give one's life for the Object of that love (I John 4:10; John 15:12-13).
-preacher Henry T. Mahan
Comments