“Mighty to save” (Isaiah 63.1.)
Introduction. This refers to our blessed Lord Jesus Christ, who is ‘very God,’ equal and co-eternal with the Father, possessing all divine attributes in an infinite degree. He participated with his Father in all the acts of his divine might: the decree of election, the making of the world. Before these acts, he was the eternal Son of God. Nor did he cease to be God when he became man. We have proof of this in the miracles he did. He is God now, the true and proper object of worship. Yet he is also man, ‘bone of our bone,’ in every thing except our sin. His sufferings, death, and burial are strong proofs of that. His natures are not mixed. He is not God melted into man, nor man made into God, but a being with two distinct natures in one person. So we trust in him as the Son of God and Son of Man. The subject this morning is about one part of his mightiness. He is ‘mighty to save.’
(1) What are We to Understand by the Words ‘To Save?’ Christ saves men from the penalty of their guilt. But ‘to save’ means more than delivering penitents from going to hell. It involves the whole great work of salvation, from the first holy desire to complete sanctification. Some men tell us that ‘to save’ means that Christ came into the world to put all men into a salvable state so they can save themselves. I believe that he came to put men into a saved state. The highest proof of Christ’s power is not that he offers salvation, but that when you reject it and hate it, he has the power to change your mind and turn you. And our Lord is mighty to carry on that work in the soul to the end. God never begins a good work in man without finishing it. This belief is not merely Calvinism or even Paulism, but the fullness of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(2) How Can We Prove that Christ is ‘Mighty to Save?’ The argument is that he has done it. Has Christ’s gospel power to save the cannibal? Education may do very much. But what would it do with this savage? The schoolmaster who goes to him will be eaten before the day is up. Ask our missionaries whether Christ’s gospel is able to save. We have had proofs enough in heathen countries. The best proof you can have of God’s being mighty to save is that he saved you. If religion lays hold of you, and makes you a new man, then you will say there is something in it.
(3) Why is Christ ‘Mighty to Save?’ Well, because of the infinite efficacy of his atoning blood. This is how Jesus saves. ‘Father,’ he said, ‘I love these poor sinners: let me suffer instead of them!’ Now they who believe in him, thus proving themselves to be his chosen, may conclude that he was punished for them, and that therefore they never can be punished. How does Christ make men repent, believe, and turn to God? By the eloquence of preachers or the force of moral suasion? God forbid we should say that! Preaching is the instrument, but the Holy Spirit is the great agent.
(4) What Inferences are Derived from Jesus Christ being Mighty to Save? First, that ministers endeavor to preach in faith, nothing wavering. You are weak; God is ‘mighty to save.’ Again, that praying men and women be encouraged. Mother, don’t give up your prayers! I have heard of mothers who have prayed for their children twenty years, and of some who have died without seeing them converted, and then their very death being the means of saving their children, by leading them to think. Pray on, then! God shall yet bring your sons and daughters to his love and fear.
Selection from Conclusion. “O poor sinner, trust in Jesus; cast thyself on him. Cry, and may God help thee to do it now. May he help thee this very day to cast thy soul on Jesus.”
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