180. ACT 16:31. FAITH AND SALVATION

Act_16:31. Faith and Salvation

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved."’97Act_16:31.

Introduction. History of Paul and Silas’s visit to Philippi’97the course they pursued’97the persecution raised’97imprisonment of the apostles’97the spiritual com forts they experienced in prison’97the earthquake’97alarmed jailer, about to destroy himself’97Paul’s timely counsel, "Do thyself no harm"’97his internal agitation’97conviction of sin and danger’97his important interrogation, "What must I do," &c.’97the answer of the text, "Believe," &c. The subject includes, 1. The Nature. 2. The Object. And, 3. The Effects of Faith. The subject includes,

I. The Nature of Faith.

"Believe." Now in order to faith or belief, there must,

1. Be testimony.

Something revealed. Some statement presented. And this testimony should be attested by sufficient evidence. The gospel is this testimony. It is a revelation of all that relates to man’s salvation. It is supported by a sufficient mass of evidence, external and internal. It bears upon every page the imprint of the finger of God. It is a clear, full, and sufficient testimony. In order to faith,

2. There must be knowledge.

Testimony must be read or heard. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Rom_10:17. The testimony must be known and understood, Presumption, and not faith, is the production of ignorance. Hence the exhortations, "To search the Scriptures." To hear the gospel, &c. Faith consists,

3. In credence or belief.

A firm persuasion of the truth of the testimony. A full conviction and reception of the blessed gospel as the true, faithful, and gracious message of God to us. And this will produce,

4. Confidence, reliance, trust.

The soul will bring this testimony to bear personally. Confide in its rich and blessed declarations; rely on the unchangeable truth and veracity of the testifier; and trust for the full realization of all its promised blessings. Notice then,

II. The Object of Faith.

"The Lord Jesus Christ." The object of faith is,

1. The Saviour.

"Jesus." His name includes his offices and work. As such, he possesses saving merit and power. He is a Saviour adapted to the sinner’s state and danger He is as ill-sufficient Saviour. He is an accessible Saviour. He saves to the uttermost. He is an everlasting Saviour. And he is the only Saviour. "None other name," &c. The object of faith is,

2. The anointed Saviour.

"Jesus Christ." Who was appointed and sent forth for this very end. Who was anointed with all the fulness of the Holy Ghost. Hence he is called "the Lord’s Christ." Luk_2:26. The object of faith is,

3. The divine anointed Saviour.

"The Lord Jesus Christ." For Jesus is both "Lord and Christ." Act_2:36. And as "Lord," he possesses all the titles, perfections, and glories of the Father. God blessed for evermore. As Lord, he is possessed of boundless majesty and glory. As Lord, he exercises universal authority and dominion. Heaven, and earth, and hades are all subject to him. Then the object of faith possesses every attribute necessary to inspire confidence and hope, and produce joy and peace through believing on him.

Observe,

III. The Effects of Faith.

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved."

1. From the guilt of past transgressions. Sins shall be blotted out as a cloud, &c.

"Obtain remission of sins." Be truly and fully pardoned. "Abundantly pardon." He will say, "Thy sins are forgiven thee."

2. From all the bondage which sin has inflicted.

Spiritual chains shall be broken. Prison doors opened. Liberty to captives. Strong man bound and cast out. Vassalage of the devil destroyed. "Thou shalt be saved,"

3. From all the polluting influence of sin upon the heart.

Not only be justified in state, but regenerated in nature. Be freed from its defiling spirit. Sin no longer reign. Be made spiritual. New creature. A new heart and right spirit, &c. Eze_36:25-27. Rom_8:1.

4. From all the tormenting fears of sin upon the conscience.

Sinner agitated, alarmed, &c. Fear of the wrath to come. Now these shall be removed. No condemnation, therefore, no fear. Now peace with God, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Anxiety and restlessness exchanged for hope and happiness.

5. From all the effects of sin in the world to come.

From a gloomy resurrection. From public exposure, and the dread sentence at the judgment-day. From the worm that dieth not, &c. From eternal wrath.

6. Into the enjoyment of all the bless ings of Adoption.

Fellowship with God. A safe and happy death. First resurrection. Glorious reward. Eternal life.

Application

Let us then hold up the object of faith to a dying world. Call upon men, upon all men, to believe in this object. To believe in him now. To believe and be saved. Unbelief is suicide to the soul. "He that believeth not is condemned already." "The wrath of God abideth on him," and if he abides in unbelief, he must assuredly perish forever.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS