The Nature of Christ's Salvation Misrepresented by the Present-Day 'evangelist.'
The nature of Christ's salvation is misrepresented by modern-day evangelism, which often focuses on escaping punishment rather than being saved from sin.
A.W. Pink emphasizes that the contemporary portrayal of Christ's salvation is fundamentally flawed, focusing on escaping hell rather than being liberated from sin. He argues that many desire to avoid eternal punishment without a genuine yearning for deliverance from their sinful nature and worldly desires. Pink highlights that true salvation is for those who recognize the gravity of their sin and seek freedom from its control, as indicated in Matthew 1:21, which states that Jesus saves His people from their sins. He warns that to save those who love sin would be to misrepresent Christ's holy nature and purpose.
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The nature of Christ's salvation is woefully misrepresented by the present-day "evangelist." He announces a Savior from hell rather than a Savior from sin. And that is why so many are fatally deceived, for there are multitudes who wish to escape the Lake of fire who have no desire to be delivered from their carnality and worldliness.
The very first thing said of Him in the New Testament is, "Thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people (not "from the wrath to come," but) from their sins." (Matt. 1:21) Christ is a Savior for those realizing something of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, who feel the awful burden of it on their conscience, who loathe themselves for it, who long to be freed from its terrible dominion; and a Savior for no others.
Were He to "save from hell" those still in love with sin, He would be a Minister of sin, condoning their wickedness and siding with them against God. What an unspeakably horrible and blasphemous thing with which to charge the Holy One!
Sermon Outline
- I. The Misrepresentation of Christ's Salvation
- A. Announcing a Savior from hell rather than sin
- B. Fatal deception of those who wish to escape punishment but not sin
- II. The Nature of Christ's Salvation
- A. To save from sin, not just punishment
- B. For those who realize the exceeding sinfulness of sin
- III. The Consequences of Misrepresenting Christ's Salvation
- A. Condoning wickedness and siding with sinners against God
- B. Blasphemy against the Holy One
Key Quotes
“He announces a Savior from hell rather than a Savior from sin.” — A.W. Pink
“Were He to 'save from hell' those still in love with sin, He would be a Minister of sin, condoning their wickedness and siding with them against God.” — A.W. Pink
Application Points
- Recognize the exceeding sinfulness of sin and the need for salvation from it.
- Do not confuse salvation with escaping punishment, but rather with being freed from the dominion of sin.
- Be aware of the potential for blasphemy against the Holy One when misrepresenting Christ's salvation.