Sayings of E a Johnston
E.A. Johnston passionately declares that only through genuine faith in Jesus Christ and repentance can one stand justified before God on judgment day.
In this powerful evangelistic sermon, E.A. Johnston challenges listeners to examine their faith and repentance in light of eternity. He underscores the insufficiency of self-righteousness and the necessity of standing in the merits of Jesus Christ alone. Through vivid imagery and direct appeals, Johnston calls for a genuine encounter with Jesus that results in life-changing transformation and eternal hope.
Full Transcript
I don't know the how, but I know the who. Your good opinion of yourself won't cut the mustard on judgment day. The best of men are only men at best, but only Jesus can make men better.
God cannot be explained, but he can be experienced. If your faith isn't saving faith, then your hope of heaven is just a hole in the wall. If you don't repent, you'll surely go to hell, even if you are the chairman of the deacons.
Faith is going out on a limb for God when all your other limbs are exposed. What you think matters usually doesn't matter in light of eternity. All that matters is Christ and eternity.
The worth of a soul is displayed by a bloodstained Christ nailed to a bloody cross. God's word is true, and God is true to his word, and that's the truth, so help me God. If you're not in the book of life, then you're in the volume of the damned.
Sin is black, hell is hot, God is holy, and eternity is forever. Jesus is looking for faith, Satan is looking for victims, and the church is looking for new members. A believer is full of Jesus, an unbeliever is full of the devil, and the world is full of fools.
There is a common day of judgment where every mother's son would be held accountable to the judge of all the earth, and everyone would be held up against the strictness and severity of God's unbending law. And if you stand there, friend, in your own merits, you will fail that test. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
You must stand in the merits of another, the Lord Jesus Christ. When Jesus was here in his earthly ministry, as he passed through towns and villages, all who encountered him experienced change. Let me ask you two vital questions.
Have you had an encounter with Jesus, and have you experienced change? God won't allow any baptized rebels into his holy heaven. Have you exercised repentance toward God, and have you experienced regeneration by God's spirit? You must be born from above and washed in his blood, or you will die in your sins and be dragged down to hell by devils. Jesus is not only worthy, he is worth it.
He is worth selling all for and losing all for, so he may be gained.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The insufficiency of self-righteousness on judgment day
- The necessity of faith in Jesus for salvation
- The reality of God's holiness and judgment
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II
- The importance of repentance and regeneration
- The encounter with Jesus as a life-changing event
- The dangers of relying on worldly opinions and status
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III
- The eternal consequences of sin and unbelief
- The worth of the soul demonstrated by Christ's sacrifice
- The call to stand in Jesus' merits alone
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IV
- The urgency of choosing Christ above all else
- The promise of eternal life through genuine faith
- The warning against rebellion and spiritual complacency
Key Quotes
“Your good opinion of yourself won't cut the mustard on judgment day.” — E.A. Johnston
“If your faith isn't saving faith, then your hope of heaven is just a hole in the wall.” — E.A. Johnston
“Jesus is not only worthy, he is worth it.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Examine your faith to ensure it is a saving faith that leads to repentance.
- Trust solely in Jesus Christ's merits rather than your own righteousness.
- Surrender all to Christ and seek a genuine, life-changing encounter with Him.