Saving Faith
The sermon emphasizes that it is not the strength of our faith, but the perfection of Christ's sacrifice that saves us.
Horatius Bonar emphasizes that it is not the strength of our faith that saves us, but the perfection of Christ's sacrifice. He reassures that even with weak faith and a fearful heart, the efficacy of Christ's blood remains unchanged and powerful. Bonar highlights that faith, regardless of its strength, clings to the promise that the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. He encourages believers to trust in God's declaration of justification, which cannot be undone by human doubt or weakness. Ultimately, the assurance of salvation rests on Christ's unchanging sacrifice rather than our fluctuating faith.
Text
With a weak faith and a fearful heart, many a sinner stands before the Lord. It is not the strength of our faith, but the perfection of Christ's sacrifice that saves! No feebleness of faith, nor dimness of eye, no trembling of hand can change the efficacy of Christ's blood. The strength of our faith can add nothing to it, nor can the weakness of our faith take anything from Him.
Faith (weak or strong) still reads the promise, "the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." If at times my eye is so dim that I cannot read these words, through blinding tears or bewildering trials, faith rests itself on the certain knowledge of the fact that THE PROMISE IS THERE, and the blood of Christ remains in all its power and suitableness upon the altar, unchanged and unaffected.
God says that the believer is justified. What God bath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Nature of Saving Faith
- A. Faith is not about the strength of our faith, but the perfection of Christ's sacrifice
- B. The strength of our faith can add nothing to Christ's sacrifice, nor can weakness take anything away
- II. The Efficacy of Christ's Blood
- A. Christ's blood remains in all its power and suitableness upon the altar, unchanged and unaffected
- B. The promise of salvation is certain, regardless of our faith's strength or weakness
Key Quotes
“It is not the strength of our faith, but the perfection of Christ's sacrifice that saves!” — Horatius Bonar
“Faith (weak or strong) still reads the promise, 'the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.'” — Horatius Bonar
Application Points
- We can rest in the certain knowledge of the promise of salvation, even when our faith is weak.
- The strength of our faith does not add to the efficacy of Christ's blood, nor does weakness take anything away.
- We are justified by God's promise, and what He has joined together, let not man put asunder.