Not All the Powers of Hell
The sermon emphasizes the unbreakable nature of the covenant of grace established by God's eternal love and power.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the unbreakable nature of the covenant of grace, which is rooted in God's free, everlasting, special, and unchangeable love. He asserts that God's immutable counsel and purpose ensure that His election stands firm, and that no power, whether from sin, temptation, or affliction, can sever the covenant relationship between God and His people. Brooks reassures believers that God's glorious and invincible power guarantees their eternal connection with Him, affirming that once they are in covenant, they remain in covenant forever.
Text
The covenant of grace is founded . . .
upon God's free love,
upon God's everlasting love,
upon God's special and peculiar love,
upon God's unchangeable love--
so that God can as soon cease to be, as He can cease
to love those whom He has taken into covenant with
Himself, or cease to keep covenant with them.
The covenant of grace is also founded upon God's
immutable counsel and purpose. The decree and
purpose of God's election stands firm and sure.
The covenant of grace is also founded . . .
upon God's glorious power,
upon God's infinite power,
upon God's supreme power,
upon God's invincible power,
upon God's independent power,
upon God's incomparable power;
and until you can find a power that can
overmatch this divine power, the saints'
covenant-relation holds good.
It is not the indwelling power of sin, nor violent
temptations, nor heavy afflictions--which can
dissolve our covenant-relation with God. Though
sin may work, and Satan may tempt, and fears
may be high--yet God will still maintain His covenant
interest in His people, and His people's relation to
Himself.
"I will betroth you unto Me forever." Hosea 2:19
"I will never leave you, nor forsake you." Heb. 13:5
It is not all the powers of hell, nor all the powers on
earth, which can make null or void our covenant-relation.
Those whom free grace has brought into covenant,
shall continue in covenant forever and ever. Once in
covenant with God--forever in covenant with God.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Foundation of the Covenant of Grace - God's Free Love - God's Everlasting Love
- II points: - God's Immutable Counsel - Purpose of Election - Firmness of God's Decree
- III points: - God's Glorious Power - Infinite and Supreme Power - Independence and Invincibility
- IV points: - Resistance Against Sin and Temptation - Afflictions Cannot Dissolve Covenant - God's Faithfulness in Covenant
- V points: - Eternal Nature of the Covenant - Assurance of God's Presence - Permanence of Covenant Relationship
Key Quotes
“I will betroth you unto Me forever.” — Thomas Brooks
“I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” — Thomas Brooks
“It is not all the powers of hell, nor all the powers on earth, which can make null or void our covenant-relation.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Trust in God's unwavering love and commitment to His covenant with you.
- Remember that no external forces can sever your relationship with God.
- Find assurance in God's promises as a source of strength during trials and temptations.