Grace Fellowship Church

A reading of a sermon from Martin Lloyd Jones.

The sermon centers on the redemptive power of Christ's crucifixion as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, revealing that salvation comes not through adherence to the law but through faith alone. It emphasizes that Christ, by becoming a curse on the cross—fulfilling Deuteronomy's warning that 'cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree'—fully bore the penalty of sin for all who believe, thereby redeeming both Jews and Gentiles from the curse of the law and the original curse of Adam's disobedience. Through a detailed examination of Scripture, the preacher underscores the infinite worth and divine-human nature of Christ, whose substitutionary sacrifice was both costly and complete, securing eternal redemption for all who trust in Him. The message culminates in a telescopic view of redemptive history, showing how Calvary's tree reverses Eden's failure, restoring access to the tree of life and establishing Christ as the second Adam who perfectly obeyed where the first failed. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to rest in the finished work of Christ, to reject all attempts to add to His sacrifice, and to live in the joy and assurance of a salvation secured by grace alone.

This passage from Psalm 119 presents a profound meditation on the transformative power and enduring sweetness of God's Word, portrayed not merely as instruction but as the source of wisdom, joy, and spiritual vitality. The psalmist expresses deep affection for God's law, not as a burden, but as a living, nourishing reality that shapes his thoughts, guides his conduct, and satisfies his soul more than any earthly delight. Through consistent meditation, the Word becomes a wellspring of understanding, enabling the believer to surpass even the wise in insight and to walk in holiness by resisting evil and embracing divine truth. The sermon emphasizes that this love and delight are not self-generated but are cultivated by the Holy Spirit, resulting in a life marked by repentance, obedience, and a growing taste for God's goodness—culminating in a joyful celebration of Christ's incarnation as the ultimate expression of divine sweetness and grace.

The sermon centers on the foundational truth that justification before God comes not through obedience to the law, but through faith in Christ alone, as revealed in Galatians 3. It emphasizes that the law, while holy and good, cannot justify because it demands perfect, continuous obedience—something no one can achieve—thus leaving all under its curse. In contrast, faith in Christ, exemplified by Abraham and affirmed by Habakkuk, is the only means by which the righteous live, not by works but by trusting in God's grace. The sermon underscores that the law was never intended to be a means of salvation but a tutor leading to Christ, and that true righteousness is not found in self-effort or moral comparison, but in abiding faith in the finished work of Christ. Ultimately, the greatness of Christ is revealed in His perfect obedience, His substitutionary sacrifice, and His power to transform lives through grace, calling believers to live not by the law's demands, but by love and faith, empowered by His Spirit.

The sermon centers on the stark contrast between life under the law and life through faith in Christ, drawing from Galatians 3 to reveal that all who rely on their own obedience to the law are under its curse, for no one can perfectly keep every commandment at every moment. It emphasizes the impossibility of justification by works, exposing the futility of human effort—even the most devout—when measured against God's perfect standard, and underscores that even one sin renders a person guilty of breaking the entire law. In contrast, the sermon exalts Jesus Christ as the only one who perfectly fulfilled the law in every detail, moment by moment, and thus became the curse-bearer so that the blessing of Abraham might come to the nations through faith. The message calls all listeners—whether self-righteous or spiritually weary—to abandon the futile pursuit of merit and instead embrace Christ alone as the complete and sufficient Savior, whose finished work on the cross secures eternal blessing for all who believe.

This sermon, drawn from Luke 5:12–16, centers on the healing of a man full of leprosy as a profound illustration of Christ's divine compassion, power, and the gospel's transformative grace. The account reveals Christ not only as a miracle worker but as the compassionate High Priest who stoops to touch the unclean, symbolizing His willingness to bear the sin of humanity and restore fellowship with God. The leper's desperate, humble plea—'Lord, if thou wilt, thou can make me clean'—exemplifies true faith that acknowledges both Christ's power and sovereignty, pointing to the necessity of divine mercy over human effort. The sermon draws a powerful parallel between physical leprosy and spiritual sin, emphasizing that no amount of self-righteousness can cleanse the soul, but only Christ's atoning sacrifice—imputed righteousness and the blood that cleanses—can bring true renewal. Ultimately, the message calls all listeners, whether burdened by guilt or unaware of their spiritual condition, to come to Christ in faith, trusting not in their own merit but in His willing love and saving power, which is available to all who come.

First preached by C H Spurgeon August 6, 1882

Heavily edited and abridged sermon of J.C. Ryle

A sermon by Charles Spurgeon, edited for clarity and length.