January 26, 2025

Why the Spirit?

Pastor: David Weber Series: Acts Scripture: Acts 2:1–13

Acts

I’m not entirely sure what the creators of this shirt intended to convey, but it seems to suggest that trusting in Jesus for salvation is easy. This attitude, however, reflects a deeply flawed theology of salvation.

First, the accomplishment of salvation was far from easy. It required the incarnation of God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. He had to live a perfect life, die a sacrificial death, and rise from the dead. Conquering sin, Satan, and death is not something a caveman (or any mere human) could achieve.

Second, the application of salvation is equally difficult. Salvation is not simply a matter of accepting theological statements. Scripture teaches that for someone to be saved, they must be born again, raised from spiritual death to spiritual life. To believe the gospel is a miracle! It is not an easy thing but an act of divine grace. If the Gospel is to spread to the ends of the earth it must be empowered by God Himself.

A more theologically accurate (though less catchy) slogan for a t-shirt might be: “Salvation: so impossible only the God-man could accomplish it.”

This Sunday, our passage focuses on the giving of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Fifty days have passed since the resurrection and ten days since the ascension. The Church is gathered in prayer, and the Lord fulfills His promise by sending the Spirit. But why? Why does God send His Spirit upon His Church? What we will see is this: God the Father sends the Spirit because only God the Spirit can apply the work of salvation accomplished by God the Son. To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and meditate upon Acts 2:1-13, Exodus 3:1-6, Ezekiel 36:26-27, John 3:5; 6:63, 1 Corinthians 2:1-16, 1 Thessalonians 1:5 and Westminster Confession of Faith 10.2.

As we gather to worship our loving Father this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Come, O Come, Thou Quickening Spirit,” the Acclamation of Praise “Spirit of the Living God”,” and the Hymn of Response “Jesus Shall Reign.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives so that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!