Introduction:

1. Despite our best efforts, there is much we simply cannot control in life.

2. This reality is never more pronounced than it is in our need of salvation from sin.

3. Thankfully, God can do all that we cannot.

Discussion:

I. Sin’s Power to Separate

A. From the beginning, God warned humanity of sin’s devastation (Genesis 2:17).

B. Sadly, we chose rebellion and death (3:1-7, 22-24; Isaiah 59:2; Romans 3:23; 6:23; Ephesians 2:1-3).

II. God’s Power to Redeem

A. Israel and the nations faced destruction for their rebellion (Isaiah 1-39).

B. But God intended to restore the remnant to His favor (Isaiah 40-66; cf. 1 Timothy 2:4-5; 2 Peter 3:9).

C. He alone is able to effect redemption (Isaiah 59:1; Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:27; Matthew 19:26).

III. God’s Provision for Redemption

A. We live in the most blessed time in history, the time since God provided for redemption.

B. The change of station is astounding:

1. From spiritual death to life (Ephesians 2:1-9).

2. From enmity to peace (Romans 5:1-11).

3. From estrangement to reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:14-21; Ephesians 2:11-22).

4. From guilt to justification (Romans 3:21-26).

C. At the cost of His Son’s blood (Ephesians 1:7).

IV. Our Response to Redemption

A. With the above in view, the only factor that determines our eternity is our response.

B. Along with the means of redemption, He gave us the conditions (Mark 16:15-16; Romans 6:3-4; 10:9-10; Galatians 3:26-27; Revelation 2:10).

1. In our sin, we got ourselves in a mess from which we cannot save ourselves.

2. God’s hand is not shortened to save us; only we can thwart His benevolent designs.