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No Condemnation And No Separation

”Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” | 2 Corinthians 5: 17-21

Consider this dreadful truth for a moment.

”But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” (Isaiah 59: 2)

Our sin in fallen Adam charged to us has separated us from God.

In Adam we are ”The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.” (Psalm 58: 3)

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” (Romans 5: 12)

In Adam death and sin entered into us.

“For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:” (Romans 8: 3)

But now consider this glorious truth for a moment.

“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.” (Galatians 4: 4-6)

Our sin has been separated from us forever.

Our Blessed Saviour came in the flesh apart from sin and in our nature to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. “For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” (Hebrews 9: 26)

“And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.” (1 John 3: 5)

Now because of His glorious, full and eternal atonement for sin the believer has no sin. “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” (Hebrews 10: 14-17)

Our Lord said, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103: 12)

He has also assured us that “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” (Hebrews 10: 17)

“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8: 32-39)

This is the good news of the gospel no condemnation and no separation but rather eternal reconciliation. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8: 1)

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “What Does It Mean To Be Justified”

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Visit our primary website at www.ksgctn.org for more information about Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church, watch our livestream (when available) and access our previously recorded messages.

Hurricane Road Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 21 February, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a | Cattletsburg, Kentucky

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An Honest And Pure Heart

”Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned” | 1 Timothy 1: 5

Several times when I was growing up and had done something I was not supposed to have done or had failed to do something I was supposed to have done, and was trying to keep it hidden, my mom (whom I often thought was a mind reader!) would remind me of that old adage, “Honesty is always the best policy.”

And she was right.

In the kingdom of God, however, honesty is not merely the best policy, honesty is the only policy!

“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36: 26)

There is no place in the kingdom of God for pretense, deceitfulness, or hypocrisy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5: 8)

God gives those whom He saves a new heart, an honest heart. “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” (Luke 8: 15)

“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” (1 John 5: 20)

Having been given a saving knowledge of God, the saints know this: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” (Hebrews 4: 12, 13)

“As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17: 2, 3)

They are conscious of the fact that their God knows their words before they speak them and their thoughts before they come to mind.

“O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.” (Psalm 139: 1-4)

Who would dare pretend or practice hypocrisy before such a God?

God’s people are honest before their God and with each other.

They are God-conscious people, and are not moved by the smiles or frowns of the world.

They are not trying to impress men, but seeking to please God. And “honesty is the only policy!”

~ Pastor Maurice Montgomery

Click here to listen to the message “Things That God’s People Know”

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Visit our primary website at www.ksgctn.org for more information about Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church, watch our livestream (when available) and access our previously recorded messages.

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 3 June, 2018 | Previous post date: n/a

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The Just Shall Live By Faith

“And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” | Genesis 15: 6

While it is true that all for whom Christ died cannot become unsaved, and the Holy Spirit will never leave one who is born of Him; every believer feels the worst thing that could happen to him is to be left to himself.

This is what led David to make this cry, “Cast me not away from Thy presence: and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.” (Psalm 51: 11)

David felt as though he deserved to be cast away from God’s presence, but he could not bear the thought.

He felt as though he deserved to have the Holy Spirit leave him, but he could not endure the thought of being left alone!

Cain went out from the presence of the Lord because he did not want to be in His presence.

But the believer must have His presence and His Spirit.

There is no life without this.

Whether we feel this or do not feel this, we always realize this.

We cannot be left to ourselves!

~ Pastor Todd Nibert

Click here to listen to the message “Willing To Do His Will?”

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Visit our primary website at www.ksgctn.org for more information about Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church, watch our livestream (when available) and access our previously recorded messages.

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 27 June, 2021 | Previous post date: 17 August, 2021

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Christ Died For Us

”But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” | Romans 5: 8

I cannot say if these words are for you, for I do not know whether Christ died for you.

I know that everyone should sincerely hope that he is among those of whom it is written, “Christ died for us.”

And why is this?

Because, if Christ has not died for a person, then that person shall have to die for himself.

The wages of sin is death, and someone must receive those wages: if not Christ, then the man who has actually done the sinning.

Now then, who may rightly say, “Christ has died for me”?

The very Scripture quoted makes it plain, for a fuller version of it is, “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”.

So it is sinners that may claim the words, “Christ died of us”.

Maybe you think, “Then it must apply to me, for I confess that there are some sins in my past. I am not a perfect man, I suppose. I am a fairly decent individual, but, like all other men, I have sometimes failed in my attempts to be a good man.”

If that is your confession, then I fear that Christ has not died for you; for your confession of sin has much of a boast of righteousness in it.

You see, to you, your sins are only blots and blemishes on an otherwise good life.

But an even fuller reading of our text teaches us that Christ died for those who are neither righteous nor good, yet you think there is righteousness and good in you.

Maybe you have some hope in this, that even though your sins are many, they are not very big sins.

After all, you are neither a thief nor a murderer.

You have not bowed down to any stone or wooden idol.

If you boast in the smallness of your sins, then you have no warrant to claim that Christ has died for you.

Do you ask why? It is simple.

God is just, and He always makes the punishment fit the crime.

Your boast in the fewness or smallness of your sins is a boast that it would not take much of a savior nor any great act of salvation to rescue you from them.

But Christ died for those whose condition is so bad that nothing less than His death would remedy it.

He died for sinners whose sins deserve what Christ endured.

Can you look on the scene of the dying Savior and confess that you sins are so wicked that they deserve such punishment and that nothing less than His death could put your sin away?

Are you so bad that Christ must die in order for you to be saved?

Then I have great hope for you that you are among that blessed few who can rightly say, “Christ died for us.”

But there is yet one more test.

Maybe you are among those who lay in a bondage of legal guilt and have an understanding of the greatness of their sin but are blind to the greatness of Christ’s death.

Even though they believe Christ’s death is necessary to put away their sin, they have no confidence that it is sufficient to put away their sin.

They feel something more than Christ is needed.

They look for certain frames of mind or emotions.

They try to add their own works to his great work: morality, Sabbath keeping, church attendance and such.

Is that how you feel?

Then I fear you are in a very sad state, for Christ did not die for those who have no confidence in the power of His sacrifice to take away their sin.

Christ did not die for those who do not need Him.

Nor did He die for those who feel they need something more.

The death of the Lord Jesus is both necessary and sufficient for the removal of guilt.

You absolutely need Christ, and you need nothing more.

Do you honestly believe this?

If so, then Christ died for you.

~ Pastor Joe Terrell

Click here to listen to the message “Strive to Enter by the Narrow Door”

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Visit our primary website at www.ksgctn.org for more information about Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church, watch our livestream (when available) and access our previously recorded messages.

FreeGraceRadio.com Bulletin Article date: 11 February, 2008 | Previous post date: n/a | Danville, Kentuky

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The Evidence Of Things Not Seen

”The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.” | John 4: 49-50

Believers on the one hand are nothing but sin, and on the other hand, they have no sin.

This is one of the great mysteries of the Gospel that keeps God’s people humble, yet hopeful.

It causes them to cast all their care on the One that cares for them.

It leads them to have no confidence in the flesh, yet to come boldly before the Throne of grace.

It is the reason they can mourn and rejoice at the same time.

It shows them their inability to satisfy any part of God’s law, and it frees them from the condemnation of the law.

It causes them to bow in humble worship as mercy beggars, yet they hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.

They are nothing yet have everything.

They are hell-deserving, yet heaven bound.

They are in abject poverty, and they are infinitely and eternally rich.

To the natural man, these things are a contradiction.

To the child of God… they are his life.

~ Pastor Greg Elmquist

Click here to listen to the message “The Evidence of Things not Seen” (64:17 minutes)

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Visit our primary website at www.ksgctn.org for more information about Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church, watch our livestream (when available) and access our previously recorded messages.

Hurricane Road Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 29 November, 2020 | Previous post date: n/a | Cattletsburg, Kentucky

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Being Justified Freely

”Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” | Romans 3: 24

What does it mean to be justified?

I am sure that there have been many definitions given and I by no means can fully expound all that is involved in sinners being justified before God.

However, I am sure that it means to be eternally pardoned from all sin by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;” (1 Peter 1: 18)

It means to be acquitted and vindicated of all charges before the holy justice of God. “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,” (Jude 24)

It means to be made and regarded righteous in God’s sight. “And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:” (Colossians 1: 21-22)

How are sinners justified?

Sinners are justified by God as the source. “Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.” (Romans 8: 33)

Sinners are justified by grace as the spring and fountain. “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” (Romans 3: 24)

Sinners are justified by Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and blood atonement as the ground. “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” (Romans 5: 9)

Sinners are justified by His resurrection as the proof and evidence. “Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” (Romans 4: 25)

Sinners are justified by faith as the means to receive this salvation in Christ. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” (Romans 5: 1)

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Examine Yourselves”

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Visit our primary website at www.ksgctn.org for more information about Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church, watch our livestream (when available) and access our previously recorded messages.

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 19 September, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a

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Finally, Brethren, Farewell

”Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” | 2 Corinthians 13: 5

One man described False or Counterfeit faith in this way:

  1. It is never broken over its own sin.
  2. It never hungers and thirsts for the blood and righteousness of Christ.
  3. It never sees itself to be nothing.
  4. It never bows to the absolute sovereignty of the Lord Jesus Christ.

True faith says:

  1. “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” (Romans 7: 24)
  2. “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” (Psalm 51: 7)
  3. “For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 4: 4)
  4. “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2 Timothy 1: 12)

~ Pastor Gabe Stalnaker

Click here to listen to the message “Finally, Brethren, Farewell”

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Visit our primary website at www.ksgctn.org for more information about Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church, watch our livestream (when available) and access our previously recorded messages.

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 3 June, 2018 | Previous post date: n/a

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It Pleased The Lord To Bruise Him

”Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.” | Isaiah 53: 10

There are several reasons the Father took pleasure in bruising His Son by sacrificing Him upon the tree.

It pleased the holy justice of the Father to slaughter His Son as the substitute for His people because the Son was made sin for His people.

“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53: 4-5)

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities.

“He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.” (Isaiah 53: 8)

He was stricken for our transgressions.

“Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.” (Isaiah 53: 10)

It pleased the Father to see His eternal purpose of the redemption of His people accomplished through the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son made flesh.

It pleased the holy nature of God. God can only accept what is perfectly holy.

“He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.” (Isaiah 53: 11)

The Father is pleased to accept His people because the sacrifice of Christ fully justified them.

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53: 5)

It pleased the grace of God to make peace for His elect people through the sacrifice of the Son.

~ Pastor Frank Tate

Click here to listen to the message “Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?”

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Visit our primary website at www.ksgctn.org for more information about Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church, watch our livestream (when available) and access our previously recorded messages.

Hurricane Road Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 21 February, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a | Cattletsburg, Kentucky

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Salvation Is Of The Lord

“But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble” | Psalm 37: 39

What glorious and blessed truth that shines on every page of Holy Scripture.

“Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.” (Isaiah 63: 1)

We as needy, great and guilty sinners need a mighty and victorious Saviour, who is almighty to save.

“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7: 25)

The Lord Jesus Christ is the only answer and remedy for our sin. He is the Saviour that saves, the Redeemer that delivers and justifies. “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1: 21)

“Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Galatians 1: 3-5)

What a full and complete revelation God gives of His so great salvation… it is ALL of the Lord! “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;” (Hebrews 2: 3)

“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” (Romans 5: 6)

Notice each of these five words:

1). Salvation; is the total and complete deliverance from all our sin. From the penalty, guilt and power of sin to condemn us. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8: 1)

“For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?” (Romans 11: 32-35)

2). Salvation IS; because our great God is the God of salvation.

God is love. “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4: 8-10)

God is good. “Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.” (Psalm 73: 1)

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” (1 Timothy 1: 15)

God is merciful and delights to show it to sinners. “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” (Micah 7: 18-19)

3). Salvation is OF; Not of works, not of merit, not of the law but rather all of grace alone. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” (2 Corinthians 8: 9)

“But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.” (Acts 15: 11)

“Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,” (2 Timothy 1: 9)

4). Salvation is of THE Lord; there is just one way of salvation. Our Lord plainly said that He is The Way, The Truth, The Life, The Door, The Light, The Bread of life, The Good Shepherd, and The Resurrection. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14: 6)

“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” (John 10: 9)

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8: 12)

“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” (John 6: 35)

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” (John 11: 25)

5). Salvation is of the LORD; the Lord Jesus Christ. It is who He is that gives infinite power to what He accomplished for us upon the cross. “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” (Acts 20: 28)

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4: 10)

Christ crucified is the only sacrifice for sin. “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2: 2)

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” (John 19: 30)

The Lord did not die to make an effort to put away sin but rather to make complete atonement for sin of His people that God might be the just God and Saviour.

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “So Great Salvation”

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Visit our primary website at www.ksgctn.org for more information about Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church, watch our livestream (when available) and access our previously recorded messages.

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 27 June, 2021 | Previous post date: 14 August, 2021

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Burial or Cremation?

”And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you” | Exodus 13: 19

Here the Spirit of God tells us that Moses did something that must have been very conspicuous to the nation of Israel as they made haste and left the land of Egypt. They left the land in haste, but not as slaves secretly escaping from their captors in the night. They left Egypt as slaves who had completely conquered, spoiled and dispossessed their captors in an open display of triumph and victory. As they left the land of captivity, Moses took the bones of Joseph with them.

Why do you suppose he did that?

I know this: God the Holy Spirit tells us in Hebrews 11 that Joseph made his brethren swear to carry his bones out of Egypt by faith, Moses carried his bones out of Egypt by faith, and Joshua buried his bones in Canaan by faith. And I think he did this as an indication of how believers ought to honor the dead bodies of those the Lord has taken to glory.

I am often asked, and several of you have asked me about this. — “Should a believer be cremated or buried?”

While the Scriptures do not give any commandment, they do, in my opinion, clearly indicate that the burial of our bodies is most consistent with the faith of the gospel. Our Lord was buried in the earth; and we confess our Savior and our faith in him by a burial in believer’s baptism. Clearly, there is a connection between burial and our faith in Christ.

Jacob Embalmed

Abraham buried Sarah in the cave of Machpelah in the land of Canaan; and when he died, Abraham’s sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the same tomb (Genesis 23 and 25). And in Genesis 50 Joseph had his father Jacob embalmed, spent forty days mourning him, and obtained special permission from Pharaoh to carry his body up to Canaan. There he buried Jacob with Abraham and Isaac.

No doubt many, as they watched this procession, must have thought, “Why all this bother? Why all this expense? The man is dead.

“And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had made for himself in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odours and divers kinds of spices prepared by the apothecaries’ art: and they made a very great burning for him.” (2 Chronicles 16: 14)

Don’t they know that his body is going to rot and decay and return to the dust? Doesn’t Joseph know that the body is just a shell, not the man?” Yes, Joseph knew all that, and more. He did what he did to honor the father he dearly loved.

“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 5: 1-5)

And Joseph embalmed his father because embalming was an indication that the one whose body was dead was really very much alive.

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John 11: 25-26)

The Scriptures do not tell us that; but that was the reason the Egyptians embalmed their dead and built great pyramids for their kings.

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” (Psalm 116: 15)

And our Lord Jesus tells us plainly that the death of the body is not, for God’s elect, death at all, but the beginning of a better life.

“Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.” (Acts 9: 36-37)

Joseph embalmed his father in hope of the resurrection.

“Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?” (1 Corinthians 15: 29)

When Paul speaks of the baptism of the dead in 1 Corinthians 15:29, the word baptism is used there as it is when the Scriptures speak of washing cups and pots and tables.

“And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables. Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.” (Mark 7: 4-8)

The Apostle asserts that the reason for the practice of washing (embalming the dead) is the hope of the resurrection.

“And it came to pass, that in process of time, after the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness: so he died of sore diseases. And his people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers.” (2 Chronicles 21: 19)

The Lord Jesus Christ redeemed our bodies as well as our souls.

It is altogether proper for us to treat the bodies of the dead with the utmost respect and honor, burying them in hope of the resurrection.

Joseph in a Coffin

That is what Joseph did for his father.

“And Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he, and his father’s house: and Joseph lived an hundred and ten years. And Joseph saw Ephraim’s children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph’s knees. And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence. So Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.” (Genesis 50: 22-26)

He embalmed him and buried him in the land of Canaan, believing the Word and promise of God, — that he would live again in resurrection glory. Joseph’s last act, as he was leaving this world, was an act of faith. He required his brothers to swear to him that they not leave his bones in Egypt.

The Book of Genesis, the book of beginnings, closes with Joseph in a coffin.

All God’s dealings with Israel recorded in these 50 chapters, all the promises made to the patriarchs, and the glories of God’s servant Joseph end with “a coffin in Egypt.” For 300 years Israel was left with nothing but a mummy and a word of promise. The elaborately embalmed body of Joseph lay in a coffin, probably on public display somewhere in Goshen for 300 years! For three centuries, that silent “coffin in Egypt” preached its mighty message.

“It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.” (Ecclesiastes 7: 2-4)

What did it say?

First, it was a silent reminder of mortality.

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalm 90: 12)

The shriveled, colorless lips that lay in that coffin, wrapped with linen, had left as their last utterance, “I die, but God will surely visit you.” No man is necessary. No mere mortal is indispensable. God’s Israel will survive the loss of the strongest and wisest. God lives, though a hundred Josephs die.

“And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.” (Exodus 1: 7)

Joseph died; “And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them”. So life springs side by side with death. There are cradles as well as graves; but the fact remains, you and I must soon die.

“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15: 51-58)

Second, that “coffin in Egypt” was a herald of hope. Joseph’s bones, lying in “a coffin in Egypt,” perpetually declared, God will bring you out of this place.

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18)

That is precisely what the Scriptures teach us about the burial of God’s saints in the earth.

Third, that “coffin in Egypt” was a preacher of patience. No doubt, hope deferred for 300 years had made many hearts sick and caused many fainting Israelites to ask in unbelief, “Where is the promise of his coming?”

But, for all those years, the silent coffin laid before the children of Israel proclaiming, “Though the vision tarry, wait for it.” Surely we need the same lesson.

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?” (Romans 8: 16-24)

Fourth, that “coffin in Egypt” was a pledge of possession. It proclaimed, “Canaan is yours and you shall possess it”.

Moses and Joseph’s Bones

Why does the Spirit of God tell us that Moses carried Joseph’s bones out of Egypt?

It is certain that Moses did not personally, physically carry that coffin containing Joseph’s bones out of Egypt. Yet, our text declares that the carrying of Joseph’s bones out of Egypt was specifically the work of Moses.

Why?

Moses represented the law of God.

Joseph was typical of our Lord Jesus Christ who was raised from the dead, because the law being satisfied, death had no more claim upon him.

“Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.” (1 Peter 4: 1-2)

Joseph also represented God’s elect who have been brought out of the bondage of sin and death, because God’s holy law has no claim upon us, since Christ has put away our sin.

Joshua and Joseph’s Bones

But Moses, the law, could never give Joseph and Israel the possession of the land of Canaan. That was a work that had to be done by Joshua. Joseph’s bones were buried in Canaan with Joshua’s, after the Lord God fulfilled every promise he had made to Abraham and the nation of Israel concerning that land

“And it came to pass after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being an hundred and ten years old. And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathserah, which is in mount Ephraim, on the north side of the hill of Gaash. And Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua, and which had known all the works of the LORD, that he had done for Israel. And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for an hundred pieces of silver: and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph.” (Joshua 24: 29-32)

So it shall be with you and me. As Joshua brought Joseph’s bones into Canaan and laid him to rest with himself in the land of promise, so the Lord Jesus Christ, our great Joshua, shall give us rest in the land of God’s promise

“Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.” (Hebrews 4: 1)

When I leave this body, please, bury my body in the earth with my Redeemer to await the resurrection.

~ Pastor Don Fortner

Click here to listen to the message “Burial or Cremation?”

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Visit our primary website at www.ksgctn.org for more information about Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church, watch our livestream (when available) and access our previously recorded messages.

FreeGraceRadio.com Bulletin Article date: 10 February, 2008 | Previous post date: n/a | Danville, Kentuky