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The Awesome Cost of Salvation
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe cost of salvation, as revealed through the observance of Passover, is profound and far-reaching. It centers on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose life was given to establish a covenant with us, a relationship that opens the way to salvation. This covenant, made in His blood, cost Him His life, the most precious and expensive life ever lived on earth. It did not come cheap, for it was through this giving of His life that a relationship with God became possible, bridging the separation caused by sin. The awesomeness of this cost is meant to instill in us a deep sense of personal obligation to Christ. He endured immense pain and had His body torn for each of us individually, not just for humanity in general. Until we grasp that He died for me, we risk missing the conviction that should profoundly affect our conduct. Furthermore, the cost of salvation includes the example Christ set, showing how far He was willing to go without sinning, teaching us the cost of staying free by striving for sinlessness. This cost extends beyond Christ's sacrifice. Over vast periods, countless animal sacrifices symbolized His life, with hundreds of thousands of lambs slain in a single Passover to make a lesson. These sacrifices, often of animals close to the family, underscored personal responsibility for the death of the Lamb of God. Additionally, the historical witness of innumerable human lives across thousands of years demonstrates that no way apart from God's produces lasting peace or prosperity, reinforcing the necessity of this sacrifice. Lastly, the cost of salvation includes our own lives. We are bought with a price, the life of the Creator, placing us under obligation to glorify God in our body and spirit. Passover, therefore, encompasses not only the cost to become free through Christ's death but also the ongoing cost to remain free, reflected in our commitment to continue in His way. This immense cost, spanning billions of years of God's planning, highlights our immeasurable value to Him and demands a sober appreciation as we observe Passover.
Parables of Counting the Cost
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn Luke 14:25-33, two parables and an exhortation urge us to forsake all that we have as a mandatory condition for becoming Christ's true disciples.
Counting the Cost of Humility
Sermonette by Bill OnisickEven as several grandiose building projects have terminated because of cost overruns, so must we carefully count the cost of our spiritual building project.
The Surety of Our Salvation
CGG Weekly by John ReissCan we grasp the enormous cost of the payment that was made to enable our eternal future? Could we dare ask for more? Jesus laid His own eternal life on the line!
Evaluating the Price of Redemption
CGG Weekly by John O. ReidOf all of God's appointed times, the Passover is one that we should not rush into without thought and preparation, lest we miss the awesome depth of its meaning.
In Honor of Jesus Christ
CGG Weekly by John W. RitenbaughIt is our responsibility to glorify God. As obedient children, we bring Him honor; as disobedient children, we bring shame on Him and blaspheme His name.
Christ, Our Passover
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMany people believe that our sins are the focus of Passover—but they are wrong! Jesus Christ, the Passover Lamb, should be our focus. How well do you know Him?
Loyalty to the Body
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeWhen we consider the value of our calling, we must look at Paul's warning about discerning the Body more soberly, maintaining our loyalty to the Body.
Christ Our Passover
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe focus of our self-examination should not be self-centered or comparing ourselves with others, but on the awesome significance of His sacrifice.
Grateful For Reconciliation
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must remember what we were and how far God has brought us out of that place, pulled out of the muck and brought into His glory.
Eternal Security (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSome of the harshest criticism we receive is for our position opposing the doctrine of eternal security and stating that works are required for salvation.
The Talking Blood (1994)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe blood of Christ, a propitiation or appeasing force, the only means to satisfy God's pure sense of justice, is a testimony of God's intense love for us.
The Talking Blood (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God the Father does not take the minimization of His Son's sacrifice lightly, as some Protestant theologians imply with their cheap grace doctrine.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Twenty-Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Much of Protestantism misconstrues the significance of the New Covenant as a 'free pass into Heaven' without paying attention to the Law within the Covenant.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is doing more than merely saving people; He is producing children in His image. The difference between the covenants is in the quality of the faith.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Although God never intended the Old Covenant to endure eternally, the spiritual law (shared by both the old and new covenants) lasts forever.
Remembering Your Vows
Sermon by John O. ReidLike the marriage covenant, counting the cost is the most serious part of the baptismal agreement, not something to be taken lightly.