The sermon by Preston Kelso unfolds the Christian doctrine of salvation and sanctification through the lens of reformed theology, emphasizing the gravity of sin, the wrath of God, and the grace extended through Jesus Christ's atonement.
The Gravity of Sin and the Wrath of God:
Kelso begins by discussing the dire consequences of sin. He paints a vivid picture of God's wrath—a holy response to sin, underscoring that sin is not merely a minor transgression but a serious offense against the holiness of God. The sermon stresses that God's wrath is not arbitrary but a just response to the rebellion of humanity.
The Atonement of Christ:
The heart of the sermon is the wonder of the gospel—specifically, the atonement. Kelso marvels at how God provided a way for His wrath to be satisfied not upon us, but upon His Son, Jesus Christ. This substitutionary atonement is presented as the central tenet of the gospel, highlighting that Christ bore the punishment that was due to sinners.
Imputed Righteousness:
Kelso then turns to the theological concept of imputed righteousness. This is the doctrine that God, through faith in Jesus Christ, credits righteousness to the believer. Kelso emphasizes the breathtaking nature of this exchange: Christ takes on the sin of humanity and, in return, believers receive the righteousness of Christ.
The Call to Non-Believers:
The sermon moves into an evangelistic appeal, addressing those outside the Christian faith. Kelso calls for a response to the gospel message: to turn away from sin, to acknowledge Christ as Savior, to confess their sins, and to seek God's forgiveness. This is presented not merely as a change of mind but as a complete reorientation of one’s life towards God.
The Call to Believers:
Kelso does not leave out those who already profess faith. For believers who have become wayward, he provides a sobering reminder of their covenant relationship with God through the blood of Christ. He calls them to repentance, urging them to abandon pride and idolatry. The return to God is depicted as a restoration of fellowship, a key aspect of the Christian walk.
Concluding Prayer:
The sermon ends with a prayer that captures the essence of Kelso's message. He asks for divine assistance for both himself and the congregation to turn from their sins and pursue God with sincerity and urgency. The prayer encapsulates a recognition of human frailty and the need for God’s grace to live in a way that honors the sacrifice made by Christ.
Throughout, Kelso's sermon is anchored in the reformed understanding of scripture, pointing to the gospel as the ultimate display of God's justice and mercy. It is an exposition designed to provoke both reflection and action among its hearers, compelling them to grasp the significance of Christ's work and respond appropriately to it.
