Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning, September 21, 2003, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia.

THE SUBMISSION THAT SAVES

Michael D. O’Neal (Prov. 11:30), Pastor
Gospel Light Baptist Church, P.O. Box 3071 (237 Lockett Station Road),
Albany, GA 31706
(229) 432-0039 (church) / (229) 698-2127 (parsonage)

Scripture Reading: Romans 10:1-4

Text: Romans 10:3

Romans 10:3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

Introduction: One of the battles that rages among conservatives who name the name of Christ is Lordship Salvation versus Easy Believism. I go on record today that I reject Lordship Salvation as taught by most people today, and this message is a refutation of that heresy. I also reject easy believism. The term “easy,” denotes effort of some kind. I believe in EFFORTLESS believism, not EASY believism. Although God works in a person’s heart to enable Him to believe on Christ, no effort of any kind is involved on the part of the sinner.

People in conservative and fundamental churches are confused by conflicting messages. They hear about salvation through grace, but they also hear from the same pulpits a message of salvation through works. This results in many people making multiple professions without ever being converted, and it results in many people making multiple professions while remaining confused.

Our text speaks of lost people who have not submitted to God. However, this is not the kind of submission that you might imagine. This morning’s message is about THE SUBMISSION THAT SAVES

First, consider with me:

I. THE SIGHTLESS MASSES

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

A. The majority of people are unsaved

B. The majority of people are unaware

Of their standing before God
Of true salvation

Add to this problem

II. THE STUMBLING MINISTERS

Matthew 15:14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

A. They have doctrinal FORM but they lack divine forgiveness

B. They have a degree from seminary but they lack deliverance from the Savior!

The result is a promotion of that which all people have by their nature:

III. THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS MENTALITY

Romans 10:3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

A. It has pride as its method

Luke 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

B. It has a peace that is manufactured

As with anything else that man makes, it is tainted with errors and only temporary.

C. It has a pardon that is meaningless

God doesn’t recognize it

Almost overlooked in telling people how to be saved is:

IV. THE SAVIOR’S MEDIATION

It was JESUS’ obedience, HIS submission that saves a sinner:

Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

1 Timothy 2:5-6 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

True Lordship salvation is the fact that

A. The Lord Jesus left Heaven

B. The Lord Jesus lived sinlessly as a man

C. The Lord Jesus lay down His life on the cross

The spotless sacrifice
Shedding His blood

D. The Lord Jesus lifted His life back up on the third day, walked out of the tomb, appeared among men, and ascended up to heaven bodily!

The sinner’s submission is to the righteousness of God, which is basically:

V. THE SUBMISSION TO A MESSAGE

Romans 10:16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

A. You must hear the message

Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
The message is the gospel – 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:16

B. You must heed the message

You are already condemned – John 3:16
Neglect is the shortest road to hell
All you need to do to hell is to do nothing!
What must you do to be saved? A man asked that in the Bible:
Acts 16:29-31 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, 30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs,what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

God doesn’t want you, as a lost sinner, in order to be saved, to:

Make Jesus Lord of your life
Make Jesus your Lord, Master, and Savior
Ask Christ into your heart
Accept Jesus into your life
Join the church
Be baptized
Commit your life to Christ

He wants you to BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ!
He wants you to TRUST His Son!

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.