Christ Known by Grace Alone

This sermon examines Matthew 16:17 to explore the source of true saving knowledge regarding Jesus Christ. It argues that human nature, described as "flesh and blood," is incapable of discerning spiritual truth due to the darkening effects of sin, as illustrated by the failure of the Pharisees and the natural person in 1 Corinthians. Instead, the text asserts that Peter's confession and any believer's faith are the result of God's sovereign grace and special illumination, not human wisdom or effort. The preacher emphasizes that this divine work removes all grounds for pride or boasting in the believer, replacing them with humility and gratitude. Consequently, Christians are called to share the gospel without fear of failure, trusting that God alone grants faith, while diligently attending to the means of grace such as the Word and sacraments.