December 3, 1997
The book of Matthew introduces Jesus with the promise, “He will save his people from their sins.” Our lives are each a series of decisions, but the most crucial one we will ever make is whether to believe this claim. Is there another sensible solution to sin in the world? Is Jesus an imposter, or is He the Savior? Alistair Begg calls us to admit our helplessness to fix our sin and trust Christ alone for eternal salvation.
18Now the birth of uJesus Christ5 took place in this way. vWhen his mother Mary had been betrothed6 to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child wfrom the Holy Spirit. 19And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling xto put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20But as he considered these things, behold, yan angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will bear a son, and zyou shall call his name Jesus, afor he will save his people from their sins.” 22bAll this took place cto fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23d“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name eImmanuel”
(which means, God fwith us). 24When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife,
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