The Tunnel Vision of Saving Faith - Benedict Allmand-Smith

Date: Sunday 27th April 2025

Location: Trinity Baptist Church Charlesworth

Title: The Tunnel Vision of Saving Faith

Text: 2 Kings 4:18-37

Please listen to the audio of Benedict's sermon below:

https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/429251455525479

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From Death to Life: A Portrait of Saving Faith Based on 2 Kings 4:18–37

In the previous passage, we saw a woman receive her son back from the dead – a profound moment that pointed us to the astonishing gift of the Son, Jesus Christ. This week’s passage resets the scene: the boy dies once more and yet again is given back to his mother. The story is real, historical, and moving – but it also points us to a greater reality: the nature of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Like viewing a landscape from a new vantage point, this passage offers another angle on the gospel. Here, we see not only the miracle of resurrection but also the deep sorrow of death, the urgency of saving faith, and the new life that Christ alone gives.

1. Death

The passage begins with heartbreak – the child has died. This is more than emotional sorrow; it mirrors the condition of all humanity. Spiritually dead, destined for physical death, and under threat of eternal judgement (Eph. 2:1, Matt. 25:46). Like the grieving mother, the sinner who sees their true condition will mourn.

This is where saving faith often begins: with sorrow. Isaiah said, “Woe is me, for I am undone” (Isa. 6:5). The tax collector in Jesus’ parable beat his chest, crying out, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13). When we finally realise we cannot save ourselves, we tremble under the weight of sin and judgement. And this trembling is grace – it’s the first step to turning to Christ.

True saving faith includes grief over sin, a fear of judgement, and a recognition that we are powerless to fix ourselves. As the 1689 Baptist Confession says, faith yields “obedience to the commands, trembling at the threatenings, and embracing the promises of God.” This is the soul’s cry for rescue.

2. Life

Yet God does not leave us in death. Just as Elisha raised the boy, Christ gives new life to all who believe.

We are made alive spiritually – able to know God, love Him, and walk with Him. Elisha’s stretching himself over the boy – mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hands to hands – are symbolic. Christ gives us His Spirit (His breath), opens our eyes to truth, and empowers our hands to serve. As He said in John 5:21, “The Son gives life to whom he will.”

And the life Christ gives is eternal. We will one day be raised, body and soul, to be with Him forever – life without sorrow, pain, or end.

3. Tunnel Vision

The woman’s faith is determined. She seeks no substitute. Her husband cannot help, nor can Elisha’s servant Gehazi. She presses on to the one with power from God. Likewise, we must

look to Christ alone. Family, friends, even ministers – none can save. Only Jesus, the risen Lord, gives life.

This is tunnel vision – eyes fixed on Jesus. Don’t delay. Don’t look around for other options. Run to Him, even if it costs your pride or comfort. As this mother travelled miles to seek Elisha, so must we make our way to Christ. Cry out to Him in faith, and He will receive you.

As Hebrews says, “Women received back their dead by resurrection” (Heb. 11:35). May we, too, receive life by faith in the Son of God.