Milford Church of Christ

“Salvation belongs to the Lord; Your blessings be upon Your people” Psalm 3:8

Original Language

Heb. Yeshuah – deliverance, prosperity, victory (Genesis 49:15)

Heb. Teshuah – deliverance by God, rescue, help, safety (1 Samuel 11:13; 19:5; 2 Chronicles 6:41)

Heb. Moshaah – saving act (Psalm 68:20 – only time)

Gr. Soteria – rescue, safety, deliver (Luke 1:69)

Affirmations

Salvation is the deliverance from an enemy and the ushering in of abundant prosperity.  It is made possible by God and available to those in need.  Salvation often requires the work of heavenly personnel and man together.  The preaching of salvation endorses the faith which appropriates it.

As Used in the Old Covenant Scriptures

DELIVERANCE

Salvation in the Old Covenant was mainly used to describe deliverance from impending doom by the hand of an enemy, for example, the deliverance from Egypt.  Upon gazing at the Red Sea, Moses told Israel to “Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord” (Exodus 14:13).  “The Lord saved Israel that day” (14:30) and became their salvation (15:2).  God used Samuel to remind the people that “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘I brought Israel up from Egypt, and I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the power of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you” (1 Samuel 10:18).  Here salvation is seen as deliverance from bondage and from the approaching enemy.

SALVATION IS FROM GOD

We see others participating in their own salvation as Israel walked through the Red Sea and Moses raised his staff.  It wasn’t enough for God to part the waters, Israel had to walk through.  This involved their faith, as it is written, “By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through on dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it were drowned” (Hebrews 11:29).  We also see Jonathan delivering Israel by “working with God” (1 Samuel 14:6, 45).  But salvation does not depend on us but on God in other words, God initiates salvation and we participate in it.  His are deeds of deliverance.

“¹²Yet God is my king from of old, Who works deeds of deliverance in the midst of the earth.  ¹³You divided the sea by Your strength; You broke the heads of the sea monsters in the waters. ¹⁴You crushed the heads of Leviathan; You gave him as food for the creatures of the wilderness. ¹⁵You broke open springs and torrents; You dried up ever-flowing streams. ¹⁶Yours is the day, Yours also is the night; You have prepared the light and the sun.  ¹⁷You have established all the boundaries of the earth; You have made summer and winter.

(Psalm 74:12-17)

For salvation is a work of God (Isaiah 59:15-17; 63:5) as it is written “Salvation is from the Lord” (Jonah 2:9).  Therefore, the man of God waits for Him to work.

“¹My soul waits in silence for God only; from Him is my salvation.  ²He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.  ³How long will you assail a man that you may murder him, all of you, like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence?  ⁴They have counseled only to thrust him down from his high position; they delight in falsehood; they bless with their mouth, but inwardly they curse.  ⁵My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him.  ⁶He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken.  ⁷On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.  ⁸Trust in Him at all time, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.”

(Psalm 62:1-8)

Jeremiah was grieved at the condition of Israel and their captivity in Babylon.  But when he considers God’s salvation he is lifted up.  “This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope.  The Lord’s loving kindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.  ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I have hope in Him.’ The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him.  It is good that he waits silently for the salvation of the Lord” (Lamentations 3:21-26). 

Interestingly enough, man’s trust in his own ability is a hindrance to God’s salvation.  When men trust themselves, God does not work.  Paul said, “Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).  When we are not able to survive ourselves and we turn to God – salvation is available.  This is why it was said to Jesus to “rule in the midst of Your enemies” (Psalm 110:2).  God oftentimes had to take away from Israel’s power so He could show His salvation.  Consider Gideon.

SALVATION FROM GOD IS IN ABUNDANCE – Psalm 78

Salvation is from God and promotes faith. Never should man suppose that God is unable to save.  Israel had many reasons to trust in God but “they forgot His deeds and His miracles that He had shown them” (v. 11).  Consider what He did: “He wrought wonders before their fathers in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan. He divided the sea and caused them to pass through, and He made the waters stand up like a heap. Then He led them with the cloud by day and all the night with a light of fire. He split the rocks in the wilderness and gave them abundant drink like the ocean depths. He brought forth streams also from the rock and caused waters to run down like rivers” (v. 12-16).  After all of this they grumbled about not having any food saying, “Can God prepare a table in the wilderness? ‘Behold, He struck the rock so that waters gushed out, and streams were overflowing; can He give bread also? Will He provide meat for His people?’” (v. 19-20).  His mighty acts should have brought about faith in them but it did not.  Instead they provoked God, doubting His provision, “Therefore the LORD heard and was full of wrath; and a fire was kindled against Jacob and anger also mounted against Israel, because they did not believe in God And did not trust in His salvation” (v. 21-22).  And yet God still saved them raining down manna from heaven and giving them “even winged fowl like the sand of the seas” (v. 24-27).  And “in spite of all this they still sinned and did not believe in His wonderful works” (v. 32).  The correct response would have been growing strong in faith.

THE WORD OF SALVATION EFFECTIVELY PROMOTES FAITH

The word of Salvation uplifts the soul and causes praise to God.  David spoke to God saying, “Draw also the spear and the battle axe to meet those who pursue me; say to my soul, ‘I am your salvation’” and again “and my soul shall rejoice in the Lord; it shall exult in His salvation” (Psalm 35:3, 9).  He must have known the faith that the word of salvation brings and says, “I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great congregation” (Psalm 40:10).  

AN EXAMPLE OF GOD’S GREAT SALVATION – 2 Chronicles 20:1-30

A great multitude from Moad, Ammon and Mount Seir are coming to attack Judah.  King Jehoshaphat prays to God admitting “we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You” (v. 12).  Jahaziel prophecies of their salvation saying, “do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s” (v. 15) and continues saying, “You need not fight this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’  Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them, for the Lord is with you” (v. 17).  This promise brought about faith in the people they all bowed down in worship.  Jehoshaphat then encouraged the people again in the morning telling them to “put your trust in the Lord your God and you will be established.  Put your trust in His prophets and succeed” (v. 20).  Notice that salvation is from God and is in abundance.

“²²When they began singing and praising, the LORD set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; so they were routed. ²³For the sons of Ammon and Moab rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir destroying them completely; and when they had finished with the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another. ²⁴When Judah came to the lookout of the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude, and behold, they were corpses lying on the ground, and no one had escaped. ²⁵When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take their spoil, they found much among them, including goods, garments and valuable things which they took for themselves, more than they could carry. And they were three days taking the spoil because there was so much.” (v. 22-25)

Their salvation was a deliverance from the enemy, word of it brought faith and hope, it was from the Lord, it was in abundance and they went on rejoicing. 

PROPHECY OF A GREAT SALVATION AND A GREAT SAVIOR

The prophets spoke of a coming day of salvation inspiring hope and perseverance in the people of God.  This is seen in Isaiah 12; a day when “Your anger is turned away, AND You comfort me” (v. 1). 

¹Then you will say on that day, "I will give thanks to You, O LORD; For although You were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, And You comfort me. ²"Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the LORD GOD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation." ³Therefore you will joyously draw water From the springs of salvation. ⁴And in that day you will say, "Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; Make them remember that His name is exalted." ⁵Praise the LORD in song, for He has done excellent things; Let this be known throughout the earth. ⁶Cry aloud and shout for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, For great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.” (Isaiah 12)

Salvation is in a “favorable time” and is not simply a ceasing of harm but also an offering of help and restoration and comfort and compassion.

“⁸Thus says the LORD, "In a favorable time I have answered You, And in a day of salvation I have helped You; And I will keep You and give You for a covenant of the people, To restore the land, to make them inherit the desolate heritages; ⁹Saying to those who are bound, 'Go forth,' To those who are in darkness, 'Show yourselves.' Along the roads they will feed, And their pasture will be on all bare heights. ¹⁰"They will not hunger or thirst, Nor will the scorching heat or sun strike them down; For He who has compassion on them will lead them And will guide them to springs of water. ¹¹"I will make all My mountains a road, And My highways will be raised up. ¹²"Behold, these will come from afar; And lo, these will come from the north and from the west, And these from the land of Sinim." ¹³Shout for joy, O heavens! And rejoice, O earth! Break forth into joyful shouting, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted His people And will have compassion on His afflicted. (Isaiah 49:8-13)

This salvation to come reveals God’s righteousness and is designed to be groped for as it is written, “Preserve justice and do righteousness, for My salvation is about to come and My righteousness to be revealed.  How blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who takes hold of it” (Isaiah 56:1-2; cf. Acts 17:27).   Once again this word of salvation will bring faith.  A salvation declared brings about a salvation desired (Isaiah 62:10-12).  Therefore, they “rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem!  Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation” (Zechariah 9:9).

As Used in the time of Christ

“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21)

REJOICE! SALVATION HAS COME!

The very name of Jesus means “Jehovah is salvation” (Thayer’s Greek Definitions).  The purpose of the coming of Christ is for salvation (John 12:47).  “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him” (John 3:17) and “the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which is lost” (Luke 19:10). 

Therefore, when Jesus was manifested in the flesh men begin to cry out concerning this great salvation, for salvation is in Christ.  Listen to Zacharias’ prophecy:

"⁶⁸Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people, ⁶⁹and has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of David His servant—⁷⁰as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old—⁷¹salvation FROM OUR ENEMIES, And FROM THE HAND OF ALL WHO HATE US; ⁷²to show mercy toward our fathers, And to remember His holy covenant, ⁷³the oath which He swore to Abraham our father, ⁷⁴to grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, ⁷⁵in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days. ⁷⁶"and you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go on BEFORE THE LORD TO PREPARE HIS WAYS; ⁷⁷to give to His people the knowledge of salvation By the forgiveness of their sins, ⁷⁸because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise from on high will visit us, ⁷⁹TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH, to guide our feet into the way of peace." (Luke 1:68-79)

Simeon’s prays to God saying “for my eyes have seen Your salvation” (Luke 2:29-32).  Interestingly enough when Jesus came to stay with Zaccheus, salvation came to as well because he is a son of Abraham (Luke 19:9).  Jesus came from the Jews and the gospel is “for the Jews first and also for the Greeks” and therefore, “Salvation is from the Jews” (John 4:22).

As Used in the New Covenant Scriptures

All the Old Testament Scriptures concerning salvation painted a picture or foreshadowing of the “great salvation” we have in Christ.  This salvation is not from an invading army but the invasion of sin.  Deliverance doesn’t get us out of physical harm but out of condemnation.  The resources are still given in abundance but they are not silver and gold but divine assistance to help us “fight the good fight of faith.”  We are not making a trek in the wilderness in hope for a Promised Land on this world but a better country and a Promised Land in heaven with God and Christ – in the world to come.  This salvation is completely of a spiritual nature and very few if any promises pertain to physical blessings on earth.  This salvation is not dealing specifically with the race of Israel but with the race of man.  The scope has been extremely broadened so that anyone who lives by faith will be saved.  This is seen throughout the New Testament Scriptures, particularly in Romans and Galatians that salvation is for “whosoever will come.” 

SALVATION IS IN CHRIST

Salvation in placed in the name of Christ, “and there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).  Whoever is in the name of Christ will be saved.  God is working this salvation through Jesus and is “bringing many sons to glory” making Jesus the author of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10) through being made perfect through suffering and becoming “to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation” (Hebrews 5:9).  Salvation is placed in Jesus making Him the author and source of it.  This is why Jesus is the awaited Deliverer from Zion (Romans 11:26) and the Savior born in the city of David (Luke 2:11).

Salvation wasn’t just in the person of Jesus but it had to do with what He would accomplish.  As seen in the many Old Testament accounts of salvation, the enemy had to be defeated or done away with.  In this great salvation, Jesus had to do away with sin and the power of sin and the Adversary – the devil, and the wrath of God toward those who are in sin.  This was quite a task and was accomplished by Christ in His death, burial and resurrection and now His mediation.  Everything Jesus accomplished here is given to man when he enters into Christ.  Romans 5:9-10 says, “Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.  For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”  Through His death and blood sacrifice and our faith in it, we were justified or made righteous.  But none of this is possible if Jesus did not resurrect.  For the enemy then was not defeated and there would be no deliverance as it is written, “and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17).  “But now Christ has been raised from the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:20).   Everything about being in Christ is about “life.”  “For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him” (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10).  This all comes with being in Christ.

THE DAY OF CHRIST IS THE DAY OF SALVATION

The New Covenant age is fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy and rightly Paul quoted Isaiah saying, “At the acceptable time I listened to you, and on the day of salvation I helped you.  Behold, now is ‘the acceptable time,’ behold, now is ‘the day of salvation’” (2 Corinthians 6:2).  The message of salvation was sent to the Jews first (Acts 13:26) then the Gentiles (Acts 28:28).  And this salvation is not only available now but inquired about with questions like, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30)

This day was prophesied about in the Scriptures, “for this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away form it.  For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” (Hebrews 2:1-3)  “As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries” (1 Peter 1:10) trying to figure learn the truth of it.  How much more must men today seek God in this day of salvation?

THE WORD OF SALVATION IS STILL EFFECTIVE AND STILL PROMOTING FAITH

Jude made every effort to write to those in Christ “about our common salvation” (Jude 3).  This is because the word of salvation lifts the soul and strengthens faith.  But the word of it would not be found by man’s wisdom but through God’s word.  “For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom  did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21).  This is the word of the cross that is the power of God for salvation to all who believe (1 Corinthians 1:18; Romans 1:16).  Remember that Isaiah prophesied about this day when God’s “righteousness [would] be revealed” (Isaiah 56:1).  Through the preaching of the gospel and through faith in Christ – the righteousness of God is revealed and manifested (Romans 1:17; 3:21).    The word of salvation is the preaching of the gospel.

Consider the power of the gospel: “Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I PREACHED to you, which also you RECEIVED, in which also you STAND, by which also you are SAVED, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:1-2).  Those in Christ have listened to “the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation” (Ephesians 1:13).  This is not a wind of doctrine coming around the corner by the truth of God and His testimony concerning His Son.  Therefore, Timothy was exhorted to “pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:16).  He was also commended for knowing from his childhood the “sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation” (2 Timothy 3:15).  The word of salvation is precious to us and able.  We are to “receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21).  And we “receive the love of the truth so as to be saved” (2 Thessalonians 2:10).  The very word of salvation has saving power as it produces the faith that appropriates the reality of salvation.  For we are “saved by grace through faith” (Ephesians 2:8).

SALVATION IS A PROCESS BEING WORKED OUT BY GOD AND OTHERS

It is tragic how little this salvation is talked about in many places.  Even among those who claim to be enjoying the salvation, there seems to be an unimpressed approach to it.  These people prefer to hear about politics, false doctrines, how to raise children, stay married, grow a big church, and pay the bills but when a man of God announces “so great a salvation” crickets can be heard instead of hearty “amen’s.”  But once we realize what an incredible accomplishment this salvation is, we will prefer the preaching of it every time someone enters the pulpit.

It is not an easy accomplishment, for “it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved” (1 Peter 4:18).  Salvation, as we have already covered is from the Lord.  Jesus was sent for the very purpose of “saving that which is lost” as it is written, “it is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15).  Not only this but God is bringing us to glory through Christ it is His grace that “appeared, bringing salvation to all men.”  The Holy Spirit is present in this salvation and is invaluable for getting us from here to there.  This salvation is “through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:13).  But not only that, myriads of angels are “sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). 

It only makes sense considering all the heavenly personnel involved in the salvation of a man that the man too is involved.  We participate in the process being told to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).  Salvation is in Christ and He is able to “save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).  This does not mean that salvation is by works for it is by the power of God, but we are involved (2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:5).  But we are still in a place of danger until we are with Jesus in heaven.  So for this pilgrimage through the proverbial wilderness, we need divine help.  Thankfully this salvation comes with resources to help us get from here to there, including the armor of God (Ephesians 6:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:8).  This seems like a lot for man to do but remember that this salvation is only possible with God.

“²³And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, "How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!" ²⁴The disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! ²⁵"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." ²⁶They were even more astonished and said to Him, "Then who can be saved?" ²⁷Looking at them, Jesus said, "With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God."  (Mark 10:23-27)

SALVATION IS STILL HOPED FOR

We are not there yet.  Therefore, “awaken from sleep; salvation is nearer to us than when we believed” (Romans 13:11).  We have to press on and persevere.  The word of salvation is vital to strengthen and uplift us to live by faith.  The gospel must be preached in the church! The promises of God must be boldly proclaimed in the church!  The word of salvation must be heard by the church!  We “regard the patience of the Lord as salvation” (2 Peter 3:15) knowing that Jesus “will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly wait Him” (Hebrews 9:28).

“³Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, ⁵who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, ⁷so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; ⁸and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, ⁹obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.”  (1 Peter 1:3-9)