"So Great Salvation"

    "If when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life… He is able to save them to the uttermost who come to God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Romans 5:10; Hebrews 7:25).

    The Apostle Paul employs a bit of sanctified logic in order to encourage believers regarding their relationship with God.  Paul's argument suggests the simple truth that the Lord began our redemption when we were foes.  Does He not presently continue it in exponentially expanded measure now that we are family?  Moreover, the writer of Hebrews confirms such grace by His declaration that the Son of God "ever liveth" to intercede to a willing Father on our behalf.  Little wonder that Hebrews also proclaims the "so great salvation" of the Lord Jesus who originates and perpetuates the Divine work of grace in the hearts of all who believe (Hebrews 2:3).  This leads us back to the Apostle, who exulted, "He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6).  "So great salvation…"

    No truth more encourages us to continue walking with our Lord in times of faithfulness.  Moreover, no truth more inspires and challenges us to arise in times of unfaithfulness to avail ourselves of the benefits of our Savior's ongoing intercession.  On brightly lit summits and in dark pits, the Lord Jesus supplies the motivation and enabling that fosters faith and faithfulness.  We are "saved by His life," that is, the Spirit of Christ lives in us to empower obedience.  Christ also lives at the right hand of His Father in the heavenliness to seek Divine favor on our behalf, including forgiveness in times of disobedience.  The Holy Spirit bears witness to such grace by the Word He inspired, calling believers to "look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2).  Thus, we may continue to walk if we are walking, and we may arise to walk again if we have fallen.  "So great salvation…"

    Such blessed truth blesses us with the gift of no despair regarding our walk with the Lord.  However, it also challenges us with no excuses.  No justification whatsoever exists for born again believers to fail to live in consistent faithfulness to God.  The power of the Holy Spirit resides within us for obedience, the same power that raised the Lord Jesus from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-20).  The intercession of the Lord Jesus makes possible quick restoration on occasions of disobedience.  Through Christ, we are family.  We are sons and daughters for whom God has made complete provision for every contingency.  Reconciled by His death… saved by His life.  "So great salvation…"

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."

(Romans 5:1-2)

Weekly Memory Verse

    Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work."

(II Thessalonians 2:16-17)