A Glorious Salvation

1 Peter 1:10–12 NKJV

Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.

A widow prepares to die. She has lived for many years without her loved ones. Struggling each day, she has somehow made it to the end. But, what now? What awaits on the other side of deaths door. Has her faith been in vain? Is there life beyond the grave or will this be her end? Her children, grandchildren, and dear friends are gathered round her as she closes her eyes in faith, says a small prayer, and drifts out into eternity.

A young boy, innocent with a heart of gold. He did not choose the life He was born into. However, it is the only life He has known. Someone told Him that Jesus loves Him, words he had never heard before. He doesn’t understand love, but He knows that this is what he wants. His parents fight, yell, and abuse him. They aren’t bad people, but he never knows what might happen when they take their “Special medicine.” One night, his parents are extremely out of sorts as the drugs have gripped their minds. In a fit of rage they began to act as they never have before. The little boy closes his eyes and prays to God. He prays for peace, for the screaming to cease, and for God hold his hand. As the young man hides with his eyes shut in prayer, the hammer strikes, the gun fires, and the young boy drifts out into eternity.

This is the dream I arose from

Is it real?

Is the faith of the young and old in vain?

Does life end with the grave or is there something more, something better?

I. The prophets predicted.

They prophesied of things they did not understand.

They spoke it because they believed even though it was a concept beyond their field of knowledge.

Matthew 13:17 NKJV

for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

They sought to understand the Grace of God.

A. The suffering Savior.

Genesis 3:15 NKJV

And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”

Isaiah 50:6 NKJV

I gave My back to those who struck Me, And My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting.

Zechariah 12:10 NKJV

“And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.

B. The glory to come.

Of God

Isaiah 9:6 NKJV

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Daniel 7:13–14 NKJV

“I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed.

2. Of His people

Isaiah 51:11 NKJV

So the ransomed of the Lord shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness; Sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Hosea 2:23 NKJV

Then I will sow her for Myself in the earth, And I will have mercy on her who had not obtained mercy; Then I will say to those who were not My people, ‘You are My people!’ And they shall say, ‘You are my God!’ ”

II. The believers broadcast

Matthew 28:1–8 NKJV

Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.

A. Active service

What message are we telling the world?

Is our message pointing them to God? To His church?

I never want to do anything that will hinder God’s church. I pray that the words of mouth

Psalm 19:14 NKJV

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

B. Spirit empowered

Acts 1:8 NKJV

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

III. The angels aspired.

A. The love of God.

B. The redemption of man.

James 1:25 NKJV

But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

Luke 24:12 NKJV

But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened.

Hebrews 2:16 NKJV

For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham.