The Spectrum of Salvation
Philadelphia Baptist Church
8/19/2007 Sun. a.m.
The Spectrum of Salvation
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
| Our Great Savior There’s a little song we sometimes sing here: “Jesus, name above all names, Beautiful Savior, wonderful Lord.…” That song was written by a middle-aged woman from New Zealand named Naida Hearn who had been studying the subject of the names of Jesus in the Bible. One day she wrote out some of the names on a piece of paper, and she happened to take that paper out to the washhouse so she could mull over it while washing her clothes. Like many New Zealanders, she had a washhouse behind the regular living quarters of her home. Well, while she was washing her clothes, she became aware of the Lord’s presence in that washhouse with her, and she began to sing the words, “Jesus, name above all names,” and pretty soon she had composed the whole little song right there in that washhouse. She thought to herself, “Well, I’ll write it down,” and she went to the piano and wrote it out. After finishing, she said, “Lord, is that okay? Is that all right like that?” Sensing the Lord’s approval, she went back to her washing, unaware that she had just written a little song that would one day be sung around the world. He is Jesus, name above all names, beautiful Savior, wonderful Lord, Immanuel, God is with us. Even in the washhouse, even in the garage, even in the kitchen, even on the basketball court—we do not have a God who is merely above us; we have a God who is among us and His name is above all names. The Word became flesh and has pitched His tent among us. |
Introduction: The spectrum of salvation includes justification (declared righteous), sanctification, separation, and glorification. The salvation conveyed in the Scriptures delivers individuals from their past sins, the power of sin and eventually one day from the very presence of sin. The spectrum of salvation includes the following truths:
1. Salvation’s Decision. Salvation commences with a decision. People are not saved by chance but by choice. Every individual must make an intelligent and deliberate choice to be saved. The basis of one’s choice is the composition of the Sovereign. The palmist declares that the entrance of the Word of God gives light. The Psalmist concludes, “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb 11Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.” (Ps. 19:7–11).
The genuine choice to be saved begins with the proper concept of one’s self (Eph. 2:1-10; Rom. 3:10-17; 23). It continues with a burden of sin—a consciousness of sin, followed by a brokenness—a confession of sin, followed by a beseeching—calling on the Savior and concludes with a behavior—the conduct that evidences salvation. Life is made up of choices. Salvation comes as a result of the proper choice rather than by chance.
2. Salvation’s Deliverance. Salvation delivers one from death (Eph. 2:1, 2; John 5:24;), darkness (John 3:19–21; 1 John 1:6–7), dominion (Rom. 6:1-10), disposition (John 3:19–21; Acts 9; Gal. 1), deeds (1 Pet. 4:3, 4; Eph. 2:1–3; Titus 3:3–8; 1 Thess. 1:9;).
3. Salvation’s Difference. Salvation makes a difference in the lives of those who experience it. It is like passing from death to life, from darkness to light. Salvation results in a changed life (1 Thess. 1:3; 2 Cor. 5:17). Those who are born of God believe Jesus is the Messiah (1 John 2:1-6), doth not commit sin (1 John 3:4-6), doeth righteous (1 John 2:29; 3:10), love the brethren (1 John 2:3), overcomes the world (1 John 5:5; James 1:27–28) and keep themselves from the wicked one (1 John 5:18). Salvation also changes one’s love toward the Savior, the saint, the sinner and the Lord’s service (1 Thess. 1:3, 9, 10). Salvation causes one to look for the comforting, cleansing and compelling hope—the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thess. 1:10). Salvation conforms one to the likeness of Christ (Gal. 4:19; Col. 3:10; 2 Pet. 3:17–18; 2 Pet. 1:5–11). Salvation brings liberty in the place of slavery (Rom. 6; Gal. 5; Rom. 14:1–12). Salvation results in loyalty (2 Tim. 1:12; Eph. 6:13).
4. Salvation’s Demands. As Christians we are required to glorify God, give our bodies to the Lord, guard our minds, members, motives, morals and means, grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ, glow as lights in this darkened world and go with the gospel.
5. Salvation’s Discernment. Christians need to discern the times (days), the temptations (dangers), the truth (doctrine), the teachers (disciples), and the testing (discipline).
6. Salvation’s Dividends. Salvation results in honest living (Acts 6:3), hopeful living (1 Thess. 1:3), holy living (1 Pet. 1:15–16), happy living (John 13:17), helpful living (Rom. 16:3; 2 Cor. 1:11, 24), humble living (Phil. 4; 1 Pet. 5:5–6; James 4:6), and hallowed living.
7. Salvation’s Dangers. The Christians faces at least three dangers: complacency—unconcern (1 Cor. 9:27), compromise—unfaithfulness (Matt. 24; 2 Tim. 3), and contempt—unbelief (2 Thess. 2; 1 Tim. 4).
Conclusion: People are not saved by chance but by choice. They must choose to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Have you accepted Christ?
Colossians 3:12–14
INTRODUCTION: Most of us would never dream of going out of the house without any attention to what we put on. Paul reminds us to pay attention to what we put on, not physically, but spiritually.
1. Recognize That You Are God’s Beloved and Holy People (v. 12). As God’s people, Paul says to:
A. Clothe Yourselves with Compassion.
B. Clothe Yourselves with Kindness.
C. Clothe Yourselves with Humility.
D. Clothe Yourselves with Gentleness.
E. Clothe Yourselves with Patience.
2. Recognize the Lord’s Forgiveness (v. 13). We must offer one another the same grace given to us. Specifically, Paul instructs us to:
A. Bear with Each Other.
B. Forgive Grievances Against Each Other.
3. Above All, Put on Love (v. 14). Paul teaches us that love binds together all the virtues of these verses in perfect unity.
CONCLUSION: God has called you as His people, and He wants you to dress the part: not in a physical sense, but what matters more to Him is that you dress yourselves with godly virtues, especially love.