PSALM 106:8 – Yet He saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make known his mighty power.”
Often in the Christian life, we need a work of “spiritual calibration.” What I mean is the reminder that the Bible begins with “In the beginning God”, not “In the beginning man” (Genesis 1:1) pointing us to remember everything is all about Him. One of the great doxologies in the New Testament provides the clarity of this spiritual calibration – For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen(Romans 11:36). We also found the truth that all things are about the Lord in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Colossians: For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together(Colossians 1:16-17).
As we think on these truths, we are quick to acknowledge all things really do exist by God and for God, but in our thinking, are we as quick to acknowledge even our salvation is all about the Lord? Obviously, salvation is applied to human beings. God sent His Son, the Lord Jesus, for sinners, to save sinners, to form a forever family (1 Timothy 1:15). Yet, a proper understanding of salvation must go through the filter of the most important verse in the Bible; the one we already referred to – In the beginning, God(Genesis1:1). If we do not see everything in life and eternity, including our salvation, about the Lord, we will build a false concept of God. He will subtly become our servant existing for our happiness, to answer our prayers, make our lives good, and then give us heaven after the life ends. And should salvation be viewed primarily about us; our forgiveness, our deliverance from hell, we will fail to grasp the ultimate purpose of salvation and when that is lost, so will be the joy of our salvation.
Today’s scripture defines who salvation is all about – Yet He saved them for His name’s sake– God, His name’s sake. To get a better understanding of this profound truth that will take us to a place of praise and worship, read Ephesians 1:3-14.In the Ephesian passage, the greatest chapter in the Bible detailing all the rich spiritual blessings in our salvation, ponder what is said in verses 6, 12, and 14. I won’t share so as you will search for them yourselves .In those verses are the ultimate purposes behind our salvation. As you read them, who is the figure getting the attention in our salvation? It isn’t the one being saved.
So, as we live out the Christian life, working out our salvation, let’s not forget everything is about the Lord, even our salvation. From start to finish, creation to new birth, the Lord is on center stage–now and forever!
PRAYER: “Father, help me live to draw attention to You, even my salvation, and not upon myself.”
QUOTE: “We are the recipients of salvation but ultimately it is about the display of God’s love and grace.”
Because of Him,
Pastor Jim