Daily Tonic || The Saving Hand Of God

Text- Isaiah 59:1- “Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save…”

In the last few days of January, we talked about the triggers of life, and I mentioned to you that there are three factors that induce the different experiences people have in life – Time, Chance and Hand. The Hand of God,according to the Bible, is multifaceted in function; one of its functions is called

“The Saving Hand of God”.

The Bible sometimes uses the word “save” to indicate deliverance from sin or rescue from danger or destruction. Today, we will focus on salvation from sin, and tomorrow we will talk about salvation from danger and destruction.

DELIVERANCE FROM SIN

“She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you will name him Jesus—‘God saves’—because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

When it comes to the subject of salvation from sin, there are generally five categories of people, represented by five possible responses when asked the question, “Are you saved?”

1. It does not really matter [It really really matters!]

Whether we like it or not, eternity revolves around the subject of salvation. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16)

2. I am not saved [Don’t remain unsaved, your eternity depends on it]

One of the easiest things to become on earth is to become saved! Acts 16: 30-31,“Then he brought them out and said, "Sirs, v what must I do to be w saved?" And they said, x "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Romans 10: 9, “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved”… It’s that simple and easy!

3. I think I am saved [Don’t just think, that’s risky! Make sure]

No woman assumes that she’s pregnant; she goes for a test to confirm! If pregnancy is that serious, salvation is much more serious… Don’t assume, make sure! Have you confessed Jesus as the Lord of your life? (Romans 10:9) Do you keep His word and walk in His ways? (1John 2; 3-6) Do you love truth? (2Thes.2:10) Do you walk in love? (1John 4:7)… If you can answer affirmatively to all of these, you are saved.

4. I am saved but I often don’t feel saved [Salvation is not a feeling]

It is crystal clear from the Bible that God did not intend assurance of salvation for the Christian to be a matter of "feeling". Married people don’t wake up every day feeling “married”, and in the same way you may not ‘feel’ super-duper spiritual, holy and saved every day. However, you know you’re saved by the word of God (John 6:37), the work of Christ (Rom. 5: 8-9, Phil. 2:13), and the witness of the Spirit (Rom. 8:16).

5. I know I am saved [This is where everyone should come to]

Hear what the writer of Hebrews says, “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; If we give up and turn our backs on all we’ve learned, all we’ve been given, all the truth we now know, we repudiate Christ’s sacrifice and are left on our own to face the Judgment—and a mighty fierce judgment it will be!... God has warned us that he’ll hold us to account and make us pay. He was quite explicit: “Vengeance is mine, and I won’t overlook a thing”and “God will judge his people.”

PRAYERS

1.Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth.

2. Lord, give me an undivided heart so that I will be wholeheartedly

committed to you.

3. Lord, help me to grow in love… to truly love you with all my heart, and to love my neighbor as myself

Image Credit: beliefnet.com

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