The “Why” of Salvation - Part I
Isaiah
43:14-21
For
the next three weeks, our task will be to help us better understand the
magnitude of this great salvation we enjoy. The average man’s concept of
salvation has been so radically reduced to human standards that the glory of
this supernatural event is often hidden in the fog of finite ignorance.
God
did not have to save man. God was not desperate to have man upon whom He could
direct His love. God is not dependent upon man in any way to bring about his
salvation. Salvation was designed and delivered by God. He comes to us with the
offer of redemption. Salvation is of Him, from Him and ultimately, will bring
glory to Him.
Before
we look into this marvel, we must begin with an acknowledgement that we are born
flawed with egocentricity. It is a shadow that casts itself on most of what we
do. To shed its influence is a lifelong process.
Not
long ago, someone called me in a time of trouble. This person was not
necessarily the most deserving person of my assistance. They had spent an
extraordinarily amount of time and energy attempting to hurt me. The last time
I had heard from them, I was informed that they would never bother me again.
Now, with their back against the wall of adversity and being bankrupt of friendships,
my phone number popped up in their speed dial as their only hope.
When
the call came, I was visiting with a close friend. He said, “You’re not going to respond, are
you?” My response was that Jesus would. I do not deserve the salvation that I
richly enjoy. God did not save me because I deserve it. He saved me in spite of
the fact that I clearly do not deserve it. His love for me is greater than my
love for Him or for any other.
On
my way to help this person in distress, a frightening thought shot through my
mind and infringed upon my self-glorification. I thought, “If I come to their
aid, then they will stop pestering me with their appeals.” My perfection was
suddenly dented by reality. With my best intentions out there on my sleeve, I
realized that my goodness might not be as pure as I thought. I was then
reminded, as I dug into and pondered my innermost motivations, that God’s love
for me, the most unlovable one, was His only motivation for my redemption. I am
saved because Jesus loves me. There is no other explanation.
Today,
as we take our first of three steps toward a better understanding of God’s
salvation, we begin with a mixture of His motive and wisdom. He loves us
because He does, and we are going to have to pretty much stop right there. His
love in infinite; we are finite. We are called to be recipients of His love,
not comprehenders. Likewise, when it comes to the
marvel of the way that He does things, all we can say is that His ways are not
our ways. His ways are much better ways.
The “Why” of Salvation - Part I
Isaiah 43:14-21
1. Salvation results from God’s wisdom and love
and provides slavery
2. Salvation results from God’s wisdom and love
and provides reminders
Salvation results from God’s wisdom and love and provides
a motivation
4. Salvation results from God’s wisdom and love
and provides a solution
5. Salvation results from God’s wisdom and love
and provides a rationale
6. Salvation results from God’s wisdom and love
and provides enablement
7. Salvation results from God’s wisdom and love
and provides eternal