Matthew 1:18-25
Salvation simply means an act of saving – preservation from destruction, danger or great calamity. Appropriately in theology, the redemption of man from the bondage of sin and liability to eternal death, and the conferring on man everlasting joy in the presence of the Almighty God. This is the great salvation – Webster.
In the leading passage, we can conclude that salvation is God’s idea and one can assume that it is because of His love and purpose for mankind. Salvation had to be a gift because the fallen man of sin would have no means of saving his own life from the damnation of eternal judgement.
- John 3:16-17 – God knew that further condemnation and judgement would not fulfil His eternal purpose for mankind. In His infinite mercy, He made a way of escape for the fallen man. There is a lesson to learn here if we are to build God-glorifying relationships.
- Romans 5:12-20 – By the offense committed by the first man and his wife, the first human family faulted their relationship with God and the correction required had to come from one Man’s obedience through which many would be made righteous.
- Isaiah 1:11-20 – It got to the stage that the sacrifice of animals as a sacrifice for sin was no longer pleasing to God because the man offering the sacrifice had been damaged with wrong doings and nothing offered could come with righteousness and lasting intentions. It is only the Holy and Righteous God that can give a righteous and lasting sacrifice. God did this by sending His Son to die for the sins of humanity.
- Romans 5:6-11 – God through His love stepped in to present a righteous and lasting sacrifice for the salvation of mankind through the sacrifice of His Son and offered eternal reconciliation if we believe in Jesus Christ and surrender our lives to Him. To believe in Jesus Christ is to follow His examples and way of life.
God’s love for mankind is spelt out in His gift of salvation through Christ, He reconciled those who received Jesus Christ as Lord & Saviour as His children because they believe in His name – John 1:12.
Discussion:
- List at least 3 involvements of the Holy Spirit in Salvation – Matthew 1:18, 20 | John 16:8-14 | Romans 8:14-16.
- What is the work of Salvation and how can a person remain consistent in this walk? – Philippians 2:12.
- Is there anything like once saved forever saved? If you lean towards a ‘Yes’ or a ‘No’ – please give your reasons. Read Romans 6:5-11.
- Regarding sin, what is the ministry of the Holy Spirit and what does the Holy Spirit do in the face of persistent sin? John 16:8-9, 13-14 | Psalm 51:10-11 | 1 Thessalonians 5:19.
Prayer