Salvation Is of God
Salvation is a plan, a cure, which has for its object the restoration of man from the power of sin and the effects of the fall. Now any project should command attention and confidence in proportion to the greatness of its author. Who has conceived and devised the plan of Salvation? It is written: “Salvation belongeth unto the Lord.” (Psalm 3:8) He is the sole originator and proprietor of this most stupendous undertaking and marvelous business that has ever been opened upon earth. Therefore, “The salvation of the righteous is of the Lord.” (Psalm 37:39) And thus hath Jehovah spoken to His anointed: “I will also give thee for a light unto the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 49:6) Here we learn that the Son of God is the only authorized mediator and embodiment of God’s salvation. To Him, therefore, every human being must either apply and be saved; or, if refusing or neglecting to do so, in the day of judgment stand condemned “Of sin, because they believe not on me.” (John 16:9) “Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation.” (Psalm 78:22) When, therefore, good old Simeon saw the infant Redeemer, he embraced Him saying, “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation.” (Luke 2:29-30) Salvation belongeth unto God, and Jesus Christ is His salvation. Bless His dear name! No person can ignore the Son and be saved by the Father, nor despise the Father without rejecting the Son (Luke 10:6). Let it be distinctly understood that God has so arranged the plan of redemption that no man or set of men can monopolize, control, or get a patent upon it. God has offered a free salvation to all the world, and it is impossible for the most crafty to convert it into a means of speculation. It is true there are money-run religions many, and hirelings many. But the “hireling [is] not the shepherd” (John 10:12); not sent of God: and the money-making religions are frauds. Salvation is “without money and without price” (Isaiah 55:1); therefore, whosoever would set a price upon it, proves he is not in possession of the article himself, and has but a counterfeit to offer. Every man on earth can come directly to the Author of salvation through Jesus Christ, and be saved independent of all men or angels.
Dear reader, be sure that you get the genuine article, the salvation that really saves. Remember there is only one firm in control of the business. Only one name under heaven whereby ye must be saved (Acts 4:12). All modern organizations are frauds. Though they offer you cheap terms, a broad road, and a flesh-pleasing policy, there is death in the end. Be sure and get your salvation direct from God through His Son. See that your ticket for heaven has upon it the seal of the living God. If you have religion and yet a sinner, you have been badly taken in. You have dealt with the wrong firm. For your soul’s sake cast away your religion, and seek God’s salvation. Thus call upon Him: “O visit me with thy salvation!” (Psalm 106:4) “Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation.” (Psalm 85:7)
Stop your ears to every other offer, and be satisfied with nothing short of God’s true and only salvation.
If you have a religion which has not “raised [you] up together, and made [you] sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” (Ephesians 2:6) you have not found God’s salvation, and you are yet on too low a plane to enter heaven. You should come to Him with this earnest prayer, “Let thy salvation, O God, set me up on high.” (Psalm 69:29)
If you have not had a salvation that lasts all the year round with uninterrupted peace and victory in your soul, God says to you, “My salvation shall be for ever.” (Isaiah 51:6)
If the darts of the wicked one and the powers of hell oppress and overcome your soul, for Christ’s sake do not think you must remain in that wretched condition. Acquaint yourself with God, and get an experience where you can joyfully say to Him, “Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.” (Psalm 18:35)
If your heart is not joyful, but gloomy, you have not been blessed with the salvation of the Lord. Seek Him with all your heart; then shall ye break forth in praise to God, saying, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” (Isaiah 25:9) Yea, “In thy salvation how greatly shall [we] rejoice!” (Psalm 21:1) Thank God for His perfect salvation! Reader, are you really in possession of it?