237. MAT 16:25. THE WAY OF SALVATION
Mat_16:25. The Way of Salvation
PART II
Act_16:17.
Having considered salvation in its divine origin, and sacrificial medium, let us now consider it,
III. As the Subject of Revelation.
God has not only devised and brought salvation to our world, but he has also revealed it in his holy word.
And this revelation is,
1. Clear and full.
It is not made known to us in the doubtful language of the ancient oracles, but in statements of the most clear and express character. Yes, every thing relating to salvation is so plainly and fully revealed, that none need err in the pathway to eternal glory. Read over the inimitably beautiful and simple discourses of Christ.
This revelation,
2. Is free and abundant.
The gospel is full of gracious truth and heavenly promises. It resembles a mighty overflowing stream passing through the dreary sterile desert. It makes known a rich and heavenly banquet, a feast of fat things, and freely invites the poor and starving to come, and to eat and drink without money and without price.
This revelation,
3. Is universal.
The gospel reveals and publishes a salvation to all the world, yea, to every creature. It proclaims an amnesty of pardon to every sinner, and peace and good will to every child of man. There is no restriction nor limitation in the gospel. It is tidings of great joy to all people.
Let us consider the way of salvation,
IV. In its personal Application.
As such, we observe,
1. It is only realized by faith.
While its provisions are universal and free to the whole world, yet faith is indispensable to a personal enjoyment of its blessings. Hence men are invited to repent and believe the gospel. Faith is that act of the mind by which its truths are implicitly credited, and its saving benefits cordially received. Unbelief puts away the overtures of divine love, and treats with contempt the exhibition of grace and mercy as exhibited in the cross of Christ.
In the personal realization of salvation, there is,
2. The entire removal of guilt and condemnation.
The voice of the gospel addresses the believing sinner: "Thy sins are forgiven thee, go in peace, and sin no more." It frees the mind from the painful consciousness of guilt, and condemnation is entirely removed. Sins are blotted out as a cloud and iniquities as a thick cloud. "Justified freely from all things," &c.
There is,
3. The renovation of the heart by purifying grace.
Salvation not only changes the state, but also sanctifies the nature. Old things pass away, and all things become new. Heart washed from its defilement, love of sin, and the power of sin destroyed.
There is,
4. The communication of spiritual peace and felicity.
Mind serene, conscience in a state of holy peace. The heart full of the love of God, and the soul overflowing with joy unspeakable and full of glory.
Let us notice the way of salvation,
V. In its glorious Consummation.
That consummation will be one of,
1. Perfected purity.
Holiness without spot or blemish, or any such thing. Garments perfectly white. The entire image of God possessed.
It will be a consummation,
2. Of exalted glory.
The wise will inherit glory, a glorious crown, glorious society, and a glorious throne. Will be kings and priests unto God and the Lamb forever.
It will be a consummation.
3. Of interminable blessedness.
Fulness of joy, and pleasures for evermore. There is a cessation of all toil, and labor, and sorrow; and the possession of rivers of joy, the tree of life, &c.
Consummated salvation includes,
4. The glorification of body and soul forever.
The body is redeemed, and destined to a resurrection of beauty and immortal youth. Body and soul united in a glorified state are to enjoy the blessedness of eternal life together. Such is the salvation of the grace of God, and such are the declarations concerning it in the oracles of inspired and eternal truth.
Application
1. Has the subject of salvation occupied our attention? Do we understand it, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures?
2. Have we experienced its influences on our own souls? Are we the experimental recipients of its blessings?
3. Let us each endeavor, in our respective spheres, to show those around us "the way of salvation."
Autor: JABEZ BURNS