by James Smith, 1863, New Park Street, London
We are at best — a company of poor, lost, and ruined sinners. We have no power to help ourselves — nor will to apply unto another. But Jehovah has revealed himself as "The God of Salvation." His wisdom drew the plan, being prompted by his love. And to eternal love and infinite wisdom — we are indebted for that glorious scheme, which brings glory to God — and salvation to man.
"The Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world." God appeared in human nature — to save his people from their sins. He labored, and suffered, and died, the just for the unjust — to bring us to God with honor, and to Heaven with certainty.
"He was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification." He has . . .
made an infinite atonement;
completely paid his people's debt;
blotted out the handwriting that was against them;
overcome the world;
spoiled principalities and powers;
opened the way into the holiest by his blood;
procured the Holy Spirit to be the quickener, sanctifier, and teacher of his church;
and ascended to Heaven, to plead their cause and silence their accusers!
The Holy Spirit comes in the name of Jesus, to honor his work by calling his people "out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Under his quickening — they live;
by his teaching — they become wise unto salvation;
through his operations — they are washed, sanctified, and justified.
He makes them his temples — and fits them to be the dwelling place of the Father and the Son. He . . .
exalts Christ before them,
honors Christ in them, and
endears Christ unto them! "Unto you therefore who believe — he is precious!"
Thus the Father draws the plan of salvation,
the Son executes it, and
the Holy Spirit applies it.
The Father chooses his people,
the Son dies for their redemption,
and the Spirit sanctifies and fits them for Heaven.
The Father gives them to his Son,
the Son ransoms them at an infinite price, and
the Holy Spirit claims them as personal property.
The Father employs his wisdom,
the Son sheds his blood, and
the Holy Spirit exerts his power.
The Father draws them,
the Son receives them, and
the Holy Spirit leads them into truth.
Thus the whole Godhead is manifested, and each glorious person appears interested and active in our salvation. The work of salvation is wholly of God. It is entirely of free and sovereign grace — a favor shown us without desert or deservings.
So also, our many deliverances as we travel through this 'wilderness' — are of the Lord. He delivers us . . .
from guilt,
from fear,
from Satan,
from the world, and
from the power of sin!
"The salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble." "He shall deliver you in six troubles: yes, in seven there shall no evil touch you." "He will save."
His eye is upon us for good,
his heart beats towards us with love, and
his hand is stretched out to help, relieve and befriend us!
He is "The God of Salvation." He saves by his wisdom, his power, his providence, and his graces.
For we are saved . . .
from despondency and despair — by hope;
from the world and the shafts of Satan — by faith;
from indifference and carnal security — by love.
"Salvation is of the Lord!" Jonah 2:9
He is the author, worker, applier, and end of Salvation!
"Look unto me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other!" Lost sinner . . .
you are lost and ruined by sin;
you are led captive by the Devil at his will;
you are in imminent peril.
But help is laid on JESUS who is "MIGHTY TO SAVE!" He has sent to you the word of salvation, "That whoever believes in him should not perish — but have eternal life." "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast!" Salvation is a favor which God confers on the unworthy, and is a favor he never denied to anyone who ever sought it at his throne. If you wish to be saved, and are willing to be saved by grace — he says, "Ask — and it shall be given you; seek — and you shall find; knock — and it shall be opened unto you! For every one who asks — receives; and he who seeks — finds; and to him who knocks — it shall be opened!"
When Jesus' glorious name I hear,
My peace and joys abound;
Freedom from guilt and slavish fear,
Flows from the blissful sound!
Salvation from wrath of God,
From Satan, sin, and death;
Salvation through his precious blood,
By grace through living faith!
How vast the benefits divine,
Which I in Christ possess,
He makes his grace and glory mine,
And calls to holiness!
'Tis not for works which I have done,
Or shall hereafter do,
But he of his abounding love
Salvation does bestow!