A THRILL of deep and unspeakable delight passed through my soul when first I knew that I was saved — that I could look on judgment on account of sin, and the burning “Lake of fire,” and exclusion forever from the blessed circle of God’s favor, as matters with which I had nothing to do. Heaven, with its glad-sounding notes of welcome, its circumstances of divine and eternal joy, and the blissful presence of God and the Lamb, was now my sure and inalienable portion. Hell, the abode of the damned, the place of retribution, the witness of “eternal judgment,” the doom of the devil and his angels, was escaped by my soul, and that forever. I say a spring of wondrous, yet suited ecstasy, rose within me when first I understood and apprehended the story of redeeming love.
No wonder the Gospel is so called. No marvel that it means “glad tidings,” or that the dear old story is always new!
It speaks of a God so rich in mercy, and so great in love, that when He found man ruined and undone, fitted by his own sins for destruction, and treading the “broad road” that surely leadeth thereto― spared not His own and only Son — His well-beloved, who had ever dwelt in His bosom, as a Son with the Father, but gave Him up, so that He, in the value of the work which could be accomplished by Him alone, and in the dignity of his person as “God manifest in the flesh,” might take the place of the sinner’s Friend and Substitute, and lay a foundation, by His blood, for the unhindered outflow of mercy to the very chief of sinners; and not only so, but that salvation in all its deep and illimitable import should be the present and eternal and conscious possession of the man — Jew or Gentile — rich or poor — sage or savage — formalist or fallen — pharisee or publican, who, through mercy, believes on that beloved Son, and accepts the substitution made by Him as the only ground of security. Such is some of the good news contained in that old old story — and the joy of it gladdens the heart, ever and again, of him who is the blest recipient of it. Now I say this present and eternal salvation is the conscious possession of the believer. He knows that he is saved. He is certified of this precious fact by that same old story. The Gospel makes it known to him. This knowledge of salvation does not consist in his feelings, his holiness, his attainments, for even in his faith. True, it is made good to him on the principle of faith by the Spirit of God, yet the work of his salvation was performed outside of all those things, on the Cross of Christ — and the channel of information is the Gospel. Thus, “he that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life”— John 3:3636He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36). Again, “these things have I written unto you who believe on the name of the Son of God that ye may know (it does not say ‘feel,’) that ye have eternal life,” 1 John 5:1313These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:13). Hence, taking the word of God as it stands, without question, doubt or fear, he is in conscious possession of salvation.
“Stop a moment,” says someone,” we are told, he that endureth to the end shall be saved’ “Matthew 24:1313But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (Matthew 24:13). True, but look at the context! In three verses further on it says, “let them which he in. Judea flee into the mountains.” This, therefore, has an exceedingly local and limited application, and has reference to the Jewish nation in its affliction. But again “we are saved by hope” Rom. 8, and also, “now is our salvation nearer than when we believed” Romans 13. What of these? Is not salvation future — surely it is, when, as in chapter 8, the still unredeemed body is in question, “we wait for the adoption, to wit the redemption of the body,” or when the final and ultimate completion of our faith is made good, when body and soul shall He delivered from each earthly power, and our absolute and full redemption shall have been made good. I may say that in Romans salvation, intending that of both body and soul, is viewed as future — albeit the believer is justified, is beyond condemnation and at peace, with God.
But again, must we not “work out our own salvation” Phil. 2. Surely! but working out and working for are widely different, and it is because these Philippian believers could be addressed as saints, being saved already, that they were therefore enjoined to give evidence by holiness and obedience that they were indeed the “sons of God.” But suffer me to quote a few clear passages showing us that salvation is the present portion of the believer.
“Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.”
“Of His own will begat He us.” Ja. 1:15.
Overwhelming is the Scriptural evidence to the fact that salvation is the present portion of the Saint. It is likewise eternal — for “when Christ who is our life shall appear then shall we also appear with Him in glory.” Colossians 3:44When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:4). Or again “my sheep shall never perish” and “none shall pluck them out of my hand.” John 10. Christ is the solid rock on which the house is founded, and, as He says, it shall stand.
Dear reader, if, through grace, you are a believer, let me assure von that salvation is yours, and that forever, by the authority of the faithful Word of God.
And I would therefore urge you to “rejoice in the Lord,” and from your place of divine security in Christ go forth to manifest Him in your ways on earth. If you are not saved by your holiness, you are surely saved to be holy. If your works could never make you a child of God, you are called on to work because you are one. Thus it is that “life and incorruption are brought to light by the Gospel.” What may have been dimly foreshadowed in the Old Testament, is now fully revealed, as the precious result of the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross, and His resurrection and ascension to God’s right hand.
And, blessed be God, this salvation is free. “Unto you is the word of this salvation sent.” Beloved reader, does it not meet your need? Then I pray you accept it and spend your henceforth in the joyous service of such a Friend and Saviour.
J. W. S.