Week 1: January 1, 2017
Topic: The Salvation of God – Part 1
Bible Reading: Isaiah 61: 1-3
Introduction
Since the beginning of time man has fallen into sin, we dine and wine in iniquity to the extent that the scripture stated that “Behold I was brought forth in iniquity and in sin my mother conceived me” Psalm 51: 5. Since we are all sinners and death is the wages of sin but the gifts of God are Salvation and eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord Romans 6: 23.
Why not choose Salvation? Because if anyone dies without Salvation they cannot enter the Kingdom of God but such people will have their portion in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone which is the second death Revelation 21: 8. If you don't want to spend your eternity in hell, then obtain Salvation quickly.
Since hell and the Kingdom of God is real, and the word of the Lord confirmed that nothing sinful or evil together with anyone who practices idolatry and dishonesty will be allowed access to the Kingdom of God which is New Jerusalem the City of our Lord Revelation 21: 27. The only way to be granted Salvation is through Jesus Christ our Lord, it was written that “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” John 14: 6. Therefore you need Jesus Christ to grant you Salvation needed to be admitted into the glorious Home.
Brothers and sisters it is a necessity to have the Salvation of God in your life, most especially during this New Year, so that it shall be well with you and succeed in all your undertakings.
Seek and find the Salvation of God today because now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of Salvation 2 Corinthians 6: 2. Today is your day of Salvation, therefore do not delay/postpone your Salvation.
What is Salvation
Salvation is the act of deliverance from sins and its consequences which is made possible through our faith in Jesus Christ the Son of God. After, we must have abstain from sin, refrain from evil, and abandon Satan together with his works Ephesians 2: 8..
Salvation is also the longsuffering of our Lord. We must know that the long waiting of our Lord is part of His plan to save men from the punishment of sin 2 Peter 3: 15. Our Lord's patience has given us enough time to be saved, therefore change today.
What can you do to be saved? A man asked Paul and Silas the same question that “What must I do to be saved?” The reply given to him was “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, then you and your household will be saved” Acts 16: 30-31.
Steps to Obtain Salvation
The following are the spiritual processes of obtaining the Salvation of God:
· Keep all the commandments of the Lord. Exodus 20: 2-17
· Keep the two most important commandments. Matthew 22: 37-40
· Abstain from sin, refrain from evil and abandon Satan together with his works. James 1: 21
· Confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead Romans 10: 9.
Types of Salvation
There are two types of Salvation namely physical Salvation and spiritual Salvation.
Physical Salvation: This is the Salvation that people can see with their natural eyes and speak about it. This happens whenever people are rescued from their enemies or when they are delivered from the problems that are plaguing their lives.
It is for this reason that it is written in the Bible that “... My righteousness will be forever, and My Salvation from generation to generation” Isaiah 51: 8. People will continue to witness the salvation of God and talk about His wonderful power from one generation to another because they will have evidence/proof.
Spiritual Salvation: Spiritual Salvation is the Salvation of our souls. When people are rescue from death unto life by the saving power of the Lord. Anyone that is granted spiritual Salvation will not partake in the second death, but have eternal life.
It is for this reason that it is written in the Bible that “... My Salvation will be forever and My righteousness will not be abolished” Isaiah 51: 6. This will happen after death when our bodies will be transformed. We will be given access to the Kingdom of God to live there forever.
Week 2: January 8, 2017
Topic: The Salvation of God – Part 2
Bible Reading: Isaiah 61: 1-3
The study shall continue by discussing the value placed upon salvation by human being. Though salvation worth’s a lot to mankind, most especially anyone who falls into the following categories:
· People in distress due to their financial situation.
· People that are being afflicted by sickness which Satan is using to siphon their resources.
· People that are being made to serve with rigor by unjust authority/government which is causing hardship and bitterness in their lives.
· People that are facing ill-treatment because of their gender, colour, race, political affiliation or their religious beliefs.
Majority of the population of the world belong to one or more of these categories therefore, people of nowadays are more concerned about physical salvation than the spiritual salvation. Some people don't even care about where they will spend their eternity as long as they are rescued from adversaries and delivered from their problems.
Salvation Belongs to God
It is only God who can give you salvation because genuine salvation comes from God alone.
God Created Salvation: Do not seek salvation from any other source except from God. God so much love mankind that He purposely created Salvation as a breakthrough for our sake. The Bible confirmed that it is God who created everything in heaven and on earth including Salvation "Rain down you heavens from above and let the skies pour down righteousness; that the earth open, let them bring forth Salvation, and let righteousness spring up together. I, the Lord, have created it" Isaiah 45: 8. Since God owns Salvation, then do not seek salvation where there is none. Salvation belongs to the Lord says the Bible Psalm 3: 8. Therefore do not look for Salvation from the idols, the demons or the contrary spirits because the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord and He is their strength in the time of trouble Psalm 37: 39. For this reason, make God alone the source of your Salvation and let your Creator together with His saving power become your salvation Exodus 15: 2.
God is God of Salvation: It is only Almighty God that can save and delivers, because His salvation is miraculous in nature and it is permanent. People who seek Salvation from the Devil are deceiving themselves because what they will receive from him is not salvation but illusion/magic. This illusion/magic will happen to give them temporary relief/succor from their problems but the problems will recur in larger version because the magical power of the Devil can never give Salvation.
Our God is the God of Salvation and redemption. He is the only being who can rescue you from death Psalm 68: 20. Remember no one has power over the spirit to retain the spirit, and no one has the power in the day of death except God Ecclesiastes 8: 8. Therefore the Bible confirmed that it is only God that is working salvation in the midst of the earth. To the believers, God is our King from the ages past, who is bringing Salvation to the inhabitants of the earth Psalm 74: 12. If you are wise and knowledgeable you will stop all your idolatry activities, and your religious orgies which are a delusion. Then you must confess and profess that only in the Lord our God is your Salvation Jeremiah 3: 23.
Authority of Salvation Given to Christ
It is true that Salvation belongs to God, but He has given His only begotten Son the Authority of Salvation, which means Salvation belongs to both the Father and the Son.
It was written in the scripture that "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb" Revelation 7: 10. I want you to realize that Salvation comes from our God through Jesus Christ the Lamb.
Salvation Through Christ
We shall take some passages in the Bible to buttress our discussion that salvation comes through Jesus Christ our Lord alone, any other source is fake.
Testimony and confirmation: We will start with the prophecy of Zacharias who blessed God for visiting and redeeming His people by raising a horn of Salvation for the Israelites in the house of David Luke 1: 67-69. Furthermore this fact was confirmed by the angel of the Lord to the Shepherds at the birth of Christ, when He was called a Saviour Luke 2: 8-11. Then Simeon who the Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would not see death until he had seen Christ reinforced this statement by calling Christ the Salvation of God Luke 2: 25-32. Finally John the Baptist the forerunner of our Lord corroborated this fact, when he said "and all flesh shall see the Salvation of God" Luke 3: 4-6. It is clear enough that Jesus Christ is the physical manifestation of the Salvation of God. There is no Salvation anywhere in heaven and on earth except through Christ. It is for this reason the Bible stated that "God did not appoint us to wrath but to obtain/receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thessalonians 5: 9. Therefore you can only be saved through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Name of Jesus Christ: Salvation is found in no one else except Christ and there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved besides Jesus Christ Acts 4: 12. Stop patronizing the mediums, the herbalists, the witches, the idols, etc. because their name can neither save you nor improve your condition.
Author of Eternal Salvation: Jesus Christ is the source of eternal salvation to all the people who obey Him. If you want eternal salvation come to the author who will give you in abundance Hebrews 5: 9.
Salvation Is Free
Salvation is free because it doesn't cost you money to purchase it, but you have to obey the statutes of the Lord and keep His commandments. There is a particular song that we always sing whenever we go out for evangelism "We bring free salvation, which was achieved through the Blood of Jesus Christ, people come and receive free salvation".
Impartiality of God: Our God is fair to all His creations and He is not bias. God sent His salvation to every soul who is a child of Abraham by faith Acts 13: 26. God warned that only those who harken to His voice among the biological children of Israel who inherited Abraham's blessings will receive the Salvation of God Romans 9: 27. Due to fairness of our Creator He sent His Salvation to the Gentiles too, so that anyone among them who do His Will shall receive the Salvation Acts 28: 28.
Wait For The Salvation
We all know that time is very scarce and nowadays people are always in haste to get things done, but the criteria of receiving the Salvation from the Lord is to wait upon Him. If you cannot wait on Him, you cannot receive the Salvation because He has to give you the Salvation at His time after doing His Will. Most people have no patience that is the reason they always seek the salvation from somewhere else.
Let your soul wait: No matter what is happening in your life, do not seek salvation where there is none, but let your soul wait for God and find rest in Him because your Salvation comes from Him Psalm 62: 1. The best thing that can happen to any human is to hope and wait quietly for the Salvation of the Lord Lamentations 3: 26. Therefore, make a resolution that you will depend on the Lord and wait for God of your Salvation to resolve your problems Micah 7: 7.
Continue to endure and don't be tired because when you least expect the Salvation of God will manifest. The Bible stated "Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my Salvation; On You I will wait all the day" Psalm 25: 5. Have an unwavering hope in Him until the day that your tears will turn to joy, your reproaches will turn to glory and your sorrow will turn to laughter. Emulate Israel your forefather by waiting confidently for the Salvation of God, so that you too will be able to make this statement "I have waited for Your Salvation O' Lord" Genesis 49: 18.
Week 3: January 15, 2017
Topic: The Salvation of God – Part 3
Bible Reading: Isaiah 61: 1-3
The next topic to be discussed is the proclamation of the Salvation of God to the whole world so that every soul will have the opportunity to partake.
Proclamation of the Salvation
It is the obligation of every Christian to proclaim the Salvation of God to all races, genders and Nations. It is for this reason that Jesus Christ commanded us that “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel (Good News) to every creature” Mark 16: 15.
God laid the example: God laid the example for mankind to follow concerning His Salvation. He demonstrates His power and willingness to deliver the entire world. The scripture stated that the Lord has made known His Salvation and revealed His righteousness to the Nations. He remembered His love and faithfulness to Israel, all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God Psalms 98: 2-3. What are you waiting for? “The ball is in your court” therefore follow His steps.
Declare His Salvation everday: If you are one of the obedient children, then you will proclaim the salvation of your heavenly Father everyday. You will profess His Salvation when it is convenient and when it is not. The Bible says “Sing to the Lord, bless His name; Proclaim the Good News of His Salvation from day to day” Psalm 96: 2, 1 Chronicles 16: 23. Do not be selfish, tell people about the good news of His Salvation so as to win souls into His Kingdom and let them know that only God is your salvation. Assert to mankind that God is your strength and existence so He has become your eternal Salvation Isaiah 12: 2. Declare to people that God is your light and Salvation therefore you will neither fear nor be afraid of humans Psalms 27: 1. Make sure your declaration brings result so that people will emulate you by making only God their Salvation.
Bell of Salvation: Whenever you are spreading around the Good News of the Salvation of God, two items are important. They are your Holy Bible and Bell of Salvation.
Nowadays majority of Christians do not know the power and the value of the Holy Bible which is the eternal Book. Some Christians have replaced the Bible with smartphones/notebook/IPad. They now go to church with phones instead of Bibles, such people must desist from this nefarious activity Psalm 116: 13. You must be in possession of the Bible and the bell of Salvation whenever you are evangelizing and proclaiming the Good News of the Salvation of God in order to win souls into His Kingdom, else you are just deceiving yourself.
Examples of Physical Salvation
We will talk about few examples of physical Salvation in the Bible.
Salvation at the Red Sea: After the Israelites left the Land of Egypt, Pharaoh and his army pursued them to the Red Sea. At the Red Sea, Moses said “Do not be afraid. Stand still and see the Salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever”. God parted the sea for the Israelites to pass on dry ground in the midst of the sea. Pharaoh and his people followed them, but God restored the flowing of the Red Sea and they perished Exodus 14: 13.
Salvation of Judah: The Salvation of God delivered the people of Judah during the time of King Jehoshaphat from the Ammonites, Moabites and the people of Mount Seir. The spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel and he prophesied that “You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the Salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem, do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you”. Judah defeated the Ammonites, Moabites and the people of Mount Seir through song of praise 2 Chronicles 20: 17.
Salvation of Daniel: The Lord delivered Daniel from the lions when he was casted into the den of the lions because he committed no offense, instead he did what was acceptable to the Lord by praying to Him. The king couldn't sleep, he went to the den early in the morning saying “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, who you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” The king was surprised when Daniel responded because he expected him to be dead Daniel 6: 7-23.
Examples of Spiritual Salvation
We shall take few examples of spiritual salvation from the Bible. People whose names are written in the Book of Life who will inherit the Kingdom of God Revelation 21: 27.
The Apostles except Judas: During the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ in this world, he cautioned the seventy apostles that He sent to preach repentance. When they returned with joy say “Lord even the demons are subject to us in Your Name” Luke 10: 17. Jesus responded by saying “Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in the Book of Life in heaven” and you will inherit the Kingdom of God Luke 10: 20.
All the apostles have spiritual salvation and inherited the Kingdom of God, to the extent that their names were written on the foundation of the New Jerusalem, the City of God with the exception of Judas Iscariot who betrayed Christ Revelation 21: 14. Judas name was replaced by Matthias Acts 1: 23-26.
Salvation of Zacchaeus: Jesus Christ our Lord granted Zacchaeus who is a tax collector eternal Salvation because he has repented and also prepared his mind for the Salvation of God. He was desperate to see Christ and being a short man he climbed the sycamore tree. When the savior got there he said “Zacchaeus make haste and come down, for today I must stay in your house” Luke 19: 1-8.
Conducts Which Brings Salvation
There are many conducts that can bring the Salvation of God or make His Salvation to endure in your life. Some of these conducts are the following:
Exalt and rejoice in God: Humans who want the manifestation of the Salvation of God in their lives must exalt Him more than the pleasures and vanity of this world. They must exalt God more than the demons, statues, contrary spirits, idols and the Devil. Under no circumstances must they allow the traditional/cultural practices to be exalted above God Psalm 18: 46. Therefore, always praise and give thanks to the Lord. Exalt God and His Holy Name above everything in this world. It is important for you to always rejoice before the Lord so that His salvation will come quickly. Do not be an ingrate, rejoice and give thanks so that His salvation will endure in your life Psalm 35: 9. Rejoice in the Salvation of God so that Satan will be sorrowful and depart from you.
Repent of your sins: Without repentance there can never be Salvation because what God wants from you is a broken and contrite heart, which can easily lead to Salvation and God will never despise this Psalm 51: 17. In addition, the kind of sorrow God want us to experience will lead us away from sin and result in Salvation. There is no regret for such kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow lacks repentance and always result in spiritual death 2 Corinthians 7: 10. If you want Salvation, then have godly sorrow which produces repentance that will lead to the Salvation of God.
Fear of God: Many countries in the world are not in their rightful position because they did not fear God, but believe in their power. It is only those who fear God that will receive His Salvation. It is for this reason the Bible stated that “Surely His Salvation is near to those who fear Him. That glory may dwell in their land” Psalm 85: 9. Any Nation who wants the Salvation of God must fear Him, so that His glory will fill their Land.
Santification and faith: Purity and faith are among the prerequisite of the Salvation. Our heavenly Father has chosen we the Christians for Salvation through santification by the spirit and belief in the truth 2 Thessalonians 2: 13. Do not defile yourself again, but hold on tightly to your faith so that the salvation of God will be revealed in your life.
Worship God in the beauty of holiness: Whoever add godliness to worshiping God in the beauty of holiness shall be clothed with Salvation. God will use such people for the Salvation of mankind. The scripture says “I will cloth her priests with salvation, and her saints shall shout aloud for joy” Psalm 132: 16. If you want to be among those who will be clothed with salvation and be used for salvation of people around the globe, combine godliness with worshiping God in the beauty of holiness.
Refrain from wickedness: Abstain from every form of evil. Refrain from wickedness, seek the statutes of the Lord and keep His commandments. It is then that the Salvation will be visible in your life Psalm 119: 155. If you don't want salvation to be far from you but near you, fear the Lord and stay away from wickedness.
Salvation of other People: Do not be selfish. As you are thinking about yourself, let the salvation of other people be paramount your heart. Book of Isaiah stated “Cry aloud, spare not; lift up your voice like a trumpet tell My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins” Isaiah 58: 1. Try at all cost, save a soul from death so that you will cover a multitude of sins and be rewarded by God James 5: 20.
Call on the Name of the Lord: Since there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved except Jesus Christ. Then call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved Romans 10: 13, Acts 2: 21. Do not call the names of idols, statues, demons or contrary spirits, because it is only the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that can grant you salvation.
Week 4: January 22, 2017
Topic: The Salvation of God – Part 4
Bible Reading: Isaiah 61: 1-3
We shall start the final segment of our discussion with how your faith can make you to be saved.
Faith And Salvation
The Bible says, “without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to Him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who diligently/sincerely seek Him Hebrews 11: 6.
Salvation comes with Faith and Work: Since we need faith to please and relate to God. Work is also needed to prove your faith because it is written that faith without work is dead James 2: 20. Therefore, faith and work are necessary in order to be saved. For the Salvation of God to manifest in your life, you need faith and work James 2: 14-17.
Prayer of faith brings Salvation: Whatever problem that is bothering you and however great the magnitude of your troubles, God has power to resolve them according to the passage which stated that “for with God nothing will be impossible” Luke 1: 37. Then pray to God with faith and your Salvation will manifest, your tears shall turn to laughter and your sorrow will turn to joy because your problems shall turn to history/past James 5: 15. Your prayers of faith is not limited to healings, but it is potent enough to resolve all situations.
Salvation is assured when walking in faith: The Salvation is guarantee for every soul that is walking with God in faith. Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness Galatians 3: 6. You too, start walking the Christianity journey with faith so that God will reckon it as Salvation for you. Since we are at the end time, your Salvation is nearer than when you first believed Romans 13: 11. Wake up from your spiritual slumbering and start walking with God in faith so that your Salvation will be assured.
Consequences
Though it is inevitable for us not to mention the judgement and purnishment that will come upon people who forsake/ignore the free Salvation of God. I will only mention one of the consequences because what I pray for this New Year is not the judgement/purnishment of God, but repentance and Salvation of souls of people.
God will be furious: God will be furious with the people who neither believe in Him nor trust in His Salvation. The anger of the Lord shall rise against such people to the extent that spiritual fire will be kindled against them in order to make their lives unbearable and endanger their existence Psalm 78: 21-22. I pray that neither the anger of God nor His fire shall be kindled against us, but His mercy and favour will endure eternally in our lives.
Benefits
We will examine some of the benefits of Salvation of God in order to edify the faith of the beloved.
God will avenge you: God is serious about the Salvation of His people. It is for this reason that He is always eager to save them. The Scripture says, “You went forth for the Salvation of Your people, to save Your anointed ones. You crushed the heads of the wicked and stripped their bones from head to toe Habakkuk 3:13. As long as you are loyal to Him and hold on to your faith, God will recompense your enemies for whatever wrong that is done against you.
God will not rest until your Salvation blazes: Since it is the desire of Almighty God that you must be saved, then He will neither rest nor hold His peace until your righteousness goes forth as brightness and your Salvation blazes like a burning torch Isaiah 62:1. If you want God to be zealous concerning your issues, then seek and find the Salvation of God.
God will beautify you: God will be delighted in you. He will have pleasure in your existence and beautify you with His Salvation Psalm 149: 4. If you want God to adorn you with victory, try and obtain Salvation. He will also clothe you with garment of Salvation and robe of righteousness, says the Bible Isaiah 61: 10. If and only if you can trust in His Salvation alone.
Your Salvation will come with rewards: The Lord has proclaimed to the end of the world. He has sent His message to every land that your Saviour/Salvation is coming. He will not come empty handed, but with rewards for the obedient children and His work is before Him Isaiah 62:11. Search your conscience, are you among those that will be rewarded when your Saviour/Salvation comes?
You will neither be humiliated nor dishonoured: Every soul that seek the Salvation of God will neither be humiliated nor dishonoured; so be confident because you shall be saved by the Lord with an everlasting Salvation. You will never be put to shame or disgraced forever and ever Isaiah 45: 17.
Salvation of your soul: Whoever trust in the Salvation of God will never be disappointed because they will be rewarded for trusting Him with the Salvation of their souls. The Bible stated that the result/outcome of your faith will be the Salvation of your soul 1 Peter 1: 9. If you want the Salvation of your soul and inherit the Kingdom of God, then trust in His Salvation.
Christ will return for your Salvation: As we all know that Christ was offered once as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many. However, He will come again (the second time) not to deal with our sins, but to bring Salvation to all the people who are eagerly waiting for Him Hebrews 9: 28. Jesus Christ will return because of you, are you ready? If not change today and repent quickly.
Prayers
There are numerous prayers in the Bible which you can offer depending on your situation, but only some will be mentioned.
Rescue from enemies: Pray to God by saying, “Save me, O God of my Salvation, gather and rescue me from my adversaries/foes, to give thanks to Your holy name and glory in Your praise 1 Chronicles 16: 35.
Deliverance from judgment: Make supplication to God to deliver you from the guilt of bloodshed and other iniquity. Ask the God of your Salvation, to make your tongue to sing aloud of His righteousness Psalm 51: 14.
Vengeance: Tell God to draw out the spear, stop those who are pursuing you and recompense them. Ask Him to say to your soul that “I am your Salvation” Psalm 35: 3.
Help/Assistance: Make supplication to God to make haste and help you from your unsatisfactory condition because He is the Lord of your Salvation Psalm 38: 22. Ask the God of your Salvation to help you, for the glory of His name. Tell Him to deliver and forgive the sins that make it impossible for good things to be visible in your life. Petition Him to erase the sins that are obstructing your progress, for His name's sake (or honour of His name) Psalm 79: 9.
Restoration: Pray to God to turn to you and withdraw His wrath. Ask Him to restore your health, financial situation and spiritual life by making His anger towards you to cease Psalm 85: 4. Tell God to restore to you the joy of His Salvation by making peace to reign in your marriage/household and uphold you by His spirit of liberty Psalm 51: 12.
Mercy and Favour: Offer prayer to reveal His mercy and favour in your life, tell Him to show you unfailing love and grant you His eternal Salvation Psalm 85: 7. Ask God to be merciful to you and bless you, for Him to cause His face to shine on you, and magnify Himself in your life: so that His way will be known on earth and you will be used for the Salvation of all nations Psalm 67: 1-2.
Not to be forsaken: Make supplication to God to neither hide His face from you nor turn His back on you. Tell Him to neither reject you nor turn you away in anger because He is your Helper. Ask God to neither forsake you nor abandon you but for Him to fill your life with blessings and goodness Psalm 27: 9.
Promotion and Exaltation: Pray to God that you are not content with your present condition, which is causing sorrow in your life. Therefore He should permit His Salvation to promote you to the next level and set you up on high Psalm 69: 29.
Finally, believe in your heart unto righteousness so as to be justified and confess/profess with your mouth today unto Salvation Romans 10: 10. God says “I bring My righteousness near, it is not far away and My Salvation will not be delayed. I will place Salvation in Zion and glory in Israel” Isaiah 46: 13.
The Seal: Isaiah 49: 6 “It is too small a thing that you should be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give you as a light to the Gentiles, that you should be My Salvation to the ends of the earth.