How Great A Salvation

How Great A Salvation

I Peter 1:10-12

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- Dr. Karl Barth was one of the most brilliant and complex intellectuals of the twentieth century. He wrote volume after massive volume on the meaning of life and faith. On one occasion when Barth was visiting in America, a student at a theological seminary asked him in this question "Dr. Barth, what was the greatest thought that has ever crossed your mind"? Every one was on edge to see what Barth would say. He waited a long time. Then he lifted his head slowly, and he said, "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so."

- Salvation... there is no greater word in the English language! The subject of salvation is so deep that the greatest theologians cannot fully explain it. And at the same time it is simple enough for a young child to understand. Salvation is defined as "the rescue of the human soul from sin and death and hell and Satan".

- The Bible tells us that man is guilty of sin. As a result of his guilt he is headed for judgment . Without salvation, man is destined spend an eternity in the Lake of Fire. Because of this fact, man desperately needs to be rescued. He cannot attain this deliverance on his own... he cannot save himself. The message of salvation is that while man cannot save himself from eternal torment as a punishment for his sin, God can and will save him. This is the message that He sent through the prophets, It is the very essence of the work of the Apostles. It is the message that has been handed down throughout the ages. And it is the message that God has for you today!

- Many people try to overcomplicate the salvation process. And there are others who look for signs and wonders. C.H Spurgeon once said - “Is not the gospel its own sign and wonder? Is not this a miracle of miracles, that 'God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish'? Surely that precious word, 'Whosoever will, let him come and take the water of life freely' and that solemn promise, 'Him that cometh unto Me, I will in no wise cast out,' are better than signs and wonders!

- God has always had a way of delivering the message of salvation to lost man. And this message is indescribable. While studying for this message I tried to find the words to describe Salvation. I thought of words such as Marvelous, Amazing, Fantastic, Awesome, Wonderful, Spectacular and Incredible. None of these words are sufficient, there simply are no words to describe the salvation that we receive through Jesus Christ. So for lack of a better word we will just say that it is GREAT!!!

- Peter's goal in these 3 verses is to describe just how great salvation is. I would like to look at the description he gives and preach on the thought "How Great A Salvation". Keep in mind that Peter is writing to Christians who were suffering immense trials and difficulties. He has already encouraged them to have joy, to rejoice and to persevere. In verses 10-12 he reminds them of how great their salvation is. Sometimes the best way to make it through times of great trouble is to focus on the good things that God has done for us. Even at the point of death Christians can rejoice because of the great salvation they possess.

1) As Stephen was being stoned because of his faith in Christ, he was able to rejoice and proclaim "I see Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father" because of his position in Christ.

2) Paul and Silas were imprisoned for their ministry and at midnight they sang praises in the jailhouse.

3) Even the author of this Epistle Ol' Peter himself was arrested and scheduled to be beheaded and he could sleep in peace in the prison because of his salvation.

- A story is told of the last moments in the life of Dwight L Moody. Hours before his death he caught a glimpse of the glory awaiting him. Awakening from a sleep, he said. 'Earth recedes. Heaven opens before me. If this is death, it is sweet! There is no valley here. God is calling me, and I must go. His son who was standing by his bedside said. No, no father, you are dreaming.' "'No.' said Mr. Moody. 'I am not dreaming: I have been within the gates: I have seen the children's faces.' A short time elapsed and then, following what seemed to the family to be the death struggle he spoke again: 'This is my triumph; this my coronation day! It is glorious!'" (Source:Tan, Paul, Encyclopedia Of 7,700 Illustrations (Rockville: Assurance, 1985) 314.)