SYMBOL OF SALVATION
Ephesians 1:3-7
INTRO: I once heard the story of a Bible translator telling about his search for a word in the African dialect to translate the English word redemption or salvation. Finally, an African working with the translator suggested that he use the phrase, “he took our heads out.” This strange phrase had a rich significance for the people in that area. Captured slaves used to be marched through that region en-route to the coast and slave ships. They wore iron collars with a chain going from the neck of one slave to that of the one in front of him and behind him. If you saw among the slaves a friend or relative, you could pay the slave price and the master would unlock the iron collar, take the man’s neck out and set him free. “He took their heads out.” Not a bad way to express what God does in our redemption. The Lord’s Supper is a vivid symbol of our dearly bought freedom in Christ.
I. SALVATION HISTORY MIGHT BE PICTURED AS SOMETHING LIKE AN HOURGLASS.
At the top is the sand of all mankind. As you move down the glass it narrows to the nation Israel, then to the faithful remnant, and finally at the center to Christ alone.
Then it begins to broaden to the disciples, the 120 believers prior to the day of Pentecost, then the early church, and now all authentic believers.
The purpose and goal of God is that all mankind and all creation might be saved.
II. SALVATION ORIGINALLY MEANT TO BE SPARED FROM PHYSICAL DANGER OR ILLNESS.
When someone narrowly escapes harm or death, we still speak of his being “saved.” Jesus saved the disciples from drowning when they were caught in the storm on the Sea of Galilee.
It is then only a step to think of salvation as being applied to our deliverance from the penalty and control of sin. We are told that Jesus came to save his people from their sins. Salvation which begins here will one day be complete at the end of history when Christ comes again and establishes His dominion over all things.
III. OUR SALVATION WAS PURCHASED AT A GREAT COST BY THE DEATH OF CHRIST ON THE CROSS.
Jesus paid it all, all to him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow (Hymn #156).
The Lord’s Supper will not let us forget the great price that was paid for our redemption.
IV. SALVATION IS OF GOD.
He took the initiative for our redemption by sending his Son. The Holy Spirit still takes the first step by convicting us of our sins, convincing us of the Savior, and calling us to believe. Repentance and belief is our response to God’s grace.
V. SALVATION IS STILL AVAILABLE TO ALL WHO REPENT AND BELIEVE.
It is not God’s will that any be lost. Once when William McKinley was running for president of the U.S. he was traveling through the Midwest by train. He had no plans to stop at a small town in Illinois. The people requested that the train stop there and the candidate make an appearance. McKinley’s schedule was tight and word was sent to the small town that the campaign train could not stop. The townspeople were not to be outdone. They stretched “Old Glory” across the track, and dared the train to run over it. McKinley stopped and made a speech.
CONC: The Lord’s Supper, as a symbol of salvation, is God’s challenge, his barricade to stop us from going our way unheeding. God is pleading with us in the Supper. Will we hear Him and answer His call?
