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.)
In our selected text Peter goes a long way in describing this great salvation. He explained that: The prophets predicted the coming of Christ. The apostles and the early church preached Christ to everyone. The angels long to understand the salvation Christ brings.
- We have an amazing privilege as members of the Bride of Christ. We know things that the prophets did not know. We have seen things that the Apostles did not even see. And we have experienced something that the Angels cannot enjoy. I want to compare our privilege to each of these different groups in order to see "How Great A Salvation" we enjoy.
In verse 11 we see:
I. SALVATION IS SO GREAT THE PROPHETS HAD TO TELL IT - v10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
- God chose certain men throughout history to tell of the coming Messiah. Peter says that even though they were chosen to prophecy of the salvation that God had planned for His people.... they wanted to know more! These men were so amazed by the idea of salvation that they "searched diligently" They did not know exactly who this Messiah would be. They did not know the exact time of His arrival. Salvation was the object of their prophecy but they could not fully understand what was involved in the life and death of Jesus Christ
- Jesus spoke of this in - Matthew 13:17 "For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous [men] have desired to see [those things] which ye see, and have not seen [them]; and to hear [those things] which ye hear, and have not heard [them]."
- Notice the phrase “Which was in them” ...this signifies that they were indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Though they did not know all of the details, they knew enough!! God revealed to them that the Messiah was indeed coming. God told them that the One who would deliver them was on His way! These men were saved the same way we are...BY FAITH IN THE FINISHED WORK OF JESUS! All of the prophets were told similar things concerning the Promised One. They knew that He would come, and they longed for His coming, but He did not come in their lifetimes.
- The Prophets received visions from God that revealed to them the things that would occur at a later date. God revealed the coming Messiah to them They knew of His birth, His life, His ministry, His suffering, His death His resurrection and His second coming. With all that was revealed to them, even Zechariah, Jeremiah, Isaiah and all the others were not as privileged as you and I. But what they knew was so amazing they wanted more! And what was revealed to them, they had to share!!
- Isaiah said that the Messiah would be:
1) Born of a virgin (7:14)
2) He would be rejected (53:1-3)
3) He would bear our sins and sorrows (53:4-5)
4) Would be spat on and struck (50:6)
5) He would be disfigured by suffering (52:14)
6) He would make a blood atonement (53:5)
7) He would be our substitute (53:6)
8) He would save those who believe in Him (53:12)
9) He would heal the brokenhearted (61:1-2)
- Jeremiah told us that:
1. The Messiah would be a descendant of David (23:5-6)
2. The Messiah would be both God and Man (23:5-6)
3. He too proclaimed that the Messiah would be born of a virgin (31:22)
4. He said that the Messiah would be the New Covenant (31:31)
- Zechariah told us that:
1) The Messiah would be God's servant (3:8)
2) The Messiah would be Priest and King (6:12-13)
3) He would be greeted with rejoicing in Jerusalem (9:9)
4) He would bring salvation (9:9)
5) The Messiah would come into Jerusalem riding on a donkey (9:9)
6) The Messiah would be the cornerstone (10:4)
There were many other Prophets and many other prophecies. With all they knew, the Prophets did not know what we do! And Peter says that they desired to know more about this salvation. But what they did know...THEY TOLD OTHERS!! These men spent their lives telling the people about God's process of salvation. And oh How Great A Salvation it is!
- Salvation was so great that the prophets had to tell it! Peter also tells us of another group who were involved in the message of salvation. Notice:
II. SALVATION IS SO GREAT THE APOSTLES HAD TO SHARE IT - Notice the phrase - v12b which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven... - Peter shifts his focus from the Old Testament prophets to the New Testament Apostles. Jesus Himself had commissioned His Apostles to preach the Gospel - Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
- The Apostles were inspired and indwelt by the Holy Ghost. The very author of this Epistle, Simon Peter was the one chosen and empowered by God to deliver that great sermon on the day of Pentecost. The Apostles continued the work of the Old Testament prophets. Their task was the same, tell people that there is a way of salvation. Though their task was the same, their viewpoint was different. The Apostles saw the Messiah with their own eyes. They heard His teaching. They witnessed the miracles. Peter says that he was a personal "witness of the sufferings of Christ" (1 Peter 5:1) Not only did they see all of these things with their own eyes, they experienced first hand this great salvation.
- From the time of Christ's ascension until they gave their life for His cause, these men shared the good news. Jesus told them in - Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
- Remember also what He told them just before He ascended - Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
- And Peter received a personal message from Jesus - John 21:15 ¶So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
- Jesus did not have to make these men share the message of salvation. It was so real to them that they had to share it! Even when the religious rulers and governmental authorities threatened them...Even when trouble, suffering and persecution came...Even in the face of death...Salvation was so great the Apostles had to share it!
- As we move further in our text we come to a very interesting portion of scripture.In verse 12 we see that:
III. SALVATION IS SO GREAT THE ANGELS HAD TO SEE IT- "v12c which things the angels desire to look into"
- The Angels of God desired to know more about the salvation that the Prophets prophesied. They wanted to know more about the salvation that was preached about by the Apostles. The Angels had some opportunities to deliver some messages for the Lord. In fact the word "Angel" literally means "messenger". Gabriel appeared to Daniel and to Zacharias and the Mary the mother of Jesus. The Angels did not know all of the details concerning salvation. Peter says, "Angels desire to look into these things."
- In the Greek this is the same phrase used do describe Peter "stooping down and looking into Christ's empty tomb". Can you imagine an Angel stopping down and looking to the Earth to see more about this great salvation. Think of all they have seen: They saw the ministry of the Prophets. They saw Jesus fulfill each and every one of the prophecies concerning his birth, life, death and resurrection. But now they have an intense desire to see what is next!
- What you and I possess, sparks curiosity in even the Angels of God. And we have another privilege, the Angels will never experience this great salvation. There is no greater privilege in history than to be a part of the Bride of Christ! Oh How Great A Salvation!!!
Let's move a little farther and see that:
IV. SALVATION IS SO GREAT THE CHRIST HAD TO SUPPLY IT -v11b when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
- Jesus Christ is salvation. Without Him it is not possible for man to be delivered from the penalty of his sins. There was and is no other process of redemption. Jesus said in John 14:6 I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
- Listen to what A.W Tozer had to say about redemption: “If man had his way, the plan of redemption would be an endless and bloody conflict. In reality, salvation was bought not by Jesus' fist, but by His nail-pierced hands; not by muscle but by love; not by vengeance but by forgiveness; not by force but by sacrifice. Jesus Christ our Lord surrendered in order that He might win; He destroyed His enemies by dying for them and conquered death by allowing death to conquer Him.” (¯ A.W. Tozer, Preparing for Jesus' Return: Daily Live the Blessed Hope)
Jesus supplied this great salvation. Because of our salvation in Him we are Justified, Accepted by God, Filled with the Holy Spirit. We are victorious over Death, Hell and The grave! All of this and much… much more is possible because of Jesus’ sacrifice at Calvary! Salvation is possible …IN CHRIST ALONE!!
- We know that Jesus went to the Cross, but the reason is so amazing…Jesus went to the cross because He loved you and me! - Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
- Jesus knew us, and He loved us anyway! He knew our faults and failures, He knew our deepest darkest sins. Knowing every aspect of our lives, He loved us enough to lay down His life for us. Salvation is great because of the Savior Who secured it! And Oh "How Great A Salvation"
I would also like to consider the fact that:
V. SALVATION IS SO GREAT THE DEVIL COULDN'T PREVENT IT - Satan attempted to overthrow God before Adam and Eve were ever created. He planned an invasion of Heaven taking 1/3 of the Angels with him. (Isaiah 14:12-14). When Adam was created he was a marked man... Satan succeeded in deceiving man in the Garden of Eden. But God revealed His plan of redemption - Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. - This "seed of the woman" is none other than the Lord Jesus!
- Satan's only hope of victory was if he could somehow prevent the Savior from being born or to destroy Him after He came into this world. Later, Satan attempted to destroy the whole nation of Israel. The Egyptian Pharaoh ordered all males to be killed. But God raised up Moses to lead His people out of Egypt. After the birth of Christ in Bethlehem King Herod (obviously inspired by Satan) set out to kill all babies 2 years old and younger. Satan himself went after Jesus in the wilderness and tempted Him 3 times. Satan was unsuccessful. There were countless plots to kill Christ during His time on earth, all were unsuccessful. Satan then used one of the Lord's disciples (Judas Iscariot) to betray Him. This led to the events of the crucifixion. There at the cross as Jesus died, Satan must have thought that he had finally succeeded. There on the Cross of Calvary Jesus cried "It is finished" then He "bowed His head and gave up the ghost."
- No doubt Satan rejoiced as they placed Jesus' body in the grave. But what Satan perceived as his ultimate victory was actually his greatest defeat! On the third day, the stone was rolled away and Jesus came forth victorious over death, hell and the grave!!! He was alive and Jesus is still alive!!! He told John in - Revelation 1:18 "I am He that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive forevermore . And because of this we can rejoice in this GREAT SALVATION!!
This Salvation is so great that:
i. The Prophets Had To Tell It!
ii. The Apostles Had To Share It!
iii. The Angels Had To See It!
iv. The Christ Had To Supply It!
v. The Devil Could Not Prevent It!
With all that we have seen today you would think that it could not get any better. BUT IT CAN!! You may be here today and you do not possess this "Great Salvation"! The good new is that this Salvation Is Great Because We Can Possess It!
Everything we have seen today is for you! God gave the message of salvation to the Prophets for you. He continued this work with the Apostle for you. Jesus came and secured this salvation for you. But, like always Satan would still like to prevent this salvation from coming to you! Don't let him succeed! You have the opportunity to partake in something that AMAZES THE ANGELS IN HEAVEN!!
* John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
That is the process...That is God's plan and That is the way to salvation
And oh What A Great Salvation it is!!
