Saved, Saved, Saved Series

Chico Alliance Church

September 9, 2001

Pastor David Welch

“Saved, Saved, Saved”

Romans 5:9-10

Review

Paul introduced his theme of righteousness in chapter one, announcing not only the revelation of the means to becoming right before God but also the revelation of the righteous wrath of God upon all those who suppress the truth in ungodliness and unrighteousness. For the next three chapters Paul demonstrates the total inadequacy and inability of man to measure up to God’s standard incurring the just penalty for rebellion – death. Paul announces a most wonderful gift of God to all those who will embrace Christ.

God promises to justify every sinner who comes to Him in faith.

Biblical Justification goes beyond a declaration of innocence.

Justification credits perfect character, namely the character of Jesus to every believer.

Having had our moral account purged of our inadequate attempts to live up to God’s absolute standard and replaced with Christ’s perfect, eternal conformity to God’s standard...

Enjoy peace with God

Exult in hope of reflecting the glory of God in the future.

Exult in present tribulations that produce future character

Realize your salvation from the coming wrath

"He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." John 3:36

"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. John 5:24

Past justification guarantees future release from God’s wrath. God’s wrath no longer abides on those who believe in the Son because He died for us. Deliverance from the final expression of God’s wrath is only part of the wonderful story.

We will also be saved by his life. Present reconciliation guarantees future salvation.

For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life

Salvation is a broad term applied to the whole process of transformation enacted by God on the basis of one’s trust in Christ. The word “salvation” has to do with rescuing or saving from peril.

To save, deliver, make whole, preserve safe from danger, loss or destruction.

The word came to indicate saving, keeping, benefiting, preserving the inner being and saving from eternal destruction to eternal life. Jesus clearly offered this new dimension of living to his disciples.

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26

Escape from God’s wrath is great but even more wonderful is the gift of eternal life, the very life of Christ.

Salvation was a subject dear to the heart of prophets and angels alike.

As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look. 1 Peter 1:10-12

We have the privilege us greater revealed truth and a clear picture than any before us.

Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; but just as it is written,

"THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM."

For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. 1 Cor. 2:6-10

The need for Salvation

Many fail to fully appreciate God’s salvation plan because they fail to realize their desperate condition. Some insist that it is wrong to tell people they are hopelessly lost and in need of rescue. You might damage their self-esteem. Without recognition of human depravity there can be no divine deliverance. The beginning point of reconciliation with God is recognition of our helplessness and hopelessness without radical intervention by God. Scripture says that Jesus came to save sinners not straitened circumstances. There are not enough terms to describe man’s condition apart from Christ.