Driven to think about Salvation

November is quickly passing by, and December’s busy calendar is encroaching at a speed I’m not quite ready for. But as we head into the end of the year, let’s keep the main thing the main thing. In particular, we remember that the advent-Christmas time should always be driving us to think about salvation. What is “salvation?”  In a general sense, salvation refers to being liberated, rescued, or saved from danger. However, it is not salvation in general that we should be reflecting on, but salvation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christian salvation rightly demands our attention at all times of the year, but certainly when considering the birth of Jesus Christ. When Christians say that we are ‘saved’ or talk about their salvation in Jesus, what is communicated is that we have been rescued from the rightful wrath of God, the enslaving power of sin, and the condemning accusations of the Devil. Christian salvation is one of good news for sinners like me. Though I was lost, though I was rebellious, though I had no ability to save myself, Jesus came to save sinners (Luke 19:10). In the context of all the Bible, God has been showing his love to save. God saved Noah and his family from the flood; God saved Israel from their enslavement to Egyptian rule, and God saved King David from his enemies. However, these were all but a shadow pointing to a greater salvation that would come to fruition in the New Testament. In the opening pages of the New Testament, as we learn about Mary being pregnant with the son of God, and her betrothed, Joseph, trying to understand what is going on, do you remember what the angel told him? “But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21). Jesus came to save, its built into his very name. Jesus came to save his people, he came to live the live they couldn’t live, he came to die the death they deserved, he came to give us the very salvation that we desperately needed. Far greater than any temporary rescue or liberation in this life under the sun. It’s the greatest salvation of all time. And this salvation is for those who desire it, who confess and believe in the person and work of Jesus, turn from their sins, and trust in Him. This salvation changes everything because it not only saves us from sin but brings us into the family of God; salvation brings us into the bride of God, the church. A new life that can only be found in Christ that leads to true life. May you find a church this Christmas season to celebrate or maybe discover the beauty of Christian salvation. Jesus came to save his people from their sins. Sola Deo Gloria (to God be the glory alone).

Luke Wartgow is Lead Pastor of Carson Valley Bible Church