In the sermon titled "Seven Bible Descriptions of Salvation," Don Bell systematically explores the nature of salvation as described in Scripture, particularly emphasizing that salvation belongs exclusively to the Lord. He underscores that salvation is a work of God alone, accomplished through grace and the mediation of Christ, as corroborated in Psalm 3:8, which states, "Salvation belongeth unto the Lord." Key arguments include that salvation is eternal, common to all believers, and effectual, based on Scriptures such as Hebrews 5:9 and Jude 3. Bell stresses the significance of understanding salvation as an individual possession that cannot be lost or given away, firmly rooting his arguments in Reformed theology's emphasis on sovereign grace, predestination, and the unconditional election of God's people. The practical implication of this doctrine is the assurance it brings to believers regarding their standing before God and the unchangeable nature of their salvation.
Key Quotes
“Salvation belongs unto the Lord. It belongs to Him. Nobody else has got it. Nobody else can give it.”
“It’s an eternal salvation. God is an eternal God. He can only do things based on eternity.”
“It’s your own salvation. It belongs to you. And I ain’t partin' with it.”
“When they cease their salvation, we cry salvation to our God.”
The Bible teaches that salvation belongs to the Lord and is a gracious work of God's alone.
Salvation is a divine work belonging solely to the Lord, as stated in Psalm 3:8: 'Salvation belongeth unto the Lord.' This highlights the sovereignty of God in the act of saving. It is not dependent on human effort or merit, but rather it is a gracious work by which God chooses to save those whom He wills. As declared in Psalm 37:39, 'The salvation of the righteous is of the Lord.' Thus, salvation is an act of grace and belongs exclusively to God and His prerogative to extend it to chosen sinners.
Psalm 3:8, Psalm 37:39
Salvation is by grace as it is a work that God accomplishes without our aid.
Salvation is fundamentally a work of grace, which means it is unmerited and freely given by God. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes this by stating that we are saved by grace through faith, not of ourselves, and not by works. This means that we cannot earn salvation or assist in the work of saving ourselves. It is a gracious gift from God, a divine act that is rooted in His nature and purpose. As made clear in the sermon, 'He gives it to people since it belongs to Him, without their aid.' Salvation is entirely a sovereign act of God’s grace directed toward His chosen ones.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Eternal salvation assures believers that their salvation is secure and unchangeable.
The doctrine of eternal salvation is central to the assurance and hope of Christians. Hebrews 5:9 speaks of Christ as the author of eternal salvation, affirming that the salvation He provides is everlasting. Unlike a conditional salvation that could be lost, the eternal nature of salvation confirms that it is secure and cannot be undone or removed. This teaches believers that their relationship with God is everlasting and anchored in His eternal purpose and character. The permanence of salvation gives believers confidence to live in faith, knowing that they are held secure by God's power and promise.
Hebrews 5:9
Common salvation refers to the unified experience and possession of salvation among all of God's elect.
The term 'common salvation' as used in Jude 3 indicates that all of God's elect share in the same salvation, underscoring the unity and equality within the Christian community. All believers experience and possess this salvation through the same means—by God's divine initiative. Importantly, this does not suggest that grace is common or ordinary; rather, it highlights the shared experience of salvation that binds all believers regardless of their individual backgrounds or circumstances. Therefore, while our salvation is personal, it is also communal, as we are all saved by one Lord, one faith, and one Spirit.
Jude 3
Salvation demonstrates God's sovereignty as it is a work He accomplishes according to His will and purpose.
God's sovereignty is profoundly evident in the act of salvation. He is the one who chooses whom to save according to His divine will, as emphasized throughout scripture. Romans 8:29-30 teaches about God's predestining work, demonstrating that He foreknew those who would be conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. This means that salvation is not contingent upon human choice or effort but rather through God's perfect will. He calls and justifies those whom He has sovereignly chosen, which affirms His supreme authority over all creation, including the redemption process. Thus, God's sovereignty is the lens through which we understand the grace and power behind salvation.
Romans 8:29-30
Comments
Your comment has been submitted and is awaiting moderation. Once approved, it will appear on this page.
Be the first to comment!