Salvation

One wonders all that Zechariah thought during the nine months his mouth was stopped due to his unbelief.

Somehow, one gets the feeling that while he regretted his unbelief, it nevertheless didn’t put a damper on his spirit, because his inability to speak proved to him that God’s promise was true.

Instead of wallowing in sorrow, I think he walked each day with a new spring in his step.

And when his son was finally born, and his mouth was opened, all his joy came bubbling out. He sang,

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.

He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago). (Luke 1:68-70)

And as he goes on in his song of salvation, we see just what salvation is all about.

It’s a salvation that shines on those in darkness and in the shadow of death. (Luke 1:79)

So many people today are living in the darkness of sin, and because of that, the shadow of death hangs over them. For as Paul wrote, the wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23)

But to those in darkness, salvation proclaims the forgiveness of sins to all who will believe. (Luke 1:77)

It’s a salvation that comes not through works, but through the mercy of God. (Luke 1:78)

We deserve nothing from God but eternal death. But because he loved us so much, he sent his Son to die for us, and through him, our sins can be forgiven.

It’s a salvation that rescues us from Satan’s kingdom. (Luke 1:71, 74)

Though Satan hates us and desired to keep us in bondage, God set us free from the chains of sin Satan had bound us in.

It’s a salvation that brings us a new life (Luke 1:74-75)

Instead of serving Satan’s kingdom, leading to our own destruction, we now serve in God’s kingdom.

Instead of living in sin, leading to fear, sorrow, and shame, we now live in the holiness and righteousness that he has clothed us in.

And each day, he transforms us more and more into his likeness. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

It’s a salvation that brings us peace. (Luke 1:79)

A peace that goes beyond our personal circumstances and is beyond all comprehension. A peace that comes because we know that we are at peace with God.

How can we receive this salvation? It’s as easy as a prayer:

Lord Jesus, I admit I’m a sinner. I have done so many things that have hurt you and others. Please forgive me.

Thank you for dying on the cross for me and taking the punishment for my sin. Please give me a new start. I desire to follow you and become more like you each day. Grant me your peace each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.