Salvation Manifested

UV 1611/10000 Salvation Manifested
It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.
Lamentations 3 v 26

The reason why an uni-verse or even one line of scripture is far more valuable than anything mankind has written or spoken is that the elements or the aspects spoken of in an uni-verse are spoken of in absolute and not relative human terms. In this uni-verse, the elements are goodness, hope, quietness, wait and salvation. We need a perception of the absolute goodness of the Lord as compared with the relative goodness of man. Once we have comprehended the absolute goodness of the Lord and believe in it fully, our level of hope is also strong though not absolute. We are then prepared to wait without grumbling like the Israelites in the deserts of Egypt for the grace and glory of God to manifest. The word “ manifest” based on an analysis of its roots implies the celebration of man by the Creator. The word “ quietness” in this context implies that we should wait for such manifestation of God’s power and glory vide His promises with patience, positive attitudes, faith, thanksgiving, prayer and praise. The Lordship of God and Jesus is the sixth element. Our allegiance and obedience or our submission to His sovereign will should be increasing from day to day.

The Lord’s plan of salvation does not imply instant gratification of our desires or needs. It is more than long term for it is eternal. His salvation does not depend on anything we do or don’t. It is entirely dependent on grace and mercy through Jesus. Salvation is not an after death experience or promise. It begins here and now. There is no human being who does not need salvation. It is our deepest need. Of course, there would be many who would not be aware of this need or who ignore this need or who do not know how to meet this need.

Our hope is in the finished work of Christ on the cross. Our trust and confidence is that His grace is sufficient and absolute to meet all of our need. The Lord did not create us to have us destroyed. It is our salvation that fulfils His purpose for our creation. When we aim to be godly or Christ-like we are honouring His image in which we are created. When we receive the gospel, we are acknowledging that His plan for our salvation is perfect. Each day we must chew on in spiritual terms or meditate on the elements in each uni-verse and draw on the meaning and strength it imparts to our inner being.

Prateep V Philip