Good morning,
Salvation Summed Up in Nine Letters
Charles Spurgeon, et al.
(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)
Titus 3:5, “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.”
1. HE
Salvation begins with God. The glorious subject of this verse is none other than the sovereign Lord of Heaven and earth. He–the eternal, omnipotent, all-wise, and perfectly holy God–has taken the initiative. It was not man who sought God, but God who sought man. Left to ourselves, we were “foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved” (Titus 3:3), utterly without hope. But God, in His infinite mercy and loving-kindness, moved toward us. This great act of salvation is not the product of man’s desire, decision, or deeds–but of God’s own purpose and grace. “Salvation comes from the Lord” (Jonah 2:9). He alone is the Author and Finisher of our faith. What a humbling truth: the One most offended by our sin, is the very One who provides the remedy!
2. SAVED
What a word! Not helped. Not improved. Not rehabilitated. But saved! This is a strong word that speaks of deliverance from danger and destruction. In the biblical sense, it is a rescue from the wrath of God, from the penalty of sin, from eternal damnation. Salvation is no minor adjustment to our behavior or character–it is a radical deliverance from guilt, corruption, and condemnation.
And what is the cause? “Not because of righteous things we had done.” No amount of good works, religious rituals, or moral efforts could ever earn this salvation. It comes because of His mercy. Grace flows from mercy. Mercy is God’s heart of compassion toward those in misery and ruin; and grace is the action that flows from it–redeeming, restoring, and raising us from death to life. To be saved is to be made a new creation in Christ, clothed in His righteousness, and kept by His power.
3. US
This salvation is not impersonal or theoretical–it is personal. “He saved us.” Who are the “us”? Not the worthy or the wise, but sinners–helpless, hopeless, Hell-deserving sinners. Those who were once enemies, rebels, and strangers–have been brought near by the blood of Christ. This word reminds us that salvation is not just a theological truth to admire, but a divine gift to receive. If you can say from your heart, “He saved me,” then all glory belongs to Him alone. And if He has saved us, then our lives must now be lived for His glory. We are not our own–we were bought at a price. Let us walk in humble gratitude, praising the God who loved us, chose us, and saved us by His mercy.
Conclusion:
Salvation is summed up in nine letters: HE SAVED US.
Three simple words, yet they contain the depths of the gospel.
The Source: He.
The Act: Saved.
The Objects: Us.
May this truth stir your soul, crush all pride, and ignite fresh praise for the God of mercy who did for us what we could never do for ourselves.
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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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