The truth we must hold on to with all our might is the teaching of Scripture that salvation from beginning to end, in every part, and from every point of view, is God's work. That we must be saved means that even the desire for salvation is God's gift to us. We do not save ourselves from the lack of desire. No man can make us change our minds about salvation. God will have to do that. If we desire it, that is because God wrought the desire in us and gave us the life to do so.
Scripture teaches us this in the words of the psalmist in Psalm 119:145-146 in these words: "I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord: I will keep Thy statutes. I cried unto Thee; save me, and I shall keep Thy testimonies." Or as we may sing this truth:
O Lord, my earnest cry
Thy listening ear has heard;
With Thy salvation answer me,
And I will keep Thy word.
Did you notice that the psalmist states that if God saves him, he will keep His testimonies? The reason for this is that God said to Adam that the day he sinned he would die. He did die spiritually that day, and every one of his descendants comes into this world spiritually dead, Ephesians 2:1. God must begin salvation by implanting in us that seed of a new life, if there is going to be any salvation from the love of sin and the desire to serve God.
It is important that we keep this in mind. We are often ridiculed, looked down upon, and despised for teaching this truth. But that is what God teaches.
Always we need God's help for our salvation, as surely as we need His power to keep our hearts beating. Only God can make alive what has died.
Every morning then pray that God will save you from sinning against Him in the day that lies ahead of you. Cry with your whole heart as the psalmist did. And when you do, be sure to thank Him for working that desire for salvation and its holy walk in you. He gives you the strength and desire to make this your prayer.
Read: Psalm 119:145-160
Psalter versification: 339:1
(Words and Music of the Psalter)
Meditations on the Heidelberg Catechism
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Song for Meditation: Psalter number 405
Why not sing along??
Through the Bible in One Year
Read today:
Lamentations 1 ; Lamentations 2:1-22
Philemon 1:1-25
Psalm 101:1-8
Proverbs 26:20
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Quote for Reflection:
"As long as this duty (catechizing) was faithfully performed by parents, the darkness of ignorance and idolatry were prevented, but as soon as it fell into neglect, error and vice must have been the consequence. ...And what upon earth is so worthy of time and pains as the knowledge of God's Word, and the doctrines of his wonderful love and grace?" A. Alexander
