Sermon Snippet – God Our Savior -Part III
INTRODUCTION – We return to the Old Testament book of Isaiah and its Messianic message. Two weeks ago, we saw that we need salvation but cannot save ourselves. Blessedly, though, we have been given a Savior, Jesus Christ, Who makes His eternal salvation readily available to all people. Last week, we saw that this divine deliverance also includes our physical and emotional health, the protection of our minds, and the movement of our lives toward righteousness. Today, let us consider the character of God as revealed in His saving work.
1. OUR SAVIOR GOD IS RIGHTEOUS
We studied Isaiah 45:21 and 51:8 in detail last week. How can a totally righteous God save unrighteous people like us? Romans 3:21-26 provides a detailed answer. He is both “just” and “the justifier” (verse 26) because of His specific act of salvation on the Cross.
2. OUR SAVIOR GOD IS SOVEREIGN
Isaiah 33:22 is the basis for the three separate and co-equal branches of American government. The Founding Fathers wisely understood that only God could exercise absolute authority for good. He is in control right now. He is not helpless like idols (and, yes, we still must be beware of idols today, as we considered specifically three weeks ago), as Isaiah 46:1-7 powerfully and poetically presents. He can “deliver” (verse 4), and He “will” (verse 4).
3. OUR SAVIOR GOD IS OMNISCIENT
We have already seen this truth in Isaiah 45:21. We find the same assurance in Isaiah 43:11-12. God reveals to His people ahead of time some of the things that He will do. Thus, the events that follow are not merely historical events (although, of course, they are that); no, these events are also revelations of the character of God. He is omniscient, and nothing takes Him by surprise. Furthermore, fulfilled prophecy is a compelling reason to believe in our Savior God.
4. OUR SAVIOR GOD IS FAITHFUL
His omniscience is more than foreknowledge; it is a declaration of His power to accomplish His saving work. Isaiah 46:8-13 is a precise plan of God spanning more than a hundred years. Its fulfillment is a convincing evocation of His faithfulness. With God, to say is to do. He is faithful to keep His promises.
5. OUR SAVIOR GOD IS RELATIONAL
His salvation is personal; as such, it is the basis for our ongoing relationship with Him. Isaiah 52:7 rejoices in the predicted return of the exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem: their “salvation” is proof that “God reigneth” over the world and over their lives. It is also indicative of a genuine, abiding relationship with Him. Paul uses this verse in Romans 10:15 to encourage all Christians to spread the Gospel message. Our willingness to do so is one evidence of our growing appreciation of this relationship.
6. OUR SAVIOR GOD IS LOVING
The relationship that we have with our Savior is a loving one. We studied Isaiah 63:7-9 two weeks ago. “The lovingkindnesses of the LORD” (verse 7), His tender mercies, are heaped upon us and characterize His interaction with us. It is “in His love” that we are “saved” and “redeemed” (verse 9). Really, salvation is God’s love in action, as we find in Romans 5:8: “But God commendeth [demonstrates] His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
7. OUR SAVIOR GOD IS PRESENT
Isaiah 63:9 speaks of “His presence.” We previously read in Isaiah 46:13 that an essential aspect of God’s salvation is that He will “not be far off.” Isaiah 59:1 memorably places our mighty Savior very close to us: “Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear.” These bold anthropomorphisms locate Jesus right alongside each one of us.
8. OUR SAVIOR GOD IS SPIRIT
Isaiah 45:15 could easily be misunderstood: “Verily Thou art a God that hidest Thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour.” God does not hide from us. Rather, unlike idols of inorganic stone or dead wood (verse 16), God is a spirit being and not confined by time and space. This blessed distinction is crucial, for anyone who is just like us or like idols cannot offer salvation, cannot be the Savior.
CONCLUSION – In closing, let us remark on the remarkable: the everlasting God offers us His “everlasting salvation” (Isaiah 45:17). He promises each believer, “My salvation shall be for ever” (Isaiah 51:6). The eternal character of God ensures eternal life to each one who trusts in God the Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior. May we all be certain that our faith is in Jesus alone, and may we meditate upon this salvation that so clearly reveals to us Who our Savior God is.