SALVATION

Luke 2:25‭-‬32 ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”

INSIGHT
-Salvation in Hebrew is written as yasa which means to save, help in distress, rescue, deliver and set free. Salvation is a gift from God and is also the nature of God to save. According to the Bible, Jacob waited for the salvation of the Lord (Gen 49:18), Moses encouraged the people to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord from the hands of the Egyptians (Exo 14:13-16), salvation of the righteous is from the Lord (Ps 37:39-40), salvation is far from the wicked (Ps 119:155), those who orders their conduct aright shall see the salvation of God (Ps 50:23), Jesus is just and having salvation (Zech 9:9), Jesus became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him (Heb 5:8-9), the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men (Titus 2:11), with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Rom 10:10), salvation belongs to the Lord our God (Rev 19:1) etc.
-Simeon waited patiently on the promise of the Lord that he would not die before seeing Jesus Christ. He was a just and devout man and the Holy Spirit led him into the temple where Jesus was being dedicated as per the Jewish custom. Unlike the chief priests and scribes who knew the law and predicted the birth of Jesus, they did not make any effort to go to Bethlehem to see Him (Mat 2:4-6). Simeon anticipated and probably prayed for the salvation of Israel and the Holy Spirit revealed Jesus to him. He proclaimed that Jesus was the promised Messiah; a light to the Gentiles and glory to the Israelites. He also revealed to Mary that she would experience a sword piecing her soul; probably speaking of her as a witness to the crucifixion of her Son, Who saved the world from sin. These scriptures reveal that salvation can only be granted to us by Jesus Christ, salvation requires that both the old and young, Jews and Gentiles should wait in anticipation for the final glory through faith in Christ, salvation causes us to have peace and hope in our hearts, when we have received the gift of salvation; the Holy Spirit comes into our hearts and becomes our light of revelation as we glory in Him.

PRAYER
You are our Salvation and Shield Jesus, we put all our hope and trust in You. Thank You for allowing us to to see this new day in perfect peace, we praise You and glorify Your holy name. It is not by our might but by Your Spirit Lord. We humbly ask You Jesus to forgive us our sins and cover us with Your precious blood. Remain in our hearts Holy Spirit and lead all Your people to the Messiah; where we always find the gift of salvation. Remember merciful Father all those who lack food, shelter and clothing in our society; that You may always provide for them. Be with all those who are in prison and comfort them with Your divine hope. Heal all those who are sick and suffering and grant them Your grace. Save the poor mother and child who drowned in the ocean by Your powerful hand loving Jesus. Be with all our leaders and investigative agencies that You grant them Your wisdom in the fight against corruption. We cast all our burdens and cares unto You Jesus for You care for us. Answer all our prayers Lord and satisfy our hearts desires according to Your merciful love. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and forevermore. Amen

Philippians 2:12‭-‬13 ‬‬‬

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

INSIGHT
-Once we are filled with the Holy Spirit, He helps us to walk in the spirit so that we may always do His will. This is the salvation of the mind where our minds are renewed everyday; as a canal mind is enmity with God (Rom 8:7). We also know that Gods’ sovereignty does not negate human responsibility. Each one is therefore called to work out his/her own salvation with fear and trembling as the Lord leads us. Our minds are transformed as we read Gods’ word and meditate on it, pray always even when faced by temptations, go to church, attend religious gatherings, read spiritual blogs, listen to and sing songs of praise, listen to biblical sermons, watch Christian based movies, do clean business, avoid bad company that spoils good morals, avoid all occasions of sin, love one another and focus on those things that yield life. On the same wavelength, we are reminded to meditate on whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, praiseworthy and gives a good report (Phil 4:8). It is in Gods’ good pleasure that we fear Him and do all that He commands us, for this is the whole duty of man (Ecc 12:13).

PRAYER
Better is one day in Your courts Oh Lord than a thousand elsewhere, dwell deeply in our hearts we humbly implore You. It is better to be a doorkeeper in Your house than to dwell in the tents of the wicked, we seek Your guidance everyday Lord. Holy Spirit You are our God, we earnestly seek You and thirst for You, our whole beings long for You, we find comfort and strength in You. Many are lost among us including the youth, have mercy on us all Jesus and purify our thoughts by Your precious blood. Strengthen us with Your grace as we work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Help us to always focus on those things which are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, praiseworthy and give a good report; for Your love for us Jehovah is everlasting. Renew our minds for Your Own good pleasure Holy Spirit; and remove our feet from all forms of carnality. All glory, honor, power, praise and salvation belongs to You Lord, now and forever. Amen

Romans 10:10‭-‬13 ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

INSIGHT
-Apostle Paul cites Joel 2:32, pointing out that we should call on the Lord for salvation. All people have the same need for salvation. God has assured all who believe in Him vindication from judgement and absolution from shame. Further, the riches of Gods’ grace are for all; both Greek and Jews for He has set His glory before hand. Though Christ was rich; He became poor so that through His poverty we may become rich (2 Cor 8:9). We are called to believe in Jesus with all our hearts so that when we call on Him through prayer; we may receive our requests. Jesus also reminds us that, if we confess Him before others, He will confess us before God the Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Him before men, He will also deny before His Father who is in heaven (Mat 10:32‭-‬33). ‬‬‬‬This is a call for us to proclaim the gospel as each one is called by God for we are His disciples, so that many may come to faith in Him. ‬‬

PRAYER
Your are majestic Lord and great is Your faithfulness. Thank You for this far that You have brought us and for the great plans that You have for us, our families and nation. Plans to prosper us and not to harm us; plans to give us hope and a future. We bless Your holy name. Thank You for the gift of life, gift of health, gift of a peaceful nation, gift of faith, gift of wisdom, gift of salvation and many other gifts that You have bestowed unto us. You have protected us, provided for us, sustained us and clothed us with many graces, great is Your faithfulness Lord. Many among us are sick and suffering, touch their hearts and heal them merciful Father. Grant all the candidates who are preparing for their exams wisdom that they may have good success. We humbly call on You Jesus to bless us indeed and expand our territories, for Your love for us is everlasting. Guide each one of us in their calling and refresh our minds, hearts and souls with Your great wisdom. All glory, honor, power, strength and grace belong to You Lord, now and forever. Amen

Psalms 18:1‭-‬3 ‬‬‬‬‬‬

I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies.

INSIGHT

-David brought out attributes of God when he was saved  from all his enemies; including king Saul. He portrays God as our strength, rock, fortress, deliver, refuge, shield, salvation and stronghold. The Lord delivered king Saul into the hands of David twice. Once when he has relieving himself in a cave at En Gedi and David cut the edge of his garment (1 Sam 24:4) and second when king Saul and his troops were asleep at Hakilah and David took away Saul’s spear, water jar and left; even when Abishai intended to strike him with his spear (1 Sam 26:12). God was always faithful to David; and when king Saul realized that David was also anointed of the Lord, he blessed him saying, “May you be blessed, David my son; you will do great things and surely triumph” (1 Sam 26:25). David always consulted God and he obtained favour before Him. He submitted his leadership before the Lord, and always triumphed as king Saul had prophesied. God is our Protector, Shelter, Helper, Friend, Father and Saviour, we are called to consult Him in all matters and seek His grace always.

PRAYER
You are our Rock and Fortress Lord, in Whom we put our trust. Deliver us in times of trouble Father and save us by Your grace from the snares of the evil one. Have mercy on us Jesus and cleanse us by Your precious blood. Protect us Lord from the terror of night, arrow that flies by day, pestilence that stalks in the darkness and the plague that destroys at midday. Save us Oh Lord and cover us under Your pinions. We declare that all accusations against us, our families and nation in the court’s of heaven are defeated by Your blood Jesus. You are our Father and Friend Lord; we put all our trust in You. Fight for us Jesus in all things for the battle belongs to You. You are our Refuge and Strength Jesus, the Horn of our salvation; we put all our trust in You. Amen

Titus 2:11‭-‬14 ‬‬‬‬‬

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

INSIGHT
-Some of us who believe in Christ may confuse grace for licentiousness. This is a notion that has caused many Christians to live carelessly knowing that we are under grace and not under the law. The grace of God instructs us to live sensibly, righteously and godly in this present age. To deny all ungodliness and worldly passions and to take up our crosses daily and follow Christ. John describes these worldly passions in 1 John 2:16 as; the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, which do not come from the Father but from the world. These things may mentally entangle one to chase after fleeting things and miss the right route of Gods’ will. Progressively, God reveals all ungodliness in our hearts and calls us to His throne of grace where we obtain mercy. By Gods’ grace then, we live self controlled lives through love for Him and our neighbours. Since we have obtained His grace through the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; He gives us the gift of salvation as He wills. He has vindicated us by His blood and brought us near; when we were far off without hope and without God (Eph 2:12-13). When we were living in darkness we saw a great light. When we were living in the land of the shadow of death, a light dawned upon us (Mat 4:16‭-‬17). Jesus became to us the Light of the world that all men may see Him, believe in Him and obtain His salvation. Christ redeemed us for Himself through the gift of salvation and therefore we eagerly await the blessed hope, His appearing in glory yielding eternal life.‬‬ He has called to let our light shine before men, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven (Mat 5:16).‬

PRAYER
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld His glory. Thank You Jesus for dwelling with us and in us. You have redeemed us from all wickedness for Yourself as we eagerly await for Your second coming with glory, we praise Your holy name. Many are the times that we have gone astray following fleshly lusts and worldly passions, forgive us Jesus and cleanse us with Your precious blood. Renew our minds Lord and help us to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives as You have called each one of us. Holy God; holy mighty One; holy immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world. We humbly come to Your throne of grace Jesus asking for Your mercy, hear us Oh Lord. Save us from all evil Jesus and heal our wounds we humbly ask You. May our intellect be filled with Your wisdom, our will be moved with Your beauty, our hearts be enraptured with Your love and our souls be flooded with Your grace, so that our light may shine bright for many to see and come to repentance. Grant that our every action be done for Your greater glory and the advancement of our salvation. Amen

1 Thessalonians 5:5‭-‬10 ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

INSIGHT
-Jesus is the Light of the world and calls us to dwell in Him as sons of light. Spiritual and moral darkness is symbolised in the act of sleeping and drunkenness, as those of the light remain alert through fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Apostle Paul cautions us against getting drunk with wine in which is dissipation; but tells us to be filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18). Peter in 1 Peter 5:8 implores us to be sober and vigilant for our adversary; the devil walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Sleep here symbolizes oblivion to impeding danger. The second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ is said to occur suddenly and is compared to the time of child birth and the intrusion of a thief; which are unexpected events. During the time of Noah, people were eating and drinking normally, oblivious of the fact that the Lord would soon judge the nations, and those who were asleep were all swept away by the flood; as Noah, his family and some animals were held secure in the ark through the salvation of the Lord. The people of Sodom and Gomorrah alike were fulfilling their fleshly pleasures when the fire came down from heaven and destroyed them, as Lot and his family were secured from death. We are therefore called to put on the spiritual armour; which is the breastplate of faith and love, and the hope of salvation; as a helmet of security through Christ Jesus, who died for us, that whether we are awake or sleep, we should live together with Him; forever.

PRAYER
Our Father who at in heaven hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptations but deliver us from all evil. For thine is the kingdom the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen

Luke 19:8‭-‬10‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

INSIGHT
-As Jesus passed through Jericho, Zacchaeus a chief tax collector and a rich man sort to see Him. His short statue did not limit him from pursuing Jesus and climb a sycamore tree to see Him. For the first time we see Jesus inviting Himself to someone’s house saying; “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house” (Lk 19:5). Zacchaeus was hungry to receive Christ and when Jesus called him, he welcomed Him with gladness to his house. Jesus thus confirms His teaching that “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day” (Jn 6:44). Zacchaeus was drawn by the Father to repentance, trusted in Jesus and was willing to restore the money he had falsely acquired. Unlike the rich young man who boasted of keeping the law but had deep attachment to his riches, Zacchaeus offered half of his goods to the poor and was called to inherit the kingdom of God (Mk 10:17-25). Jesus called Zacchaeus the son of Abraham to stir up the minds of his critics, especially those who kept the law and thought that they had the right of inheritance through their Jewish orientation. We know that for all who are of faith are the sons of Abraham through Christ will inherit His kingdom. Jesus also called Matthew a tax collector to be his disciple as He calls us today disregarding our occupations, wickedness and weaknesses. Like Zacchaeus; Jesus seeks to stay in our houses today and calls us to respond quickly, and with gladness come to Him with repentance. He calls us to seek Him when He can be found and to open our hearts to receive His salvation, for He did not come to call the righteous but sinner to repentance (Lk 5:32). We have confidence in Him; for those who Jesus saves; He keeps. Despite our weaknesses; Jesus reminds us that nothing can separate us from the love of God through Him. We have comfort then, when Jesus draws us to Himself and we respond by faith and He keeps us for Himself forever.

PRAYER
Jesus You are our Lord and Saviour, thank You for loving us with Your everlasting love. We humbly come at Your feet seeking Your mercy and grace, forgive us Dear Jesus and cover us with Your precious blood. Save us all from eternal condemnation and grant us Your grace Lord. Help us like Zacchaeus to always have repentant hearts and gladly welcome You to dwell in us. You are the way, the truth and the life Jesus; we are nothing without You, direct us in all our ways Lord. We are the sons of Abraham through You Jesus, bestow upon us the gift of salvation together with all our descendants. Nothing can separate us from Your love Father, all glory and honor belongs to You. Bless us indeed Lord and expand our territories for the glory of Your name. We thank You and praise You Jesus in all things, now and forever. Amen

2 Corinthians 6:2‭-‬10 ‬

For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

INSIGHT
-Apostle Paul having been granted great wisdom in revealing the truth to many nations, teaches that there is no better time to receive salvation than this. Having been called to minister to the people, Paul reveals to us that salvation requires much sacrifice as we wait on the Lord during good times and difficult times. Much more seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit Who strengthens us during such times. Seasons of honor and dishonor, evil report and good report, truth and deception, when much is known and unknown, when we are low spirited and high spirited, during sorrow and rejoicing, in poverty and wealth. In all these things holding fast patience in tribulations and trusting God always. For we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus possessing gift of salvation, we live as having nothing yet possessing everything.

PRAYER
How excellent is Your name Oh Lord. Receive our praises and thanksgiving from the bottom of our hearts. Walk with us Holy Spirit in our journey of salvation for when we are weak then we are strong in You. Help us when we are faced by tribulations and need, during times of distresses and sorrow, burdens and challenges. Direct us Jesus in purity and righteousness, patience and longsuffering, kindness and sincere love. When we have You Lord we have everything, we desire You at every moment of our lives. Father remember all the candidates who are preparing for their final exam, that You may grant them success. Be with all our leaders and give them wisdom in all they do. Fill us Holy Spirit with Your knowledge, understanding, wisdom, faith, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self control. Nothing can separate us from Your love Lord, save us in all things. Amen

Revelation 19:1

After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!

INSIGHT
-Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb forever and ever. According to John’s vision, great multitudes of all tribes, tongues, people’s and nation’s wave palm branches proclaiming the salvation of the Lord as during the triumphant entry, which symbolizes our victory in Jesus our Saviour. Together with the angels; they glorify God with praise and exultation. We too are called to give glory and thanksgiving always to God for our names are written in heaven (Lk 10:20), and we have been marked on our foreheads by the blood of the Lamb, for we belong to Him, and we will live forever with Him. 

SUMMARY
Salvation in Hebrew is written as yasa which means to save, help in distress, rescue, deliver and set free. Salvation is a gift from God through Christ Who shed His blood for the redemption of the whole world. A gift granted to us us by the Father through the Son and He will raise us up on the last day (Jn 6:44). Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life and no one comes to the Father except through Him (Jn 14:6). We who are of faith; have received salvation of the spirit as the Holy Spirit dwells in us, for our bodies are His temples (1 cor 6:19). The Lord then grants us salvation of our souls as the Holy Spirit guides us through the renewal of our minds and we receive a heart of flesh, obedient to His teachings. This is an unending process which brings us to the final process, the salvation of our bodies which will happen when Christ comes back for us His people. At the last trumpet; our mortal bodies will be transformed into immortal and corruption changed to incorruptible. The Holy Spirit therefore calls each one to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling holding fast Gods’ grace. Like the prodigal son who was lost but found, one is either saved or lost. When he came back to his senses, he repented and received God’s mercy, salvation and inheritance for His love is limitless. Through repentance also; we obtain God’s salvation as we come to His throne of grace where we find mercy. When we confess our sins and submit our lives to Jesus; the Holy Spirit comes into our hearts, and there is much rejoicing among the angels in heaven (Lk 15:10). Like Zacchaeus, the Ethiopian Eunuch thirsted for Christ and he was filled through revelation of the word of God. He was baptized and the Holy Spirit led Philip to Azotus as the Eunuch went home rejoicing for he had seen the salvation of the Lord (Acts 8:26-40).  Through baptism then, we affirm our belief in Jesus and give up our own righteousness for Christs’ righteousness which yields eternal grace. As partakers of His grace therefore, we are called to confess Jesus through living a life pleasing to Him, growing in love for God and others, forgiving others and tell many about Christ; so that they too may believe in Him and come to repentance. Since the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men (Titus 2:11), we are called to believe in Jesus and praise Him always with thanksgiving in our hearts for we are assured of His salvation now and on the last day, where we will live with Him forever.

PRAYER

Salvation belongs to You God our Lord and Saviour, who sits on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever. We give You all the praise and thanksgiving for You are worthy of all glory and honor; and Your love for us endures forever. Thank You for giving us the gift of salvation Jesus and to our entire generations, we glorify and praise Your name forever. We humbly ask You Father to have mercy on us, our families, friends, nations and the whole world; and write our names on the book of life according to Your will. Save us Jesus in all things and cleanse us entirely with Your precious blood. All glory and adoration belongs to You Lord; now and forever. Amen