Friday, January 14, 2005
Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
THE MANIFESTATION OF SALVATION
During the Epiphany season we focus our attention on the manifestation of the person of Jesus who came to the world to save sinners. We are reminded of how that plan of salvation was planned and completed by God through His only begotten Son. Through that death of Jesus, our debt of sin has been paid, and our freedom purchased. This salvation from sin and death is a free gift offered by God to all people, through the Word -- God's manifestation of salvation.
While that gift is offered to all people, its blessings of eternal life can only be attained by faith. Without faith that gift, while purchased, is left unappreciated, unopened, and unused, to the eternal detriment of the individual who does not believe. That's why God has made His plan of salvation manifest to the world through the preaching and the hearing of the Word of God.
We may talk to our friends and our neighbors time and time again about God's manifestation of salvation, but often it seems like nothing changes, and that the Word we proclaim has no affect in their lives. It may cause us to wonder if there is a problem with God's message or the way He has planned to make His salvation manifest to the world. Just the opposite is true. Earlier in his letter to the Romans Paul stated that the message of the Gospel was "the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16). Rather than being the problem, the manifestation of God's salvation through the Word is the only solution to lukewarmness and unbelief. "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Through the hearing of the Word of God we have been brought to believe on Jesus as our Savior, and have been strengthen in that faith as well. That is not something we do, it's something God does through the preaching of the Word of God.
As a star, God's holy Word Leads us to our King and Lord;
Brightly from its sacred pages Shall this light throughout all ages
Shine upon our path of life, Shine upon our path of life. 