Is salvation just for eternity or is there a need for God to rescue us daily? Let’s begin in Psalm 143.
A Psalm by David. (WEB)
In absolute terms is any one of us perfect in God’s very high standards of righteousness?
Hear my prayer, Yahweh. Listen to my petitions. In your faithfulness and righteousness, relieve me. Don’t enter into judgment with your servant, for in your sight no man living is righteous. (Ps 143:1-2 WEB)
Is the enemy of God always chasing us to try and trip us up?
The enemy is chasing me, crushing my life in the dirt, forcing me to live in the dark like those who’ve been dead forever. My spirit is weak inside me—inside, my mind is numb. (Ps 143:3-4 CEB)
Do we remember to meditate on God’s dealings with humanity down through time in the pages of the holy Bible?
I remember to think about the many things you did in years gone by. Then I lift my hands in prayer, because my soul is a desert, thirsty for water from you. [Selah] (Ps 143:5-6 CEV)
Do we ever desire to hear quickly from God and desire to know the way we should go?
Answer me quickly, O Lord! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. (Ps 143:7-8 ESV)
While God is rescuing us from enemies, do we desire that He teaches us His will?
Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I come to You for protection. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your gracious Spirit lead me on level ground. (Ps 143:9-10 HCSB)
In a world of enemies who want to take advantage of us, do we rely on God’s gracious love?
For the sake of your name, Lord, preserve my life. Because you are righteous, bring me out of trouble. Because of your gracious love, you will cut off my enemies. You will destroy all who oppose me, for I am your servant. (Ps 143:11-12 ISV)
Do we understand salvation as not just for all eternity, but from everyday dangers as well, such as the disciples in danger of sinking on Lake Galilee?
And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. (Mat 8:24-26 KJV)
Is salvation expressed in a past tense, as in “have been” saved?
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, so that no one may boast. (Eph 2:8-9 LSB)
Is salvation expressed in a present continuous tense, as in “are being” saved?
For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing (2 Cor 2:14-16 NASB)
Is salvation expressed in a future tense, as in “will be” saved?
Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. (Mat 10:21-22 NIV)
Is salvation just for eternity or is there a need for God to rescue us daily? You decide!
