God Of Salvation

(Psalm 68:19-20) "Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation.  Our God is a God of salvation, and to GOD, the Lord, belong deliverances from death." (ESV)

In their immediate context these verses refer to God's preservation and protection of Israel.  He daily bears Israel up.  He saves them from their adversaries and gives them victory over their enemies.  At the same time these verses also point to an even greater salvation accomplished by the Lord.  God will save his people from their sins.  

(John 3:16) "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (ESV) 

The words "For God so loved the world" would have been a shocking statement at this time. God chose to save a people for himself composed not only of Jews but also of Gentiles.  God's people is no longer just Israel but his people are from all nations now. God sent his only, unique Son (Jesus) to save his people from their sins.  Whoever believes in him (trusts in him alone) for salvation will have eternal life, that is eternal blessing.  Whoever rejects Jesus will perish, that is suffer eternal judgement.  

All humans have sinned against a holy God and have therefore incurred the wrath of God.  God sent Jesus to save us from the wrath to come.  Jesus paid the penalty for the sins of his people and provided them with his perfect righteousness.  Christ was raised from the dead victorious over sin, death, and the devil.  

This salvation is completely the work of God. We contribute nothing to the accomplishment of our salvation.  It is totally by grace, our works cannot merit salvation.  One must realize he is a sinner, he must repent of his sins and trust in Christ alone.  Jesus is the only way to heaven, all other paths lead to hell.