Sermon: Salvation is of the Lord
Introduction
Brothers and sisters, today, we focus on a profound truth: “Salvation is of the Lord.” This powerful statement, found in Jonah 2:9, reminds us that the power to save rests solely with God. It is not something we can earn, achieve, or manufacture on our own.
The Depth of Our Need
Before we can truly understand the weight of this truth, we must first acknowledge our human condition. The Bible tells us that we are all sinners, separated from God. We are incapable of bridging this gap ourselves. Our good works, our best efforts, fall short of God’s perfect standard. We are lost without divine intervention.
God’s Grace, Our Only Hope
In His infinite love and mercy, God provided a way for us to be reconciled to Him. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins. Jesus, through His sacrifice, paid the price for our redemption. It is by grace alone, through faith in Jesus, that we are saved. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Jonah’s Example
Jonah, in the belly of the great fish, came to this realization. He was in a desperate situation, facing the consequences of his disobedience. In his distress, he cried out to the Lord, and it was then that he proclaimed, “Salvation is of the Lord.” Jonah’s experience illustrates that even in our darkest moments, when we have nothing left to rely on, God is our only hope.
Our Response
If salvation is of the Lord, what is our role? Our role is to respond to God’s grace with faith and repentance. We must turn away from our sin and turn to God, trusting in Jesus Christ as our Savior. We must believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord.
Conclusion
“Salvation is of the Lord.” This is not just a theological statement; it is a truth that transforms lives. It is a truth that brings hope to the hopeless, freedom to the captive, and life to the dead. May we embrace this truth today, and may it lead us to a deeper relationship with the God who saves. Amen.
