Jonah 2:9 But I will sacrifice to you with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD. In the former part of the verse the prophet expresses his determination to bless and praise the Lord. The ground of his doing so was what the Lord had done for him, notwithstanding his grievous crimes and rebellion. That again embraced a twofold mercy, namely, what had been done, or what was about to be done, for his body and for his soul. The prophet had now been taught a lesson which it would be his wisdom never to forget, and which would the better enable him for the arduous work he was called to perform. Some indisputable facts in Christian experience. 1. That no one knows what salvation means but they who have seen their need of it. 2. That no one can praise the Lord for salvation but they who have experienced its blessing and power. 3. That no one can be insensible to the holy feeling of gratitude and praise to whom the grace of God hath brought salvation. 4. That it is generally through a variety of humiliating and painful discipline we are conducted to such an experience, and formed to such a confession and acknowledgment. This then is the subject of our discourse. Considered in every possible point of view, in its origin, source, revelation, execution, grant, efficiency, continuance, and consummation, "Salvation is of the Lord." I. WHAT DOES THE TERM "SALVATION" MEAN? 1. What the Lord had done, or was about to do, for Jonah in respect of his body. In this Jonah was a striking type of Christ. 2. What the Lord had done for him in respect of his soul, in preserving him from hell, and granting him repentance unto life. The word salvation, as applied to souls, does not mean (1) Profession. (2) Privileges. (3) Attainments. (4) Names, sects, or parties.To see what it does mean we must ask, What is the state of man? He is lost, as being guilty, condemned, polluted, and depraved, exposed to many enemies, from which, by his own will and power, be can never escape. Salvation means deliverance from this state of wretchedness and misery, together with an investiture of all the blessings needful for his present peace and everlasting welfare. II. WHENCE DOES THIS SALVATION FLOW, AND BY WHOM IS IT CARRIED INTO EFFECT? It does not originate with man. It is not effected by man. It is altogether of the Lord. Consider from Scripture — 1. The source of salvation. 2. The provision of the Saviour. 3. The assignment of His mediating work as the surety of His Church and people. 4. Look at the execution of this great work.So it is clear that salvation is altogether of the Lord. Consider how, and by whom, the time when, and the manner in which this gracious provision is carried into effect in the sinner's conversion. 1. The regeneration of the soul. 2. The sinner's pardon and justification. 3. The believer's sanctification and adoption. 4. The believer's succour, support, and safety. 5. The believer's perseverance unto the end, his safe death, and triumphant glory. III. WHEREIN DOES IT APPEAR THAT IT IS INDEED THE SALVATION OF THE LORD? 1. What hath the Lord spoken on this subject? 2. What does the state of the case absolutely require? 3. What does the experience of the people of God abundantly testify and confirm? 4. If salvation be not of the Lord, then how dark, how cheerless is the prospect set before us! (1) Take a word of instruction. Lay down this doctrine as a fundamental truth. (2) Take a word of discovery. How much error, delusion, and false doctrine does this subject bring to light! (3) Take a word of inquiry. In what way are you seeking your salvation? (4) Take a word of alarm. Is it not sad to consider how the Lord is slighted by some, and dishonoured by others, in this great work of salvation? (5) Take a word of encouragement. Can anything be more cheering than this assurance, "Salvation is of the Lord"? (6) Take a word of gratitude and joy. Is the Lord my Saviour? (R. Shittler.) Parallel Verses KJV: But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD. |
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