Common Salvation
Acts 15:11
But we believe that through the grace of the LORD Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.


I. AN ANTICIPATION OF AN INVALUABLE BLESSING. "Salvation" implying deliverance from spiritual danger, the enjoyment of spiritual good, the attainment of heaven. Man's state rendered redemptive interference necessary. Law was followed by rebellion: rebellion involves penal consequences.

1. The Scriptural statements of man's guilt and danger.

2. Observation and experience verify the Word.

3. The individual involvement in guilt and danger.

4. The necessary elements of salvation. Freedom from debasement, defilement, fear of death and judgment and what lies beyond. The bestowment of life, immortality, heaven.

II. THE METHOD BY WHICH THIS BLESSING IS TO BE SECURED.

1. The Incarnation was for the purpose of securing human salvation. Determined in the councils of the Father; types prefigured it; prophecy proclaimed its approach until the fulness of the time came. The necessary proofs of His appointment were the voice from heaven, miracles, witness of Scripture to His character and mission.

2. The manner in which He met the requisite conditions of human salvation. He was a great teacher, but He was more at the last supper, in the garden, on Calvary. There salvation effected. The fire fell and consumed the sacrifice which must otherwise have consumed the world.

3. Christ's sufferings were propitiatory, and formed part of a plan essential to the manifestation of the Divine mercy. Apart from Christ's atonement there is no salvation.

4. The Saviour rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and presents there the memorials of His sacrifice.

5. The principle upon which this salvation is bestowed. Through grace, unmerited mercy. Penance and merit are excluded.

III. THE TYPES WHICH WILL BE FOLLOWED IN THE BESTOWMENT OF SALVATION AND THE EXTENT TO WHICH IT SHALL BE CARRIED. "Saved even as they." The mistake of Jewish converts that they had some advantage. Their attempt to impose circumcision.

1. This salvation is available wherever the sovereignty of God applies it.

(1) This is true of the various nations. Of all to whom it has been sent we can say we shall be saved even as they.

(2) This is true of all the varieties and degrees of crime.

(3) This salvation binds its recipients in perfect union, "Neither Jew nor Greek."

(James Parsons.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

WEB: But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they are."




The Spirituality of the Gospel
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