The dictionary defines salvation as deliverance from harm, ruin, or loss. In spiritual terms it is deliverance from sin and its consequences. We can say that deliverance from sin is the theme of the Bible. We learn that salvation from sin comes only through our Lord, Jesus Christ.
A common expression these days is, “What does that look like?” God made sure we can get a mental picture of salvation by reading His word. The first use of the word salvation in the NKJV occurs in Exodus 14:13: And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.”
When the Hebrews were trapped against the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army in hot pursuit, God provided escape from death and destruction. The parting of the Red Sea was accomplished by the power of God through Moses following God’s instructions.
God’s word makes it obvious that this miracle is meant to be an enduring example of salvation. The Old Testament refers to this event numerous times and the Jews were reminded annually at Passover of their miraculous escape from the Egyptians.
The New Testament refers to this great event also. However, these references are used as a warning against returning to sin after receiving salvation. The warning comes from what happened after the Hebrews experienced salvation. They were disobedient. The Hebrew writer explains the warning this way, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion. For who, having heard, rebelled? Indeed, was it not all who came out of Egypt, led by Moses? Now with whom was He angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the desert? And to whom did God swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who disobeyed?” (Hebrews 3:15-18)
The warning to Christians today is this – do not think that being baptized into Christ is a birthright that cannot be lost. God expects obedience to His word. He has given us the Exodus example of salvation as well as the example of those who lost their salvation because of their disobedience.
For your shepherds, Dave Benner