Scripture Reference: Psalm 36

2. The Fullness of Salvation – Continued

Please read Psalm 36:5-9 for the background to this section.

So many of us have bought Satan’s lie that God is going to cheat us. The devil whispers, “God’s going to mess up your life for sure. He’s going to take all the fun out of your life. He’s the original cosmic killjoy. He’s plotting to make your life miserable. He wants to make you depressed and poor.” Give the enemy some credit. He is a skillful and manipulative liar (see John 8:44).

In the salvation of God there is however full satisfaction. One of the best illustrations is found in the second chapter of John, at the wedding feast in Cana of Galilee where Jesus turned the water into wine. The governor of the feast tasted the miraculous wine and exclaimed, “You have kept the good wine until now” (John 2:10). In other words, “You have saved the best wine until the very last.” That can only apply to God. Satan puts his best foot forward first. When the prodigal son left home with his inheritance and went to the “far country” to live as he chose, Satan gave the boy his best shot, but the kid ended up in the hog pen, starving to death. That’s always how it is when one dances to the devil’s music.

However, it’s not so with God as our Father. I’ll never forget the day He came into my heart and saved me. I’ll never forget the night when he touched my heart and I realized He was calling me to serve others with the Word. It was an exciting time, and, oh, how precious and wonderful God has been over all these years. If I’m being totally honest, God is more precious today than I could have ever imagined before. We used to sing “Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.” What He gives today is better now than it has ever been. His gifts of grace are far superior and excellent right now, and the fact is, they will be even better tomorrow. That’s what experience and abundant satisfaction gives us! God gives abundantly, but the devil cheats us; he lies to each and everyone of us. He promises, “Follow Me, and I will give you this and that.” Satan never gives us anything but misery. He always depletes and takes from us.

Yet, God, in His graciousness, gives, and His giving is filled with satisfaction, abundant satisfaction. God doesn’t just give a hint of satisfaction to tempt us or tease us into serving Him. No, like a loving Father, He gives us His all. He will fill the longings and desires of our hearts with His graceful presence. He provides a fountain of life, giving us spiritual eyes so we can see truth and light; all of that speaks of joy and purity, truth and clarity. Life and light are two essentials of genuine spiritual experience. These are the opposite of darkness and death that envelop a person who follows Satan’s way. What a “so great” salvation we have! The life that excels sees the fullness of salvation.

To Be Continued

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, ESV © 2016 by Crossway Bibles.
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