Advent Words Day 18 ~ Salvation

 

Day 18: Salvation

"Israel, put your hope in the Lord,

    for with the Lord is unfailing love

    and with him is full redemption.

He himself will redeem Israel

    from all their sins." Psalm 130:7-8

 

The advent of Christ is God's plan for salvation. In fact, the whole Advent story - the promises made and fulfilled through the birth of Christ - is the story of God bringing salvation to His people.

 God had long promised the people of Israel full redemption for their sins. Throughout Luke's account of the birth of Jesus we see that promise of salvation fulfilled:

 

When He spoke to Mary and Joseph through His angel, He made it clear that their son was the culmination of this promise.

 

 "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,

because he will save his people from their sins. ”Matthew 1:21

 

In this simple message the angel provides the hope of the world. In Hebrew, Jesus' name is Yeshua, which means Yahweh saves or Yahweh brings salvation. Jesus is God's salvation! He is our savior, redeemer!

 

Zechariah was aware of this good news when he sang God's praise over the birth of his son, John the Baptist. John was called by God to prepare the way before Jesus, "to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins".

 

"And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;

    for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,

to give his people the knowledge of salvation

    through the forgiveness of their sins,

because of the tender mercy of our God,

    by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven

to shine on those living in darkness

    and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

Luke 1:76-79

 

John would call people to repent of their sins and believe that Jesus was the One sent to redeem mankind from sin. He would point them to the One who brings God's salvation.

When the baby Jesus was brought to the temple to be consecrated to the Lord, Simeon took the child in his arms and praised God, declaring:

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

    you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

For my eyes have seen your salvation,

    which you have prepared in the sight of all nations."

Luke 2:29-31

 

Advent is a season for preparing us and pointing us to see the advent of Yahweh, the one who brings salvation!

 

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