“Salvation is of the LORD” (Jonah 2.9.)
Introduction. Jonah learned this sentence of good theology in a strange college: the whale’s belly. Most of the grand truths of God have to be learned by trouble. He shall best preach salvation who has felt his need of it. This ‘salvation’ relates to the great work of saving the everlasting soul.
(1) The Doctrine Expounded. The whole work of saving men from sin and ruin is of God alone. The plan of salvation is entirely of God. Before the daystar flung its ray across the darkness, God devised a way to save man, whom he foresaw would fall. If celestial squadrons of angels had been asked how justice might be fulfilled while having mercy reign, they had sat in silence until now. The plan was of the Lord in its execution. The royal bath of mercy, wherein black souls are washed, was filled from the veins of Jesus. No blood of martyrs mingled with that stream. Not a drop was contributed by any other being. As to salvation’s provisions—Jehovah—Father, Son, and Spirit—has provided all. Salvation is of the Lord in its application. No, says the Arminian. There is something that man must do. But is not the sinner by nature dead in sin? If we could make ourselves alive, then we could do all the rest! Man is just as powerless to come to Christ as he is without power to go to heaven without Christ. The Spirit must quicken him. Salvation is of the Lord in sustaining the work in man’s heart. As a man does not make himself spiritually alive, so neither can he keep himself so. We must have fresh grace day by day. You will have grace for the day, not months. Give us this day our daily grace. The ultimate perfection of salvation is of the Lord. Soon the saints of earth shall be saints in light. But it must be by grace: ‘of the Lord.’
(2) How God has Hedged this Doctrine About. Some say that salvation may be the result of natural temperament. But strange to say, naturally religious people are so often those who perish, while a great number of those who are saved are unlikely candidates! Well, say some, it is the minister who converts men. That is a grand idea! No man but a fool would entertain it. If I could convert you all, anyone else might unconvert you. A year ago I was despised; but God gave me souls by the hundreds. My name is somewhat esteemed now. I fear that God might forsake me to prove that he is the author of salvation, not the preacher, not the crowd, not the attention.
(3) The Influence of this Doctrine upon Men. This doctrine is a battering ram against pride. If salvation is of the Lord, it cannot be of works or ceremonies. It cannot be of your will to repent and believe when you like, for faith and repentance must be given. And if a man despair of salvation, yet salvation is of the Lord. This dashes despair to the earth. That is the effect of this doctrine on a sinner; may it have that effect on you! But what influence has it upon the saint? If you believe that salvation is of the Lord, you will not be proud, for the glory must be where salvation is. You will not be distrustful, for salvation depends not on faith, but on God who keeps you. You may always be joyful, for with this belief you will not be afraid. It will nerve you to work for God. A stone cut Whitefield’s forehead once; he seemed to preach better with a little bloodletting.
(4) The Obverse of this Truth. Salvation is of God; damnation is of man. If any of you are damned, you will have no one to blame but yourselves. You will bear all the tortures of conscience yourself.
Selection from Conclusion. “But now remember! Ye have souls; those souls will be damned, or saved. Which will it be?…Down on your knees! Cry to God for mercy. Now lift up your heart in prayer.”
