SALVATION AND DELIVERANCE

The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. Psalm 33:16

I read this verse twice a year because of the M’Cheyne Bible reading plan, and I smile every time I read it. I’m reminded of Mr. Spurgeon’s commentary of the verse from Treasury of David: “Mortal power is a fiction, and those who trust in it are dupes.” The Prince of Preachers didn’t mince words. He told it like it was. It’s because the Lord doesn’t mince words, telling it like it is. A great army or great strength cannot save anyone. It requires the Lord Jesus Christ alone (Acts 4:12). Amassing valiant warriors and trusting in the exercise and execution of our own power will not elevate our sanctification one iota. It requires the truth of God’s Word (John 17:17) as ministered to us by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). We can strategize all we want with a thousand and one ‘yes men’ or attach ourselves to the wealthiest of men, or the most brilliant of minds, or the most physically fit specimen on the planet, yet it won’t advantage us a single whit when it comes to unlocking and comprehending heavenly truth and the glorious doctrines of God in Christ. This is the work of the heavenly Father, as He alone must reveal (Eph 1:17). In that Day, when standing before the LORD, even if it were possible to have the authority of the greatest nuclear army and navy behind us, as well as the greatest leaders in history to speak on our behalf, it would do absolutely no good in keeping an unrepentant sinner from frying in a lake of fire reserved for the devil and his angels. A soul’s reprieve and reward rests in the redemption provided in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone. It is available by grace alone and accessed by faith alone. That the Lord must remind us through the psalmist, as well as numerous places throughout Scripture, is quite telling of how depraved we are because we must be reminded constantly not to trust in the strength of our flesh. We must trust in Christ, for apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5).

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Today's M'Cheyne Reading Schedule: 4/22 - Lev 26; Psa 33; Ecc 9; Titus 1

If you don’t have one, get a free PDF copy of Robert Murray M’Cheyne’s “Daily Bread” Bible Reading Calendar by Clicking Here.

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