In what ways can we experience God's salvation today, as in Psalm 80:19? Echoing the Cry of Psalm 80:19 “Restore us, O LORD God of Hosts; let Your face shine, that we may be saved.” (Psalm 80:19) What does it look like for God’s face to shine on us today? How can we taste the fullness of His saving work right now? The Foundation: Saving Faith in Christ – Romans 10:9-10—confessing Jesus as Lord and believing God raised Him from the dead brings immediate salvation. – John 3:16—faith in the Son secures eternal life; this is the first and decisive experience of God’s saving light. – Ephesians 2:8-9—salvation is by grace through faith, not earned; we receive it the moment we believe. Daily Renewal: Ongoing Restoration of the Heart – 2 Corinthians 4:16—“Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.” – Psalm 51:10—God continually creates a clean heart and renews a steadfast spirit within us. Practical ways to welcome this renewal: • Regular Scripture intake to let His voice reshape our thoughts (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Quick confession and repentance when the Spirit convicts (1 John 1:9). • Choosing gratitude and praise, shifting our focus to His shining face (Psalm 34:1-5). Freedom from the Power of Sin – Romans 6:14—“Sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.” – Galatians 5:16—walking by the Spirit keeps us from gratifying the flesh. Evidence of deliverance: addictions broken, bitterness replaced with forgiveness, new desires for holiness. Protection and Deliverance in Life’s Battles – Psalm 34:7—“The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.” – 2 Timothy 4:18—“The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom.” He saves us from dangers we see—and many we never notice—guiding our steps and shielding our lives. Healing of Wounds and Restoration of Joy – Psalm 147:3—“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Isaiah 61:1—Christ proclaims liberty to captives and comfort to all who mourn. God’s salvation touches emotional scars, replacing despair with hope and lament with praise. Transformation into Christ’s Likeness – 2 Corinthians 3:18—“We all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image from glory to glory.” – Philippians 2:12-13—God works in us to will and to act according to His good purpose. This ongoing sanctification is part of experiencing His saving shine—He won’t leave us as He found us. Belonging to a Restored Community – 1 Peter 2:9-10—we are a chosen people, called out of darkness into His marvelous light. – Acts 2:42-47—early believers lived the reality of salvation together: teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, prayer, generosity, and joy. The church embodies God’s restorative work, bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). Hope of Final Restoration – 1 Peter 1:5—we are “protected by God’s power through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” – Revelation 21:3-4—He will dwell with us, wipe away every tear, and make all things new. Living in this hope energizes present faith and fuels perseverance (Romans 8:18-25). Responding to God’s Shining Face • Trust Christ wholeheartedly—receive forgiveness and new life. • Abide daily—linger in His Word, pray, worship, and obey. • Walk in community—grow alongside brothers and sisters. • Fix your eyes on the future—anticipate the day His salvation is complete. Psalm 80:19’s plea is answered in Jesus, experienced now through the Spirit, and consummated when we see Him face-to-face. |
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