How does Psalm 85:7 connect with Ephesians 2:8 on grace and salvation? Psalm 85:7 in Context “Show us Your loving devotion, O LORD, and grant us Your salvation.” (Psalm 85:7) • The sons of Korah plead for God to “show” covenant love (“hesed”) and to “grant” deliverance. • “Loving devotion” is God’s steadfast, covenant-keeping grace; “salvation” is deliverance the people cannot earn. • The verse assumes God alone dispenses both mercy and rescue—Israel’s hope rests entirely on Him. Ephesians 2:8 in Context “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8) • Paul explains that salvation comes solely by unmerited favor (“grace”) received through faith. • He underscores human inability: salvation “is not from yourselves.” • Grace is God’s gift, not a reward for works (v. 9). Shared Themes: Grace and Salvation • Unmerited Favor – Psalm 85:7—“Show us Your loving devotion” (undeserved covenant love). – Ephesians 2:8—“by grace you have been saved.” • Divine Initiative – Psalm—“grant us Your salvation.” – Ephesians—“it is the gift of God.” • Human Dependence – Psalm—petitioners can only ask. – Ephesians—believers simply receive through faith. • Salvation as Deliverance – Old Testament focus: national and personal rescue from judgment and exile. – New Testament fulfillment: rescue from sin’s penalty and power (Romans 5:8–9; Colossians 1:13-14). The Flow of Redemption from Old to New 1. Anticipation (Psalm 85) • Israel’s return from exile hints at a deeper need—spiritual renewal (vv. 4-6). • Their cry for grace foreshadows a salvation still to be fully unveiled. 2. Revelation (Ephesians 2) • In Christ, the grace requested in Psalm 85 is poured out (John 1:16-17). • What was once a national plea becomes a universal offer to Jew and Gentile alike (Ephesians 2:11-13). 3. Continuity • Same God, same character: “The LORD, the LORD, compassionate and gracious” (Exodus 34:6). • Grace and salvation are always God’s work; New Testament clarity does not replace Old Testament truth—it completes it. Life Application Steps • Rest in God’s Initiative – Stop striving to earn what He freely grants (Titus 3:5). • Respond in Faith – Like Israel’s cry, confess need daily; like Paul’s teaching, trust Christ’s finished work (Romans 10:9-10). • Rehearse His Covenant Love – Meditate on passages that showcase His steadfast grace (Psalm 103:8-12). • Reflect Grace to Others – Freely forgive and serve, remembering you too live by unearned favor (Matthew 10:8). |
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