Getting the Most Out of Your Salvation
Getting the Most Out of Your Salvation
Text: Joshua 1:13–15
When the children of Israel stood at the edge of the promised land, Joshua gave specific instructions to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Though they had already received their inheritance on the east side of Jordan, they still had responsibilities to fulfill before entering into full rest. Spiritually speaking, this presents a powerful picture of the Christian life. Though we are saved and have entered the promised land of salvation, we have not yet received the fullness of our inheritance. Until then, God has given us instructions so that we may enjoy our salvation and live victoriously.
Joshua’s command to Israel was simple but profound. They were to remember, remain, return, and rest. These same four principles help believers today get the most out of what God has already given them in Christ.
Remember
First, believers are commanded to remember. Joshua told the tribes to remember the word that Moses commanded them. Forgetfulness has always been a spiritual danger. God’s people often lose their joy, not because God has changed, but because they have forgotten what he has already done.
We are to remember the word of God, the way God brought us from our former condition into salvation, and the warfare that still lies before us. Paul and Peter both emphasized the importance of putting believers “in remembrance” of sound doctrine and present truth. A remembering Christian is a stable Christian.
Remain
Second, believers must remain where God has placed and planted them. The idea for the Christian is, "Grow where you are planted." In Joshua’s instruction, the wives, children, and livestock were to remain in the protected inheritance while the men helped their brethren secure victory. This reveals God’s mercy and provision for the vulnerable.
Spiritually, it reminds us that God desires his people to remain under his protection and provision. Christians thrive when they stay where God waters, feeds, protects, and strengthens them through his word, his Spirit, and his people. Remaining where God provides strength enables us to endure the battles we must fight.
Return
Third, believers are called to return. After completing the work of helping their brethren, the men were to return home to their inheritance: their wives, children, livestock, and land. If they had stayed on the west side of Jordan, they would've been out of bounds from where God had prepared a place for them and from where they had promised to return.
Scripture repeatedly emphasizes the blessing of returning to the Lord. Isaiah declared, “Return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.” The prodigal son returned home and found restoration. Even our Lord Jesus Christ returned to the Father after completing his earthly mission and the gospel. We are promised at the return and reception of Jesus Christ to go to the Father for our inheritance and home in heaven.
The Christian life involves service and warfare, but it also includes the continual invitation to return to the place of fellowship, forgiveness, and assurance.
Rest
Finally, believers are promised rest. Joshua assured these tribes that rest awaited them after obedience was fulfilled. Likewise, God has promised his people rest. Psalm 127:2 - It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. While ultimate rest awaits us in eternity, God also gives present rest to those who trust him and walk with him by faith.
Many believers struggle with “fightings without” and “fears within” (2 Cor. 7:5), but the Lord gives rest to those who come to him for it. Matthew 11:28-30 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
True enjoyment of salvation comes when we learn to rest in what God has already provided through his word and his promises. God does not intend for his people merely to possess salvation; he intends for them to enjoy it. As Paul wrote in part, in 1 Timothy 6:17, God “giveth us richly all things to enjoy.”
When believers remember the word of God, remain under God's care, return when they depart, and rest in the promises of God, then they begin to experience the fullness of joy that salvation was designed to bring.
Text: Joshua 1:13–15
When the children of Israel stood at the edge of the promised land, Joshua gave specific instructions to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Though they had already received their inheritance on the east side of Jordan, they still had responsibilities to fulfill before entering into full rest. Spiritually speaking, this presents a powerful picture of the Christian life. Though we are saved and have entered the promised land of salvation, we have not yet received the fullness of our inheritance. Until then, God has given us instructions so that we may enjoy our salvation and live victoriously.
Joshua’s command to Israel was simple but profound. They were to remember, remain, return, and rest. These same four principles help believers today get the most out of what God has already given them in Christ.
Remember
First, believers are commanded to remember. Joshua told the tribes to remember the word that Moses commanded them. Forgetfulness has always been a spiritual danger. God’s people often lose their joy, not because God has changed, but because they have forgotten what he has already done.
We are to remember the word of God, the way God brought us from our former condition into salvation, and the warfare that still lies before us. Paul and Peter both emphasized the importance of putting believers “in remembrance” of sound doctrine and present truth. A remembering Christian is a stable Christian.
Remain
Second, believers must remain where God has placed and planted them. The idea for the Christian is, "Grow where you are planted." In Joshua’s instruction, the wives, children, and livestock were to remain in the protected inheritance while the men helped their brethren secure victory. This reveals God’s mercy and provision for the vulnerable.
Spiritually, it reminds us that God desires his people to remain under his protection and provision. Christians thrive when they stay where God waters, feeds, protects, and strengthens them through his word, his Spirit, and his people. Remaining where God provides strength enables us to endure the battles we must fight.
Return
Third, believers are called to return. After completing the work of helping their brethren, the men were to return home to their inheritance: their wives, children, livestock, and land. If they had stayed on the west side of Jordan, they would've been out of bounds from where God had prepared a place for them and from where they had promised to return.
Scripture repeatedly emphasizes the blessing of returning to the Lord. Isaiah declared, “Return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.” The prodigal son returned home and found restoration. Even our Lord Jesus Christ returned to the Father after completing his earthly mission and the gospel. We are promised at the return and reception of Jesus Christ to go to the Father for our inheritance and home in heaven.
The Christian life involves service and warfare, but it also includes the continual invitation to return to the place of fellowship, forgiveness, and assurance.
Rest
Finally, believers are promised rest. Joshua assured these tribes that rest awaited them after obedience was fulfilled. Likewise, God has promised his people rest. Psalm 127:2 - It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. While ultimate rest awaits us in eternity, God also gives present rest to those who trust him and walk with him by faith.
Many believers struggle with “fightings without” and “fears within” (2 Cor. 7:5), but the Lord gives rest to those who come to him for it. Matthew 11:28-30 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
True enjoyment of salvation comes when we learn to rest in what God has already provided through his word and his promises. God does not intend for his people merely to possess salvation; he intends for them to enjoy it. As Paul wrote in part, in 1 Timothy 6:17, God “giveth us richly all things to enjoy.”
When believers remember the word of God, remain under God's care, return when they depart, and rest in the promises of God, then they begin to experience the fullness of joy that salvation was designed to bring.
Posted in Abundant Life, Blessing, Cheerfulness, Obedience, Peace, Promises, Salvation, Trusting God, Words of God
Posted in joy, Blessing, Obedience, trust, Word of God, faith
Posted in joy, Blessing, Obedience, trust, Word of God, faith
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