Spurgeon Morning and Evening February 8 PM

Biblical Context

The Gospel of Matthew, from which our foundational scripture Matthew 1:21 is taken, is the first book in the New Testament and one of the three synoptic Gospels (along with Mark and Luke). Traditionally attributed to Matthew, also known as Levi, a tax collector called by Jesus, this Gospel was likely written primarily for a Jewish audience. Its central purpose is to present Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the Son of David, who fulfills Old Testament prophecies. Matthew meticulously links Jesus’ life, teachings, miracles, and suffering to the Hebrew Scriptures, demonstrating His divine authority and role in establishing God’s kingdom. The announcement of Jesus’ birth in Matthew 1 sets the stage for His messianic identity and mission, culminating in the angel’s declaration to Joseph regarding the child’s name, Jesus (Greek for “Joshua”), and the profound meaning behind it: He shall save His people from their sins. This verse encapsulates the very essence of Christ’s salvific work, moving beyond political or earthly liberation to address humanity’s deepest spiritual need.

Key Word Study

Let us examine the profound implications of the word “save” in Matthew 1:21. The Greek word here is sōzō (σῴζω). While often translated simply as “save,” sōzō carries a rich tapestry of meanings that extend far beyond a mere rescue from danger. It encompasses deliverance from evil, preservation, healing, and restoration. In a physical sense, it could refer to being cured from illness or protected from harm. However, in the context of salvation from sins, its spiritual dimension comes to the forefront. Here, sōzō means to deliver one from the power, penalty, and presence of sin, leading to eternal life. It signifies a complete spiritual transformation that brings health and wholeness to the soul, setting one free from the bondage and dominion of sin. This is not just about avoiding future punishment, but about a present, active deliverance that changes the very nature and direction of a person’s life, aligning them with God’s will and purpose.

The Common Misconception of Salvation

Spurgeon opens our reflection by addressing a widespread misunderstanding of salvation. He notes that many, when asked what they understand by salvation, will simply reply, “Being saved from hell and taken to heaven.” While it is undeniably true that this is “one result of salvation,” the esteemed preacher asserts that it is “not one tithe of what is contained in that boon.” This highlights a critical need to broaden our theological perspective beyond a mere transaction of eternal destination, to embrace the comprehensive, transformative power of Christ’s work.

Redemption from Wrath and Condemnation

It is, of course, a foundational truth that “our Lord Jesus Christ does redeem all His people from the wrath to come.” This aspect of salvation is crucial, as it addresses the grave consequence of sin – the “fearful condemnation which their sins had brought upon them.” Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross indeed bears the judgment we deserved, shielding us from God’s righteous anger against sin. Yet, Spurgeon emphasizes that Christ’s “triumph is far more complete than this.” His work is not merely defensive, averting disaster, but profoundly proactive and restorative.

The Core of True Salvation: Saved “From Their Sins”

The true depth of Christ’s salvation, as revealed in Matthew 1:21, is that “He saves His people ‘from their sins.'” This is not merely a salvation *from the penalty* of sin, but from its very *power and presence* in our lives. Spurgeon exclaims, “Oh! sweet deliverance from our worst foes.” Our sins are indeed our worst enemies, enslaving us, corrupting our nature, and separating us from God. To be saved from hell is wonderful, but to be saved from the very impulses and dominion of sin itself is a liberation of a higher order, touching the very core of our being and transforming our daily existence.

Casting Out Satan’s Dominion

Where Christ undertakes a genuine “saving work,” a radical shift occurs. He “casts Satan from his throne, and will not let him be master any longer.” This signifies a decisive dethroning of the adversary’s power in a believer’s life. Before Christ, Satan often holds sway through the allure and compulsion of sin. But in salvation, Christ establishes His own sovereignty, displacing the former ruler. This is why Spurgeon declares, “No man is a true Christian if sin reigns in his mortal body.” The presence of Christ demands the expulsion of sin’s absolute dominion.

Sin’s Presence vs. Sin’s Dominion

Spurgeon is careful to clarify that while sin’s dominion is broken, its presence is not immediately eradicated. He realistically states, “Sin will be in us-it will never be utterly expelled till the spirit enters glory.” This acknowledges the ongoing struggle inherent in the Christian life. We will still grapple with sinful desires and inclinations until we are perfected in heaven. However, the critical distinction is that sin “will never have dominion.” There will be a continuous “striving for dominion-a lusting against the new law and the new spirit which God has implanted-” but the outcome is assured: “sin will never get the upper hand so as to be absolute monarch of our nature.” Christ, not sin, will be the “Master of the heart, and sin must be mortified.” This mortification – the active putting to death of sinful desires – is an ongoing work of the believer empowered by the Holy Spirit. The ultimate victory is prophesied: “The Lion of the tribe of Judah shall prevail, and the dragon shall be cast out.” This powerful imagery assures us of Christ’s absolute triumph over all evil.

The Acid Test of True Salvation: Is Sin Subdued?

Spurgeon, ever the keen diagnostician of the soul, challenges his readers with a direct, piercing question: “Professor! Is sin subdued in you?” He is not merely addressing those in academic or religious office, but anyone who professes faith. This is the crucial test of authenticity. He immediately connects internal state with external manifestation: “If your life is unholy your heart is unchanged, and if your heart is unchanged you are an unsaved person.” There is no true salvation without a palpable transformation that impacts one’s daily conduct. A lack of holiness in life betrays an unchanged heart, which in turn indicates an absence of saving grace.

Sanctification as Proof of Salvation

Further elaborating on the evidence of true salvation, Spurgeon states: “If the Saviour has not sanctified you, renewed you, given you a hatred of sin and a love of holiness, He has done nothing in you of a saving character.” This is a powerful and uncompromising statement. Salvation is not a passive mental assent but an active, dynamic work of God that produces tangible fruit. It involves sanctification (being made holy), renewal (being made new), and a fundamental reorientation of one’s affections – a deep-seated “hatred of sin and a love of holiness.” Without these internal shifts, any claim to salvation is hollow. He warns, “The grace which does not make a man better than others is a worthless counterfeit.” True grace elevates and transforms, making us distinctly different from our former selves and from those who remain unredeemed.

Holiness: Inseparable from Salvation

Spurgeon powerfully reiterates the inseparability of salvation from holiness. “Christ saves His people, not in their sins, but from them.” This distinction is vital. We are not saved *to continue living in* sin, but *to be delivered out of* it. This leads to profound biblical truths that underscore the necessity of a holy life: “Without holiness no man shall see the Lord.” (While not referenced in the source text, this is a clear echo of Hebrews 12:14). Furthermore, the call to all who name Christ’s name is explicit: “Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” (Again, echoing 2 Timothy 2:19). If we are not being saved from sin, if our lives do not reflect a departure from evil, then Spurgeon questions: “how shall we hope to be counted among His people?” The evidence of our salvation is intrinsically linked to our ongoing walk in holiness, empowered by the Spirit of Christ. The devotional concludes with a simple, yet profound personal plea: “Lord, save me now from all evil, and enable me to honour my Saviour.” This encapsulates the desire of a truly saved heart – not just to escape judgment, but to be thoroughly delivered from sin’s power and to live a life that glorifies Christ.