Why Christians Call Upon the Name of the Lord to be Saved
The psalmist acknowledges his need in the world. He is weak in the flesh. He is hated by the world. He has an enemy wishing his destruction. He is chastened by the Lord, and all this while he occupies a body of death. There is no wonder that he cries out to God with all his heart (Ps 119:145).
For these reasons, the apostle Paul alludes to the Christian life and ministry, as running a marathon or fighting a fight (2 Tim 4:7). The Christian is disciplined by God’s design (Heb 12:4–11). He is weaned from his former comforts. He is removed from Egypt, but the journey has just begun.
Slavery in the world has its trappings. God hears His people cry, “Look upon my affliction (Psalm 119:153).” This life is one of diverse sufferings. No one escapes. Jesus promised His disciples, “In the world you will have trouble (Jn 16:33).” Christian, in your time of need, you have a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Prv 18:24).
The prayer of the true believer is simple “Rescue me!” The apostle Paul wrote, “For I know whom I have believed (2 Tim 1:12),” and his was no free will decision on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). It is the revelation of God that gives His elect the knowledge of Christ (1 Cor 12:8). With the Spirit of Christ living in the regenerate, He causes them to remember, “For I do not forget Thy Law (119:153b).”
The Law reminds “the saint” that he bears that title by grace alone. Apart from Christ he did not seek God, nor did he possess the ability to do good (Jn 15:5; Rom 3:10–12). He had no want nor will to receive Christ (Jn 1:12–13). He was without hope and without God in the world (Eph 2:12).
Blessed is the man who loves the Law of the Lord (Ps 119:97, 113, 163, 165), even though its testimonies expose every man for being a sinful wretch. Why does one man hate the Bible, while another man loves God’s Word? It is because the lover of truth has an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous (1 Jn 2:1).
The righteousness of Christ uniquely positions the Son of man, as the one Mediator between God and man (1 Tim 2:5). He who has the Son has life (Jn 3:36; 5:24; 1 Jn 5:12) because he has someone to, “plead my cause and redeem me (Ps 119:154).”
Jesus Christ ever lives to make intercession for His beloved bride, the church (Heb 7:25). The Father always hears the prayers of His beloved Son, and Jesus’ prayers are always in perfect accord with the will of the Father. Jesus is our faithful High Priest (Heb 2:17; 4:14–15; 7:26–28), who has permanent access to God because of His perfect blood sacrifice, in which He made atonement for all the sins of all His people (Lev 16:34; Mt 1:21; Eph 5:25; 1 Pet 2:24).
Jesus redeemed His church, the Israel of God (Gal 6:16), and now He sits on the throne of God, at its center (Rev 7:17), and at the right hand of His Father (Mk 16:19; Heb 1:3; 10:12; 12:2). All authority in heaven and earth has been given to Him (Mt 28:18). His Word is supreme in all matters in heaven and on earth (Is 55:11; Lam 2:17; Rom 15:18).
The psalmist knows this truth, and he prays for that which can deliver him, “Revive me, according to Thy Word (119:154b).” The powerful Word of God accomplishes the will of God, even as it executes the work of God (Phil 2:13). This is true in creation, redemption, regeneration and sanctification unto glory.
Satan accuses and condemns God’s righteous ones, but there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:1). These are words to make the saints very glad. These are words to give life to the weary and heavy-laden saint (Mt 11:28).
Christian, your troubles, afflictions, and persecutions are known to God. Remember that God has provided the way of salvation for you, apart from you. You have been given an alien righteousness that forever declares you, “not guilty,” before the bar of God. This is why you honor the statutes of God, for these reveal the holiness of God, and the sinfulness of man. You have a Savior, who has given you faith to believe, by granting you grace and the knowledge of Himself (Eph 2:8–9; Phil 1:29; 2 Pet 3:18).
Trust in the Lord, brethren, for He has shown us His tender mercies, in the midst of all our afflictions. Christ Jesus knows your sufferings and He identifies with you, as only the God-man can do. Call upon the name of the Lord Jesus, all day, every day, and Thou shalt be saved (Joel 2:32; Rom 10:13). He is willing and able to save (Is 63:1). Call out to Him in faith, this day…then, stand by and see the salvation of the Lord.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
August 23, 2022
