Light in the Darkness Luke 1:67-80
Zacharias’ Salvation Song Benedictus Zacharias’ declaration of praise – –“Blessed is the Lord God of Israel” – –Common Jewish blessing – –Eulogia = speak well of – –Worthy is the Lord God of Israel – –God’s worthiness leads to praise – –Praise is because of salvation
God’s Gift of Salvation (68-70) God’s power is displayed by His merciful gift of salvation that was promised before by the prophets – –2 Samuel 7:12-14 “…I will set up your seed after you…and I will establish his kingdom…” – –Over 300 prophecies (Luke 24:27) Has to be more than physical…
Salvation is Seen as the Forgiveness of Sins (77-78) The people were expecting a national or political savior But in their own history forgiveness (based on repentance) preceded restoration So the spiritual nature of the Messiah shouldn’t come as a shock
Isaiah 53:4-6 "Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all."
Salvation Brings Us… Deliverance from our enemies (71-73) – –Spiritual as opposed to physical » »sin, guilt, punishment, curse, Satan, destruction Light in the Darkness (78-79) – –The coming of the Messiah will be like the dawning of a new day
Salvation Brings Us… – –(As was predicted) » »Isaiah 9:2 “a light has shined” » »Isaiah 60:1 “arise, shine, for your light has come” » »Malachi 4:2 “the Sun of righteousness shall arise” – –And the sun drives away the dark » »Despair, Delusion, Death
John’s Place in God’s Plan of Salvation (76-77) He will be a prophet He will be the forerunner of the Messiah (Mal 4:5-6; Mat 11:14) He will preach about salvation and forgiveness Luke 3:1-20
Our Response to Salvation (74-75) We should serve God We should be fearless We should live blamelessly (holiness and righteousness) We should be faithful (all the days) We should be led by the Spirit