Salvation & Security

“(8) But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. (9) I will thank you forever, because you have done it. I will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly.”{Psalms 52:8-9 ESV}

In the original Hebrew, the phrase “you have done it” is one word. The connotation is that “it” is already accomplished. The next phrase, “I will wait,” is also one word in Hebrew, and its connotation is that of hope and expectation. The word for “your name” also means glory and fame. Verse 9 could be paraphrased like this:

“I am grateful forever because You have already accomplished my salvation, and I am waiting expectantly to experience Your glory because it is good in the sight of Your saints.”

The Cross has been planned for our salvation since the foundation of time, and it has always been in eternity. King David, who never saw Jesus, knew this and was secure in his salvation and expectantly waiting to enjoy God in His glory forever. When Jesus died on the Cross, it was finished on earth, but it has always been finished in eternity. 

What does this change for us? How does this understanding of time and eternity change how we perceive salvation?

1. It gives us security. If King David, who lived before Jesus died His earthly death, could be secure in his salvation, how can we doubt? David knew that the victory had been won.
2. It gives us hope. David had hope “because [God had] done it.” We don’t have hope in something that isn’t sure or might not happen. We have hope in a victory already won.

Ultimately, this hope and security changes our behavior. We strive less. We hope more. We don’t have to prove ourselves anymore. We are set free to enjoy God and glorify Him forever.