Salvation Made Known | Psalm 98

·38 min·3 clips

An angel tells Joseph the child in Mary's womb is from the Holy Spirit and will save His people from their sins.

The episode begins with a reading of Psalm 98, which calls for a new song to the Lord for His marvelous works and salvation. The sermon then transitions to Matthew 1:18-25, detailing Joseph's discovery of Mary's pregnancy and his plan to divorce her quietly due to presumed unfaithfulness. An angel appears to Joseph in a dream, revealing that the child is conceived by the Holy Spirit and will be named Jesus, meaning 'God saves,' because He will save His people from their sins. The sermon highlights Joseph's lineage as a son of David, connecting him to the Davidic covenant and the promise of a savior. It places Psalm 98 within a broader section of psalms (93-100) that anticipate the coming of a great king and salvation. The concept of the prophetic perfect is introduced, explaining how these psalms speak of future victory as if already accomplished. The message interprets salvation in Psalm 98 as both victory over enemies and deliverance from sin, using the David and Goliath story as an analogy where Jesus is David fighting for His people. It references Old Testament feasts that looked forward to a greater exodus, fulfilled in Jesus. The incarnation is emphasized as God Himself entering the world to save His people, with Jesus being called Emmanuel, 'God with us.' The sermon delves into the theological depth of salvation from sins, citing passages like Galatians 4:4 and Philippians 2:6-8 to describe Jesus' substitutionary work. It explains propitiation through Jesus' blood, as noted in Romans 3:23-25, where He bears God's wrath for believers. The response to this salvation is portrayed as joyful praise and proclamation to all nations, echoing Psalm 98's call for universal worship. The episode concludes by looking forward to Christ's second advent, referencing Revelation 21 and the hope of a new creation free from sin. Throughout, the sermon weaves together Scripture, historical context, and theological reflection to unpack the theme of salvation made known in Jesus.

As heard by us

A Christmas-season reading of Psalm 98 that connects Israel's exodus hope, Jesus, and creation's renewal.

Psalm 98 comes through as a salvation song with an ever-widening horizon. The sermon traces the psalm's summons to sing, its praise of God's marvelous works, and its roots in Israel's rescue from Egypt.

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Why you'd press play

You want Christmas-season listening that carries Psalm 98 from Israel's exodus memory to Jesus and the renewal still ahead.

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