But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD. - Jonah 2:9

     The greatest encouragement to a sinner comes, from the good news that "salvation is of the Lord." Sinner, look to Christ, rest in Christ, rejoice in Christ; for salvation is of the Lord! "But I am NAKED;" the robe of righteousness is of the Lord! "I am FILTHY;" the washing is in the blood of the Lord! "I am GUILTY;" the pardon is of God! "I am HARD-HEARTED; "He will give you a new heart! "I don't know if I can believe as I should;" faith is the gift of God! "I may not be able to keep the way;" we are kept by the power of the Lord, through faith! "I can't PRAY;" He maketh intercession for us! 

     "WHAT IF I SIN?" You will; and we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He is the propitiation for our sins – past, present, and future! "I have nothing to bring to God;" you are not called to give, but to receive! You are called to BRING nothing, to BE nothing, and to DO nothing. You are called to Christ!  HE IS ALL AND IN ALL! Cease from self, sinner, and look to Christ. "Salvation is of the Lord."

     "Alright, preacher, I am willing to bow and to receive Christ only as my God and Saviour." I reply, "Are you willing? Well, never forget that even your willingness to receive Christ is God's gift!" "Thy people shall be willing in the day of Thy power" (Psalm 110:3).  SALVATION IS OF THE LORD.