Jonah 2:9b, “Salvation is unto the Lord.”
Psalm 3:8a, “Salvation belongs to the Lord.”
Psalm 50:23c, “the salvation of God.”
Psalm 27:1, “The Lord is my light and my salvation…”
All three of these verses highlight the Calvinistic theme that God is sovereign over salvation. Salvation is unto Him, the word “unto” is “used as a function word to indicate reference or concern” (Websters). So that means as far as salvation is concerned, the reference point lies solely with God.
Salvation belongs to the Lord, according to Psalm 3:8. The word “belongs” is used to mean that Salvation is owned by God. Salvation- literally- is His property, it belongs to Him.
The salvation of God is referenced in Psalm 50:23c. The word “of” is used to mean “the relationship between a part and a whole” (Websters). So that means that salvation is actually a part of Himself. If you also factor in the teaching of the simplicity of God (He cannot be divided into parts) then you get a bigger picture of God- that He is salvation, which is exactly what the next verse that I’ll refer to says.
The Lord is my salvation, according to Psalm 27:1. The word “is” is used as a form of the word “be.” So that means when it is said that the Lord is my salvation, it means that He be my salvation. His existence, His being has salvation wrapped up into it, or encompassed into it.
Therefore any Arminian claims that salvation is based upon human decisions, human will or human exertion are false. Salvation starts and ends with God as a reference point. Philippians 1:6 He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Salvation is the gracious gift of God seeing as it belongs to Him. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Salvation is a part of God, though it could never be separated from Him, it is in Him. Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Salvation is wrapped up in the being of my Lord. Psalm 38:22 Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation.
In closing, let us reject any form of Arminianism, because they teach the falsehood that salvation is based upon human will or exertion. Romans 9:16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. I’ll also conclude with a hint at the tone of this article since it can’t be seen, it is one of gentle correction in love and watchfulness from the Holy Spirit’s Scriptures. Galatians 6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
So be it, in the name of Jesus, Amen