Salvation: The God Who Moves First – Discovering Grace in the Story

Pr Enos Mwakalindile
Sep 27
4 min read

🌍 Series Title: From Grace to Glory – Salvation as a Journey into God’s New Creation

Hand holding a rosary with a cross against a dramatic cloudy sky. The mood is contemplative and serene. — Isaiah 65:24: "Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear"

Introduction

Have you ever paused to consider that the story of salvation begins long before your first prayer, your first act of faith, or even your first awareness of God? The biblical narrative reminds us that salvation is never our invention, but always God’s initiative. From Eden to Egypt, from the Cross to the empty tomb, the pattern is clear: God moves first. Just as Israel was rescued from slavery not by their power but by God’s mighty hand, so too every believer discovers that salvation is sheer gift—an act of divine mercy revealed in Jesus the Messiah.

➡️ Grace is not an abstract doctrine but the storied reality of the God who rescues His people and sets them free (Eph. 2:8–9).

🔍 Why Does Salvation Begin with God?

The Exodus event is the archetypal story of salvation in the Old Testament. Israel, powerless and enslaved, could not redeem themselves. God intervened with plagues, parted seas, and a guiding presence in the wilderness. This story becomes the template for understanding salvation: God acts first; His people respond. Likewise, in the New Testament, Jesus embodies God’s saving initiative—His incarnation, death, and resurrection are the decisive acts of deliverance.

📜 Milestones of Salvation: God Moves First

Creation (Genesis 1–2) – “So God created mankind in his own image.” God graciously gives life, dignity, and purpose before humanity does anything, showing salvation begins with His gift.
The Fall (Genesis 3) – “But the Lord God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’” Even after rebellion, God seeks Adam and Eve, covers their shame, and promises redemption, acting first to restore hope.
The Calling of Abraham (Genesis 12:1–3) – “I will bless you…and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” God initiates a covenant with Abram, setting in motion His plan for global restoration through one chosen family.
The Exodus (Exodus 14:13) – “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” God delivers His people from slavery, demonstrating that salvation is His battle and His initiative.
The Prophets (Isaiah 43:1–3) – “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” God reaffirms His covenant love and promises redemption despite Israel’s failures.
The Cross (Romans 5:8) – “But God demonstrates His love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Grace arrives before repentance or worthiness, proving God’s initiative in salvation.
The Church (Ephesians 2:8–9) – “For by grace you have been saved through faith… it is the gift of God.” The community of believers is marked by grace, not human achievement, living out God’s ongoing saving work.
New Creation (Revelation 21:5) – “Behold, I am making all things new.” God concludes the story by renewing all creation, completing the journey of grace He began in the beginning.

🛡️ What Does This Teach Us About God?

Salvation begins with God’s covenant faithfulness. Grace is not a vague benevolence, but God’s concrete intervention in history. The Exodus shows us a God who rescues His people despite their weakness. The Cross shows us a God who embraces suffering and sin to bring life. Grace is therefore storied: it belongs to the narrative of a God who always acts first—calling, rescuing, redeeming.

This means that salvation is not about humans climbing a moral ladder to heaven, but about God descending into our brokenness to lift us up. We are saved not because we are worthy, but because He is faithful.

🔥 How Can We Live This Out?

Rest in God’s Initiative – Stop striving to earn God’s love. Recognize that His grace met you long before you even turned toward Him.
Respond with Gratitude – Like Israel singing on the shores of the Red Sea (Exod. 15), let worship flow from the recognition of God’s mighty acts in your life.
Release Others from Performance – Show grace to others, not demanding they “measure up” before you love them.

🛤️ What Practices Keep Grace Alive in Us?

Daily Reflection: Begin each day with the prayer: “Lord, thank You that You loved me first.”
Scripture Meditation: Read Exodus 14 and Ephesians 2 slowly. Write down one phrase that captures God’s initiative and carry it with you through the day.
Practical Exercise: Perform one act of unearned kindness this week—a living picture of grace.

🤝 Group Discussion Questions

Where do you see God moving first in the biblical story, and how does that shape your trust in Him today?
How does the Exodus or the Cross inspire you to see salvation as God’s initiative?
What practical ways can we reflect God’s grace to others in our community?
Which milestone of salvation resonates most with your personal journey, and why?

🙏 How Should We Pray in Response?

Faithful God, thank You that salvation begins and ends with You. Teach me to rest in Your gracious initiative, to rejoice in Your saving acts, and to reflect Your grace in my relationships. May my life be a witness that You are the God who rescues. Amen.