JESUS SAVES
Acts 2:22–24, 32–41
Have you ever considered the amazing life Jesus lived while here on earth? The virgin birth; teaching the leaders at the age of 12; His baptism, miracles, teachings and recognition of those on the fringes of society; His passionate mission to reach others; His willingness to forgive those who hurt Him and His ability to give people hope are unparalleled in all of history.
To this day, He is the most discussed, analyzed and written-about figure of all time. Two thousand years later, we still marvel at the things He said and did. With the countless areas that could be explored, the most enduring and mind-boggling fact of all is that Jesus came to save people from the penalty of their sins. His willingness to bear the punishment for the sins of the world remains overwhelming when contemplated.
No matter a person’s education, power, influence or prestige, they need Jesus in order to be cleansed of their sins and made acceptable to the heavenly Father. On the outside, many may seem to have it all together and be content, but in their hearts and souls they lack the one relationship that is most critical — a personal assurance of salvation provided by Jesus.
Jesus was sent to be our Savior. (22–24)
So many in our society who deem themselves religious or spiritual persist in seeking and promoting a means of salvation other than the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is not possible. The cross and the empty grave are not only the avenues of salvation but are also exclusive. It is not possible for anyone to experience eternal life with Jesus on any terms but His. He is the One who has given us in His Word the way required for salvation and remission of sins. Our salvation was His chief mission while on earth, and offering another way is heretical and impossible.
Jesus is exalted as Lord. (32–36)
Christ can be our Savior because He is Lord. While you accept Him as Savior at the moment of conversion, you cannot make Him Lord. He is Lord whether you choose to believe it or not.
His deity and lordship are not dependent on anyone’s ability to believe. The challenge for believers each day is to continually recognize Him as Lord and submit to His authority. That is easier said than done, but it is possible with the Holy Spirit and constant discipline to remain in His Word.
Jesus becomes our Savior when we trust in Him. (37–41)
You simply cannot become a Christian without repenting. When you repent, you turn from your sins and pursue God. The danger in some of our churches is the teaching that all a person has to do is love Jesus or pray a prayer and they will be saved. The Bible teaches otherwise. A person seeking genuine salvation will be confronted with their sins, and their heart and soul will intersect with the grace of God. The Holy Spirit will convict them of their great need for salvation, and when they turn to God in belief for forgiveness, they will be saved. When that happens, the greatest miracle of all is realized, and the mission of Jesus is evident again. This Jesus, sent by God, was sent to save. It is our responsibility and honor to share this amazing message.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
