The Lord Jesus Christ...
The Lord Jesus Christ: Saviour of the World
The Holy Bible gives God's Son manifold titles. However, the one that
means so much to all of us as poor, helpless sinners is "Saviour"-
which immediately instills hope within one's heart concerning
salvation. The very name Jesus means "salvation." Matthew 1:21 states,
Thou shall call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from
their sins. Multitudes today are trusting in man-made rituals to get
them inside God's heaven. Yet, there isn't a ceremonial rite in all of
Christendom's churches that can save a man. Jesus Christ alone is the
only way to eternal life.
Christ's saving power
In that tremendous portion of Scripture often described as the
"Magnificat," Mary, the mother of Jesus, cried out, My soul doth
magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour (Luke
1:46,47). In Luke 2, the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds,
saying, Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be
to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a
Saviour, which is Christ the Lord (verses 10,11).
Also in Luke 2, Simeon had been waiting for the consolation or hope of
Israel. He jubilantly exclaimed, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant
depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy
salvation (verses 29,30). He was looking upon the Christ child as he
spoke those words. Again in John 4, a wicked woman-who had five
husbands and who was living under common law with number six-turned to
Jesus Christ for forgiveness. Then she excitedly ran back to the city
and told the people about her newfound joy in this Saviour who had
blotted out her sordid past. The men of that city listened to the
Lord's discourses for two days and exuberantly stated, Now we believe,
not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know
that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world (verse 42).
In Acts 5, Peter and some of the apostles were threatened with
punishment, even unto death (verse 33). However, the great Apostle
Peter so loved Jesus. He believed so strongly in the fact that Jesus
was the only way of salvation and eternal life that he was willing to
die in order that the message might be proclaimed. I can almost hear
this impulsive preacher saying, We ought to obey God rather than men.
The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a
tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a
Saviour (verses 29-31). Acts 13:23 calls Him a Saviour, Jesus.
Ephesians 5:23 says, Christ is the head of the church: and he is the
saviour of the body. Compare this verse with 1 Corinthians 12:13, For
by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body. The body of Christ,
into which one is implanted at the time of regeneration, is the
Church, and Ephesians 5:23 states that Christ is the Saviour of this
body. Baptism, reformation, confirmation, works, creeds, and human
efforts cannot place one into the true Church because only the Lord
Jesus Christ is the Saviour of this body. Amen! The Apostle Paul
stated that one of the reasons he was willing to endure suffering,
torture, and even death was because of his trust in the Saviour. Death
could only mean that the One who saved him would welcome him home to
heaven. Hear him in 1 Timothy 4:10. For therefore we both labour and
suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the
Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. In 2 Timothy 1:9
and 10, Paul went on to say that it was not a system of
self-attainment through works that would place him eternally in the
glory land, but rather a precious Saviour whose name was Jesus Christ.
Listen to the simplicity of these instructive verses. [God] hath saved
us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works,
but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in
Christ Jesus before the world began. But is now made manifest by the
appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and
hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel [or
through the good news].
Again, He hath abolished death. What wonderful words! And [He] hath
brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. Immortality
speaks of eternal life-and it comes through the gospel or the "good
news." Do you get the impact? Eternal life is through the gospel and
gospel means "good news." This good news is explained in 1 Corinthians
15:1-4 where we find that Christ died, was buried, and rose again the
third day according to the Scriptures. Put it all together and it
simply says that everlasting life does not come through one's
denominational record or good works. It comes as a result of one's
acceptance of the Saviour's death by the shedding of blood and of His
resurrection. Titus 2:13 speaks of Christ's return by stating, Looking
for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and
our Saviour Jesus Christ. Notice that it is not Buddha, Mohammed, or
Zoroaster who is the Saviour, but only the Lord Jesus Christ. There is
no other Saviour-Jesus is the only way. Second Peter 1:1 again calls
Him our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Christ's earthly ministry
"Saviour" is not some honorary title which was bestowed upon the Lord
Jesus Christ in recognition of His wonderful teachings. Rather, it
depicts His ministry upon earth and speaks of His saving power.
Presently, we are living in a time of rebellion. Corrupted mankind is
trying to destroy all of our foundational structures. This trend can
also be witnessed in the religious world as apostate, liberal
clergymen mock the doctrines of the virgin birth, the deity of Christ,
His blood atonement upon the cross, and His bodily resurrection. Many
laugh at the statement "Jesus Saves" as if the word "saves" were an
invention of some simpleton. Our God predicted this would happen, and
it is one of the signs of the end. Second Peter 2:1,2: But there were
false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be [one of
the signs] false teachers among you, who privity shall bring in
damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring
upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their
pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil
spoken of. There are two things one can do for these poor misguided
souls: (1) pray for them, and (2) thank God for their presence because
it means that Jesus Christ is coming soon to call Christians home. Let
them laugh. The term saved was placed in the Bible scores of times by
a holy God. One had better investigate and accept this truth if he is
interested in eternal life. I could quote numerous verses proving that
salvation is of God and that God put this word in the Bible. However,
let's limit our discussion to those which speak exclusively about
Christ being the way of salvation: Thou shalt call his name JESUS: for
he shall save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). For the Son
of man is come to save that which was lost (Matthew 18:11). God sent
not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world
through him [Jesus] might be saved (John 3:17). Jesus said, I am the
door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved (John 10:9). I came
not to judge the world, but to save the world (John 12:47). Paul said,
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved (Acts
16:31). For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ [not rites,
ceremonies, rituals, the Sermon on the Mount, the Golden Rule, or the
Ten Commandments, but the gospel or the good news of Christ]: for it
is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth (Romans
1:16). We shall be saved from wrath through him (Romans 5:9). If thou
shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in
thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be
saved (Romans 10:9). In 1 Corinthians 15:1,2 we find this statement,
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel [the good news]
which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye
stand; By which also ye are saved. How? Verses 3 and 4: Christ died
for our sins according to the scriptures; and...he was buried,
and...he rose again the third day according to the scriptures. This
alone is the message of the gospel, the good news, the only way of
salvation. Christ died, shed His blood, and rose again.
Christ's redeeming blood
Christ's power to save all the world was wrought through His precious
blood shed on Calvary. Leviticus 17:11: It is the blood that maketh an
atonement for the soul. Acts 20:28: The church of God, which he hath
purchased with his own blood. First Peter 1:18,79: Forasmuch as ye
know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and
gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your
fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without
blemish and without spot. Revelation 1:5: Unto him that loved us, and
washed us from our sins in his own blood. Yes, without [the] shedding
of blood [there] is no remission [of sins] (Hebrews 9:22). It is not
enough simply to state that Christ died-as so many intellectuals do
today in order to do away with the sacrifice of His blood. A bloodless
death on the cross would not have saved anyone. Let me repeat that.
Had Christ died of a heart attack or of suffocation upon the cross,
mankind would have been lost forever, for it is the blood that maketh
an atonement for the soul. Because of this fact, Christ came to earth
to take upon himself a body with blood so that He might shed that
blood for our sins (see Hebrews 10:5). When one receives this
sacrifice of the shed blood of Jesus Christ, he is saved immediately.
Christ's redemptive purpose
If the Lord Jesus Christ is the Saviour and has saving power, we may
conclude that He came to earth because sinners need saving. This is
exactly what Paul said. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all
acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners
(Timothy 1:15). Not only does this statement include everyone we know,
but ourselves as well. Christ would have all men to be saved,
including you and me (see 1 Timothy 2:4). [Christ] gave himself a
ransom for all (1 Timothy 2:6).The only reason some people will never
get saved is that they do not realize that they are lost. They think
they were born into sainthood just like the Pharisee in the temple. He
said, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are (Luke 18:11).
However, Jesus said in Matthew 5:20, Except your righteousness shall
exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no
case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Why? The Pharisees were so
caught up in the admiration of their own goodness that they were
convinced they needed nothing from God-nothing at all! Yet, God says
in Isaiah 64:6, We are all as an unclean thing, and all our
righteousnesses are as filthy rags. Galatians 3:22: The scripture hath
concluded all under sin. Thus, God not only wants to save mankind from
the misery of sin in this life, but also from the eternal penalty into
which sin will drag those who reject Christ. He that believeth not the
Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth [eternity] on him
(John 3:36). Why? Because he won't receive the Son. Oh, my friend, if
you are lost, the Saviour longs to save you. You need saving because
all are sinners and only through His blood can you be washed white.
You may be whitewashed because you've had all the rituals of the
Church performed upon you, but you really need to be washed white to
inherit eternal life! Why not call on Him right now, saying, "Lord
Jesus, come into my heart."
Father God, forgive my sins. Thank you for sending Jesus Christ down
to die on the cross and for shedding his blood for me. Three days
later you resurrected him. I accept that. I invite Jesus Christ into
my heart as my Lord and savior. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
God bless you.
The Holy Bible gives God's Son manifold titles. However, the one that
means so much to all of us as poor, helpless sinners is "Saviour"-
which immediately instills hope within one's heart concerning
salvation. The very name Jesus means "salvation." Matthew 1:21 states,
Thou shall call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from
their sins. Multitudes today are trusting in man-made rituals to get
them inside God's heaven. Yet, there isn't a ceremonial rite in all of
Christendom's churches that can save a man. Jesus Christ alone is the
only way to eternal life.
Christ's saving power
In that tremendous portion of Scripture often described as the
"Magnificat," Mary, the mother of Jesus, cried out, My soul doth
magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour (Luke
1:46,47). In Luke 2, the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds,
saying, Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be
to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a
Saviour, which is Christ the Lord (verses 10,11).
Also in Luke 2, Simeon had been waiting for the consolation or hope of
Israel. He jubilantly exclaimed, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant
depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy
salvation (verses 29,30). He was looking upon the Christ child as he
spoke those words. Again in John 4, a wicked woman-who had five
husbands and who was living under common law with number six-turned to
Jesus Christ for forgiveness. Then she excitedly ran back to the city
and told the people about her newfound joy in this Saviour who had
blotted out her sordid past. The men of that city listened to the
Lord's discourses for two days and exuberantly stated, Now we believe,
not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know
that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world (verse 42).
In Acts 5, Peter and some of the apostles were threatened with
punishment, even unto death (verse 33). However, the great Apostle
Peter so loved Jesus. He believed so strongly in the fact that Jesus
was the only way of salvation and eternal life that he was willing to
die in order that the message might be proclaimed. I can almost hear
this impulsive preacher saying, We ought to obey God rather than men.
The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a
tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a
Saviour (verses 29-31). Acts 13:23 calls Him a Saviour, Jesus.
Ephesians 5:23 says, Christ is the head of the church: and he is the
saviour of the body. Compare this verse with 1 Corinthians 12:13, For
by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body. The body of Christ,
into which one is implanted at the time of regeneration, is the
Church, and Ephesians 5:23 states that Christ is the Saviour of this
body. Baptism, reformation, confirmation, works, creeds, and human
efforts cannot place one into the true Church because only the Lord
Jesus Christ is the Saviour of this body. Amen! The Apostle Paul
stated that one of the reasons he was willing to endure suffering,
torture, and even death was because of his trust in the Saviour. Death
could only mean that the One who saved him would welcome him home to
heaven. Hear him in 1 Timothy 4:10. For therefore we both labour and
suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the
Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. In 2 Timothy 1:9
and 10, Paul went on to say that it was not a system of
self-attainment through works that would place him eternally in the
glory land, but rather a precious Saviour whose name was Jesus Christ.
Listen to the simplicity of these instructive verses. [God] hath saved
us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works,
but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in
Christ Jesus before the world began. But is now made manifest by the
appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and
hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel [or
through the good news].
Again, He hath abolished death. What wonderful words! And [He] hath
brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. Immortality
speaks of eternal life-and it comes through the gospel or the "good
news." Do you get the impact? Eternal life is through the gospel and
gospel means "good news." This good news is explained in 1 Corinthians
15:1-4 where we find that Christ died, was buried, and rose again the
third day according to the Scriptures. Put it all together and it
simply says that everlasting life does not come through one's
denominational record or good works. It comes as a result of one's
acceptance of the Saviour's death by the shedding of blood and of His
resurrection. Titus 2:13 speaks of Christ's return by stating, Looking
for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and
our Saviour Jesus Christ. Notice that it is not Buddha, Mohammed, or
Zoroaster who is the Saviour, but only the Lord Jesus Christ. There is
no other Saviour-Jesus is the only way. Second Peter 1:1 again calls
Him our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Christ's earthly ministry
"Saviour" is not some honorary title which was bestowed upon the Lord
Jesus Christ in recognition of His wonderful teachings. Rather, it
depicts His ministry upon earth and speaks of His saving power.
Presently, we are living in a time of rebellion. Corrupted mankind is
trying to destroy all of our foundational structures. This trend can
also be witnessed in the religious world as apostate, liberal
clergymen mock the doctrines of the virgin birth, the deity of Christ,
His blood atonement upon the cross, and His bodily resurrection. Many
laugh at the statement "Jesus Saves" as if the word "saves" were an
invention of some simpleton. Our God predicted this would happen, and
it is one of the signs of the end. Second Peter 2:1,2: But there were
false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be [one of
the signs] false teachers among you, who privity shall bring in
damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring
upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their
pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil
spoken of. There are two things one can do for these poor misguided
souls: (1) pray for them, and (2) thank God for their presence because
it means that Jesus Christ is coming soon to call Christians home. Let
them laugh. The term saved was placed in the Bible scores of times by
a holy God. One had better investigate and accept this truth if he is
interested in eternal life. I could quote numerous verses proving that
salvation is of God and that God put this word in the Bible. However,
let's limit our discussion to those which speak exclusively about
Christ being the way of salvation: Thou shalt call his name JESUS: for
he shall save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). For the Son
of man is come to save that which was lost (Matthew 18:11). God sent
not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world
through him [Jesus] might be saved (John 3:17). Jesus said, I am the
door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved (John 10:9). I came
not to judge the world, but to save the world (John 12:47). Paul said,
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved (Acts
16:31). For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ [not rites,
ceremonies, rituals, the Sermon on the Mount, the Golden Rule, or the
Ten Commandments, but the gospel or the good news of Christ]: for it
is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth (Romans
1:16). We shall be saved from wrath through him (Romans 5:9). If thou
shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in
thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be
saved (Romans 10:9). In 1 Corinthians 15:1,2 we find this statement,
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel [the good news]
which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye
stand; By which also ye are saved. How? Verses 3 and 4: Christ died
for our sins according to the scriptures; and...he was buried,
and...he rose again the third day according to the scriptures. This
alone is the message of the gospel, the good news, the only way of
salvation. Christ died, shed His blood, and rose again.
Christ's redeeming blood
Christ's power to save all the world was wrought through His precious
blood shed on Calvary. Leviticus 17:11: It is the blood that maketh an
atonement for the soul. Acts 20:28: The church of God, which he hath
purchased with his own blood. First Peter 1:18,79: Forasmuch as ye
know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and
gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your
fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without
blemish and without spot. Revelation 1:5: Unto him that loved us, and
washed us from our sins in his own blood. Yes, without [the] shedding
of blood [there] is no remission [of sins] (Hebrews 9:22). It is not
enough simply to state that Christ died-as so many intellectuals do
today in order to do away with the sacrifice of His blood. A bloodless
death on the cross would not have saved anyone. Let me repeat that.
Had Christ died of a heart attack or of suffocation upon the cross,
mankind would have been lost forever, for it is the blood that maketh
an atonement for the soul. Because of this fact, Christ came to earth
to take upon himself a body with blood so that He might shed that
blood for our sins (see Hebrews 10:5). When one receives this
sacrifice of the shed blood of Jesus Christ, he is saved immediately.
Christ's redemptive purpose
If the Lord Jesus Christ is the Saviour and has saving power, we may
conclude that He came to earth because sinners need saving. This is
exactly what Paul said. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all
acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners
(Timothy 1:15). Not only does this statement include everyone we know,
but ourselves as well. Christ would have all men to be saved,
including you and me (see 1 Timothy 2:4). [Christ] gave himself a
ransom for all (1 Timothy 2:6).The only reason some people will never
get saved is that they do not realize that they are lost. They think
they were born into sainthood just like the Pharisee in the temple. He
said, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are (Luke 18:11).
However, Jesus said in Matthew 5:20, Except your righteousness shall
exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no
case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Why? The Pharisees were so
caught up in the admiration of their own goodness that they were
convinced they needed nothing from God-nothing at all! Yet, God says
in Isaiah 64:6, We are all as an unclean thing, and all our
righteousnesses are as filthy rags. Galatians 3:22: The scripture hath
concluded all under sin. Thus, God not only wants to save mankind from
the misery of sin in this life, but also from the eternal penalty into
which sin will drag those who reject Christ. He that believeth not the
Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth [eternity] on him
(John 3:36). Why? Because he won't receive the Son. Oh, my friend, if
you are lost, the Saviour longs to save you. You need saving because
all are sinners and only through His blood can you be washed white.
You may be whitewashed because you've had all the rituals of the
Church performed upon you, but you really need to be washed white to
inherit eternal life! Why not call on Him right now, saying, "Lord
Jesus, come into my heart."
Father God, forgive my sins. Thank you for sending Jesus Christ down
to die on the cross and for shedding his blood for me. Three days
later you resurrected him. I accept that. I invite Jesus Christ into
my heart as my Lord and savior. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
God bless you.
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