"No One Else"

“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.” (Acts 4:12 ESV)

I think Peter made it pretty clear when he said this before the rulers, elders, and people of Israel. Of course, Peter is speaking of the risen Christ Jesus. Peter had just healed a cripple who stood before the people with him as the priests and scribes were questioning the name in which they healed the man. The name was Jesus of Nazareth. This incident, recorded in the book of Acts, is a powerful demonstration of the authority and power of Jesus' name.

This occurred around 2000 years ago, give or take a few years. What is crucial to understand is that nothing has changed. That is correct. In some 2000 years of growth, knowledge, science, and technology, only one name can save you from yourself, your sin, and from the wrath of God in hell. That name is still Jesus of Nazareth.

Oh, sure, you can shop denominations until you find one that tells you what you want to hear. You can work your way to heaven through good deeds. You can pray enough to this saint or that. You can complete enough catechism and tradition, and then, and only then, maybe if enough people pray for you, you might escape a mythical place of cleansing and get to heaven. However, it's important to understand that these actions, while commendable, do not in themselves bring salvation. Salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ. Any other path is a lie, leading millions to hell.

Paul wrote in his Epistle to Titus, “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”(3:4-7) It is through the grace and mercy of Christ Jesus that we are reborn through the Holy Spirit, justified, and made righteous before God, and we are saved.

The name Jesus was given the greatest honor by God the Father. Paul wrote to the Philippians, “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (2:9-11) The glorious, majestic, and holy name of Christ Jesus is the only name you can call upon in your brokenness and sorrow and ask for salvation. The power of His name is unmatched, and Jesus made this clear in his ministry.

When will you call on Him, and why are you waiting? Paul wrote, “Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 2) His flock knows His voice, and if He calls you, you will come. He already knows who will be saved. Call out that beautiful name today, for the time is now, and the day of salvation is upon us.

Choose life, get saved.