Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Acts 4:11-12 "This is the 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.' Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
ONLY ONE
Many Scriptures were fulfilled as Jesus died and rose again for us sinners. Here is one more. Even Jesus' enemies' actions bear evidence to the truth of Who He is. While they were acting out of hatred and malice, God was acting out of love and compassion.
These words of Peter are a condemnation, but they are an invitation as well--an appeal. But not for a re-trial. This appeal is not looking to set aside Jesus' unjust condemnation but rather the just sentence His enemies pronounced on themselves. They rejected Jesus as their Savior. Now He returns from the dead and, through Peter, reaches out to them.
Tragically, human pride is affronted by these words. No other Savior? Only Jesus? No other saving faith? Only the Christian faith? How exclusive!
Not at all. The Gospel includes all. Jesus is the Savior of every human being under the vault of heaven. He has paid the price for every sin of every sinner--no exceptions. Even those who mocked Him and abused Him and crucified Him. Even those who have long rejected Him.
If a universal cure for cancer were discovered, would people complain "only one?" Or would they rejoice that there was an answer for all forms of a terrible disease.
In Jesus we have God's provision, His cure, for the terrible consequences of a far worse disease than cancer. One that horribly disfigures the spirit as well as the body and results in eternal death.
In His substitutionary life and sacrificial death Jesus is God's answer to sin and its terrible consequences. A cure for every form this terminal sickness takes, no matter where you live, whether you are great or small, rich or poor. This God emphatically declared by raising Jesus from the dead.
Let us never complain or apologize for the way God has come to the rescue of sinners. Let us rather say:
"... thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
