Faith in Jesus Christ
There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:12 (CSB)
We find the early church emerging in the initial chapters of the Book of Acts. The church, in its infancy, began as a group of followers who boldly declared the message of the gospel. Many responded to the gospel, leading to the formation of the church. It was not personal opinion that gave rise to the church but rather the gathering of those who responded to Christ in faith. In Acts 4:12, the apostles boldly stated that salvation comes by faith in Christ alone.
No Personal Work Earns Salvation. The Jewish people relied on their sacrificial system and obedience to the law to gain the favor of God. This approach persists today among individuals who strive to live a good life apart from a relationship with Jesus, hoping to earn the Lord's favor. This attempt at self-redemption never results in salvation. Salvation is not achieved by works because our fallen nature leads us to produce nothing but works that are like filthy rags.
No one redeems the self. We often hear that people are good. We hear that individuals have lived good lives. Many people subscribe to the belief that a loving God would never send a good person to hell. The key truth is that no one is truly a good person. The prophet Isaiah and the apostle Paul both speak to this truth. Nothing anyone does can redeem the self, because no one is good, and everyone needs a Redeemer; that Redeemer is Christ, and salvation comes through faith in Christ alone.
Salvation by Faith Alone in Christ Alone. The apostles declared clearly that salvation is achieved through faith alone in Christ alone. They ensured that people understood that attempts to redeem oneself through good works or worldly means would not lead to salvation. They proclaimed that salvation comes solely through Christ. Christ died the death we deserved, secured the victory we could never claim, and offers forgiveness we could never earn. Thus, salvation is in and through Christ alone.
QUESTIONS
How have you experienced people attempting to earn salvation apart from Jesus Christ?
Why do people attempt to live a good life to earn the favor of God instead of following Christ in salvation and living a life of obedience?
