There is a beautiful and very meaningful song in our songbooks entitled, “Jesus Saves.” What a remarkable statement this is! The angel of the Lord said of Jesus “. . . for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Jesus said of himself, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). John said, “. . . Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Yes, Jesus’ purpose was to save man from sin.
There is nothing that can be compared with the tragedy of being lost in sin. The sad fact is that many people are lost who never realize it. They have some false concept of Christianity and feel just as saved as those who really are. This is why feelings are not a safe guide. Paul said, “I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth” (Acts 26:9). Obviously, Paul was wrong. Jesus spoke of those who will feel saved at the judgment but will receive the pronouncement of condemnation. Listen to him, “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day (Day of Judgment), Lord, Lord have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out demons? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:21-23).
Whom does Jesus save? We are told in Hebrews 5:8-9, “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” To be saved a person must obey Christ. This is why our obedience must be based upon the teaching of the New Testament and not our feelings. It is not enough to be honest and sincere we must obey what Christ has said. Without this obedience we will be lost. Remember Jesus said, the man that goes to heaven is “he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).
Today, it seems that so many people are unconcerned about exactly what the Bible teaches. They want to be religious, but on their own terms. They think if I get close to what the Bible teaches everything will be fine. This kind of attitude will send a soul to hell. Jesus saves the obedient. May we all realize it and be committed to doing exactly what the scriptures teach.
Ken Tyler
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