Topic: Christ Alone
In the early 1500’s, a man named Joseph Tetzel wandered around Europe selling salvation. His words echo throughout the generations: “A coin in the coffer rings, a soul from purgatory springs.” Called indulgences. Today it might be stated this way, if you donate to our church today, then your past or future sins can be forgiven!! If you are unsure of the eternal destiny of one of your family members, then an even greater donation will take care of this. A gift to the church’s building program will free your loved one from misery in the afterlife. In 1517, Martin Luther challenged the Catholic Church by nailing 95 statements to the church door that basically said Christ Alone!
Another man by the name of Muhammad taught all men and women are assigned two angels, one to record good deeds and another to record bad deeds. Each will appear before God, and their deeds will be literally weighed as judgment.
Then there is Budda who taught that God is a life force; therefore, it’s possible for people to come along and say, “I am God,” like Buddha. In Buddhism, the ultimate goal is the cessation of the obstacles and the attainment of the sublime state of Nirvana, achieved by practicing the Noble Eightfold Path. The Eightfold Path consists of eight practices. If you can just be good enough, eventually, you’re saved from suffering.
John 14:6, Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”
Acts 4:12, “There is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”
These verses affirm the foundational truths of the Christian faith: Jesus Christ is the exclusive path to God. He is the Incarnate Son of God dwelling among us. His name is exalted above all others, and salvation is available to all who call upon Him in faith. May we embrace these truths with humility and gratitude, recognizing Jesus as our only hope and the source of eternal life.
These verses highlight the inherent power contained within the name of Jesus. This name is not merely a label but represents the authority and divine identity of the Son of God.
These verses compel us to recognize the urgency of responding to the gospel message. The exclusivity and power of the name of Jesus demand a personal decision. Salvation is not a distant concept but a present reality that requires a deliberate response.
In 1517, Martin Luther’s 95 statements weren’t the first time that salvation through Christ alone was nailed to a piece of wood. Two thousand years ago, Christ was nailed to a wooden tree as God declared to the world that salvation is through His Son, Jesus the Christ, and through Him alone!
As you read Acts this month, notice the name of Jesus confronts sin and calls men to salvation.
Listen to the song “I Speak Jesus” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcmqSfr1ENY
See you Sunday!
Dr. Scott Kallem