Non-Negotiable Life!

And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation].”
ACTS 4:12 AMP

Names are important. In every culture, in every tribal leaning, what you are called is a function of how you were born, or a prophetic utterance into your future. I recall Ichabod, born to one of the sons of Eli, meaning "The glory has departed" and indeed, the glory had departed. The story of that birth was the first and last time in the bible that both mother and child were mentioned. I also recall Jabez, born in pain, and named after pain. He had a fundamental understanding of who God is, so he took his case to God in prayer. Of course, God heard his prayer and changed his destiny. His name didn't change, but a whole lot did.

Here is another name, one that is not given by man. A child whose destiny was prophesied long before he was born; a child whose name and purpose was settled even before creation began. His name is Jesus, and he is the one approved by God for the salvation of man. Just as today's extract says, God has not provided any other alternative, and he has not given any man the power to save. All that man needs has been put in that name and as man calls on the name and believes in the Son, he receives salvation and eternal life.

Here is the dilemma: can I trust God partially, holding on to one promise, and rejecting his other words? Can I trust God to protect me, provide for me and guide me, simply because he says he can, yet reject his words that say No other name can save? Can I choose and drop whatever is not convenient for me, forgetting that believing and accepting God is not on my own terms, but on God's own terms, and he has stated clearly what he wants from me. What will be your decision? Accept or reject? Remember - every decision has eternal consequences. Nothing of the world can guarantee you safety from the world; only God can. I know my decision. His time of favour is here.