Saved!

Saved!

‭Acts 4:12 AMP‬

[12] 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].”

By the power in the name of Jesus, Peter and John had just healed a lame man. A man who had never walked in his life was walking, leaping and praising God. When the hand of God touches your life, that which had been impossible now becomes possible. As always, the hand of God will also attract different reactions. In one instance, many who saw the lame man healed believed, and were added to the church, but there were other leaders, such as the high priest's family, whose relevance and hold on the people were being threatened. I have to be careful of the things that define my relevance; would I pursue the things that glorify God, or am I focused only on the things that promote my self-esteem? 

The family of the high priest put Peter and John in prison overnight, and then the next day, brought them out for questioning. The priests wanted to know by what authority the apostles were performing the miracles being witnessed by the people. Think of this: priests who should know, experience and exhibit the power of God had become so focused on power, position and influence that God had to bypass them to reach the people directly. Priests who should be pointing the attention of the people to the power and authority of Jesus knew nothing of Him, his ways or His name. Before I point the finger at other people, can I also take stock of my own life too? Have I become to used to the tokens that the name means nothing to me now? 

I love the way the verse above puts it: God has provided no other alternative for salvation. The name of Jesus has been laid out quite clearly as the only way to get to the life that God has provided through His Son. I can choose my own path, but there is no guarantee that my own path will lead to the path of eternal life with God. There is no name under heaven, given among men, by which men will be saved. Men can call themselves the same name, but without the nature and power of the name, it remains just a name. It is God's will that all men come to repentance, and that is why His life was the price for this prize. If this high price has been paid, God wil not be held responsible for the consequences of my choice. God waits for me to come to Him; I have a sure hope that He can save, and preserve me to the end. What are you waiting for? God's time of favour is here