There is Salvation in No One Else

"Division has done more to hide Christ from the view of men than all the infidelity that has ever been spoken."  - George Macdonald

One of the hardest things to do is to put yourself, heart and soul, behind a leader. Why is this so? I suppose there are as many reasons as there are people.

I think it is reasonable to say that one of the biggest obstacles, if not THE biggest, that stands in our way is: faith. In other words, can we really believe that person?

To get a good understanding on prospective leaders we like to watch how they interact with others, listen to what they have to say, and see how they live their lives.

No doubt, the disciples learned a great deal by following Jesus as he preached, taught, healed and performed miracles wherever he went. After all, they had the best seats in the house! (1 John 4:14)

The disciples had a good idea of who he was. But that wasn't what bothered Jesus. He wasn't really sure of how others felt about him. He was waiting for just the right opportunity to bring it up.

And he did! After the great Capernaum sermon (John 6), many had fallen away from him; the enthusiasm for his words was rapidly tapering off; the end was already in sight.

He asks the question,"What are men saying about me? Whom do they think that I am?" (Luke 9:18; Mark 8:27; Matthew 16:13) We know from scripture that some thought he was John the Baptist, Elijah, or one the old prophets (Luke 9:19).

What his tells us is that people had taken notice of Jesus, but it's not enough to simply have an opinion of Christ. You need to know with an unwavering certainty. We are saved by our thoughts of him (Acts 4:12).

Christ most definitely was the Son of God. He was divine. All divine names and titles are applied to him in the Scriptures. Along with that all divine attributes (omnisciences, omnipotences, etc.) are applied to him, as well.

He is set forth as the object of worship for all created beings. He calls men to him, promises forgiveness, says he will give peace and rest and will save their souls. Only a divine being can do these things; he therefore claims to be divine.

Thus, the most important thing is your reply to this question, "Whom do they think that I am?" It's not what the world thinks. It's not, "Is he a Savior?" Instead, the crucial question is, "Is he your Savior?"

Scripture: Galatians 3:26; 1 John 2:2; Romans 10:17; Acts 13:23; Romans 5:8;

Prayer: Dear Jesus, may You fill me with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit I may abound in hope, amen.

Have a blessed Monday!

Hailey