Jesus Christ is the Saviour

It pleased God to send Jesus as His sacrificial offering for forgiveness and removal of sins, cleansing of the hearts for righteous living and salvation of souls. John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. The followings are discussed: The Only Saviour; The perfect Sacrifice, and The Great Life-Giver.

The Only Saviour: All religions today have different views about God and ways of connecting with Him. But Jesus is the Only intercessor who said he is the way to God and salvation. He is the Only source of eternal life. John gave the revelation about how Christ would serve as God's provision for healing, deliverance and salvation ( John 3:14-17,36; Number 21:5-9). The word 'Only begotten' means Jesus is unique above all creation. It's God's command that those who want to earn His salvation should believe in Jesus and follow godly lifestyle as revealed by him. God's wasn't on vengeful mission for sending Jesus. Rather He revealed His love for people and made provision for eternal life.

It would be wrong to believe all religions lead to God. Jesus has made it known that he is the only way, the truth and the life. He is the way of righteousness people must follow to enter God's presence (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Isaiah 30:11, 21; 33:15). When opposition arises against this truth, we should faithfully and lovingly remind people that Jesus made the statement, and it is also a reminder of the old testament revelation.

The Perfect Sacrifice: As predicted in the old testament passages Jesus is the perfect sacrifice for sins of the world. It pleased God to offer Christ as a single and perfect sacrifice for forgiveness of sin and deliverance from spiritual death (Isaiah: 53:1-12). God has made the provision, though many might still be struggling to believe just as Israel did. Jesus didn't come the first time as a king, but as the sacrificial offering.

Those who have received Christ's sacrifice and sanctified their lives will have the assurance that their sins are forgiven and infirmities taken away (Matthew 8:7; John 1:29). Through Christ's death we obtain peace and come to right relationship with God. Isaiah 53 prophesy describes life, death and victory of the Messiah; it also describes how God would honour him.

The book of Psalm also points to Christ's willing sacrifice that would be for internal cleansing and a renewed relationship with God (Psalm 40:6-8; Hebrews 5:5-10). The old testament practice of offering sacrifices to God only sought to cover sins, it didn't achieve purification of the heart from evil thoughts and deeds. Christ's sacrifice is 'once for all'; it purges sin and changes the heart.

The Great Life-Giver: Paul made it known that physical and spiritual death came through Adam, but life comes through Christ. After the fall of Adam God gave the old testament law to prevent sin, but people still continued in sin and lived with its guilt and condemnation. Thus the law wasn't adequate to prevent sin, it simply gave a way to evaluate sin.

The first Adam could not overcome sin because he was made of living soul. Christ as the second Adam was of quickening Spirit, he did overcome sin and was made the head of the new creation (Corinthians 15:45-47). Those who have received him will be part of the new creation. Life is transformed in Christ and people will live as the people of God.

We should be alive in Christ as we hope for eternal life. Though Adam's disobedience and sin brought death and condemnation to all people, believers will be justified and receive life through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:15-21). He has given the hope to humanity, we just need to ask for His Spirit to live in us so that we can overcome sin and live in righteousness. Lesson texts: Isaiah 53:1-12; John 3:14-17, 36; 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 5:12-21; Hebrews 10:5-18.