“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

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Today is Good Friday, the day that commemorates the death of Jesus on the cross. So why is it called Good Friday when Jesus suffered a horrible, agonizing, and bloody death? Satan has appeared to have won. God’s son has failed, right? Even Jesus’ followers at that time didn’t understand what was happening or abandoned Jesus outright.

The underlying theme, however, is that Jesus knew EXACTLY what He was doing – He was following the perfect will of His Father in Heaven. His obedience to die as an innocent man was necessary to achieve the atonement for sin for all mankind. Atonement means making amends or blotting out the offense so that a relationship can be restored. How will God reinstate, use, and draw near to a sinful people without destroying them? The answer is found in atonement.

Man on his own can’t accomplish this. In the Old Testament, God outlined how atonement had to be made continually to deal with the sins of the Israelites. The Day of Atonement was an annual ritual in which the sacrifice of a goat was made with the spilling of blood to atone for the entire nation. “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I [God] have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life” (Leviticus 17:11, NIV).  

Fast forward to our verse today in Acts. Peter has been arrested by the Jewish religious leaders for proclaiming Jesus and the resurrection. They question him “By what power or by what name did you do this?” (Acts 4:7). Peter responds that it is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom they had crucified. It is by this same Name, ONLY, that we can be saved. No other name can accomplish this. And yes, this comes from the apostle that denied knowing Jesus three times on Good Friday.

The Apostle Paul and Silas reiterate this statement of faith in Acts 16:31 when a jailer asks them, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”. They respond, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Jesus, Himself, clearly outlines that there is no other way to God in John 14:6 “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to Father except through me.”

Today there are many religions who claim the way to Heaven or Paradise. Many are built upon earthly idols or man earning his way, but not Christianity. The focus is taken off our good deeds which are worthless like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6 NIV) and placed on the sacrifice that completely satisfies our Creator, the death of His ONE and ONLY Son, Jesus Christ.

Some would say that is exclusive and unloving. But it’s actually the opposite. Anyone from any nation, race, creed, or dare I say it, political party can call on Jesus. He welcomes those who turn to Him and believe in Him. He did all the work. In our pride, we believe we can earn heaven, or we choose to make our own idols because we know better.  

As believers, this is the Good News and is Great News! Through the perfect obedience of ONE man, salvation has been achieved. Our achievements are not enough and that should bring encouragement and hope. Encouragement to continue in good works because we were created for them (Ephesians 2:10) and hope because Jesus promises a heavenly home: “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:2). Have a great Easter weekend!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word, which supplies truth, encouragement, correction, and hope. May any good deeds I do bring you acclaim and not myself.  May the knowledge of your plan of salvation bring joy and purpose. Thank you for your Son. In His powerful Name, I pray. Amen!

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