Saviour: The One Who Saves and Redeems

A saviour is one who saves, a redeemer. The title speaks of rescue and restoration, pointing to the one who delivers helpless humanity from the penalty and power of sin and brings us back to God.

The Predicament and the Plan

Humanity was powerless to resolve the predicament of eternal suffering and separation from God because of sin, so we were entirely at the mercy of God to work out a rescue plan. Jesus understood the serious consequence that awaits those who die as unbelievers, and He came to earth, took the penalty, and so liberates from that predicament everyone who accepts His offer (Jn 1:12; Heb 2:3; 1 Pet 1:18-19).

Doctors and medicine can treat, relieve, and even cure many physical illnesses, but no branch of the medical profession can heal the most destructive condition of all — sin. Only the sacrifice of Jesus can resolve that.

Our rebellion in the Garden of Eden did not catch God unaware. He knew in advance of our waywardness, and we were even chosen to be restored as Christ’s own people before the creation of the world, with Jesus being the means (Eph 1:4-5; 1 Pet 1:19-20).

Have I accepted the rescue Jesus offers?

The Saviour Born in Time

At the right time a heavenly message was sent: “Unto you a Saviour has been born… Call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sin” (Mt 1:21; Lk 2:11; Rom 5:6; Tit 2:11). Later Jesus stated that He came to seek and save the lost (Lk 19:10).

The Jews thought He would save them physically from the occupying Roman authorities (Jn 6:15). However, His salvation is far more embracing, with the potential to effect change for all people for all times—in this life and for all eternity (Jn 5:24; Rom 8:1).

Am I looking to Jesus for salvation in every area of life?

While eternal salvation—effected by the forgiveness of our sins and rescuing us from a lost eternity—is the ultimate redemption, Jesus also said He came that we might have life in all its fullness (Jn 10:10). So we are encouraged to pray and believe for health in every dimension of life (3 Jn 1:2). The Bible promises forgiveness to all who earnestly turn to God for salvation from sin (1 Jn 1:9). Yet because we live in a world still impacted by sin and brokenness, not everyone who seeks healing in every area of life will experience it fully in this lifetime.

The Only Way to Be Saved

Satan’s deception is that there are many routes to heaven, yet the Bible declares Jesus is the only way (Isa 43:11; Jn 14:6; Act 4:12). Many people will be excluded from heaven because they incorrectly thought that by their reasonably good life or some other reason they would be granted entrance (Mt 7:21-23).

Do I truly believe Jesus is the only Saviour?

Many sincere people believe they can earn their way into heaven through good works, yet Scripture makes clear that our own righteousness is like filthy rags (Isa 64:6) and we are saved not by righteous things we have done, but by God's mercy (Tit 3:5-7). Salvation is a gift of God's grace, received through faith, and not something we can earn by our own efforts (Eph 2:8-9).

Reflection and Application:

What does it mean for me personally that Jesus is my Saviour?
Where am I still trying to save myself instead of trusting Christ?
How can I share the message of the only Saviour with others?
In what ways should a rescued life look different today?