April 5, 2004

THE PRINCE AND SAVIOUR

"God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel" (Acts 5:31, NIV).

With typical elegance, Peter paints an exquisite pen portrait of Jesus as Prince and Saviour. In Christ, he sees divine royalty coupled with redeeming grace.

Exalted to the highest honor at the Father's right hand, Jesus is recognized as both Prince and Saviour. Taken together, they make one magnificent whole (see Hebrews 2:9, 10). In the process of salvation, Christ must first rule in a human life before He can save. He must govern in order to save. Hence, the appropriateness of the title Prince and Saviour. The title of royalty is inseparably linked to the title of saving grace. Here the messianic royalty and salvation that Israel expected found fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, the Prince and Saviour of the world. The heart of the redeemed becomes the throne where Jesus sits enthroned as Prince and Saviour.

The purpose of this double title is clearly stated: "That He might give repentance and forgiveness of sins" (Acts 5:31, NIV). Salvation becomes a reality only when the sinner has been forgiven through repentance and faith in Christ. Both repentance and forgiveness are gifts of divine grace. As Prince and Saviour, Christ dispenses repentance and forgiveness to all who receive Him. God can accept the sinner only when, by faith, he or she has accepted Jesus Christ as Prince and Saviour (see Romans 3:23; Acts 4:12). Ellen White said it this way: "Repentance comes from Christ as truly as does pardon."--The Desire of Ages, p. 175.

My Prayer Today: Lord, You are my Prince and Saviour. I surrender to Your sovereignty and embrace Your salvation. Amen.