January 2, 2004

THE AUTHOR OF ETERNAL SALVATION

"And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him" (Hebrews 5:9, NKJV).

This portrait of Jesus identifies Him as the source and concrete cause of salvation. In Him was the fulfillment of the salvation strategy that was laid before the foundation of the world. By virtue of His incarnation, sinless life, death, resurrection, and triumphant glorification, He made Himself the source of salvation. Eternal salvation is inherent in Jesus Christ who is one with the Father. Apart from Him, there is no salvation. Addressing the Sanhedrin council after his arrest, Peter attested to this fact. Speaking of Jesus, he said, "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12, NKJV).

This impressive title: "author of eternal salvation," identifies the origin, the nature, and the permanence of our salvation. It is salvation that originates in Christ, is permanent in duration, and is efficacious to those who, through faith, appropriate it as a free, unmerited gift. Inherent in this portrait of our precious Saviour is the assurance that our salvation is full, free, enduring, and complete. Jesus invites us today to see Him anew as the source as well as the giver of salvation. Through the merits of our crucified, resurrected, and ascended Lord, we may confidently claim the promise of eternal salvation.

The simplicity and adequacy of this salvation is affirmed in this simple but eloquent statement: "Christ came to teach the human family the way of salvation, and He made the way so plain that a little child can walk in it.'--Messages To Young People, p. 15. As we meditate on the portrait of the author of eternal salvation, may we capture anew His power to save to the utmost those who come to Him in living faith and surrendered lives.

MY PRAYER TODAY: Lord, I am encouraged by the knowledge that my salvation is complete in Christ. Amen!