June 8, 2004

THE ONE MIGHTY TO SAVE

"Who is this, robed in splendor, striding forward in the greatness of his strength? 'It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save' " (Isaiah 63:1, NIV).

In a sweeping description of the Messiah, Isaiah depicts Christ as "mighty to save." He portrays Christ as "robed in splendor, striding forward in... strength... speaking in righteousness, mighty to save" (Isaiah 63:1, NIV). What a beautiful portrait of redeeming might!

The adjective "mighty" is applied repeatedly to Jesus in His work of creation and redemption. He is called the "Mighty God" (Isaiah 9:6). "The Mighty One of Jacob" (Isaiah 60:16, NIV). "The mighty One of Israel" (Isaiah 30:29), etc. Jesus is the mighty one through whom all things were created (see John 1:3). He is the mighty one by whom redemption is effected. He is fully qualified to save the most despicable of sinners. There is no sinner so sinful that he is beyond Christ's ability to save.

As Paul expresses it, He can "save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him" (Hebrews 7:25). Because He is mighty to save, He could save publicans and sinners such as Zacchaeus and Mary Magdalene. Because He is mighty to save, He could save respectable sinners such as Nicodemus and Saul of Tarsus. Because He is mighty to save, He could save a hopeless criminal dying on a cross. Because He is mighty to save, He continues to save millions of men and women from the depth of degradation, depravity, and crime. Here's the secret to this complete salvation: "Believe in Jesus, trust in Jesus with living, constant faith, and rely without doubt upon Jesus to keep and save you. One mighty to save has hold upon you; and as long as you will submit to be led by Him, to learn of Him, to confide in Him, He will keep you from falling."--Manuscript Releases, vol. 14, p. 72.

My Prayer Today: Lord, because You are mighty to save, I seek You for Your great salvation. Amen.