September 1, 2004

LORD AND SAVIOUR

"I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles" (2 Peter 3:2, NIV).

The apostle Peter was especially fond of applying double titles to Jesus, particularly those in which the designation, "Saviour," appears.

The title, "Lord and Saviour," embodies most of the divine attributes of our Lord. In this title the deity of Christ is openly asserted. As Lord, Jesus holds all rights over creation. In his memorable sermon at Pentecost, Peter concluded with the declaration, "God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36, NIV). By virtue of His deity and sinless humanity, Jesus was made Lord over all and exalted to God's right hand. Through creation and redemption, Jesus is Lord.

He who is Lord over all, is also Saviour of all. This is the heart of Peter's message--Jesus is both "Lord and Saviour." The divine appellation, Saviour, is applied to Jesus twenty-three times in the New Testament. Fifteen of these references are applied by Peter. Christ was the focus of all the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament concerning the Saviour of the world. He was the Saviour prophesied by Isaiah (see Isaiah 19:20). He was the Son who would "save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). He was the One the Father sent "to be the Savior of the world (1 John 4:14, NIV). Because He is Lord, we serve Him. Because He is Saviour, we love and adore Him. "Our Lord and Saviour laid aside His dominion, His riches and glory, and sought after us, that He might save us from misery and make us like Himself. He humbled Himself and took our nature that we might be able to learn of Him and, imitating His life of benevolence and self-denial, follow Him step by step to heaven."--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 170.

My Prayer Today: Lord, I submit to Your lordship and rejoice in Your salvation. Amen.