This series of five messages is collectively titled, “So Great a Salvation” based upon Isaiah 61:10: “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation….” This second message deals with the exclusivity of Christ.
Reclamation in terms of salvation was Christ’s mission. Salvation does mean that we are saved from hell and ready to be admitted into Heaven, but it is far more comprehensive. We are lost and beaten down by sin, and under condemnation, but Jesus finds us and restores us into fellowship with Himself, and then empowers us to live a holy life. God’s salvation covers man’s need – past, present and future – and it is everlasting. But…there is no other way:
Acts 4:12: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
The last four words of our verse tell us “we must be saved” – not “we may be” or “we can be”. It is imperative – “we must be saved” (John 3:7). Why must Jesus die? Because mankind must be saved, and for three reasons:
Peter is very careful to say that this salvation is given “under heaven” – not in heaven. It is given this side of heaven, which means that we must receive it in this life. There is no such thing as missing salvation in this life and then receiving it in the next life. Salvation must be experienced here and now, and that is why there is such a strong emphasis all the way through the scriptures of the importance of being saved today – (Proverbs 27:1; Luke 19:5; 2 Corinthians 6:2; Hebrews 3:7). The Bible does not promise a second chance of salvation beyond the grave, although many false prophets hold out such promises. The “gospel of the second chance” does three things: first, it makes God a liar; second, it slanders the Cross, and third, it provides a back door out of hell. God is infinitely merciful and desires the salvation of all men… on His terms.
This is the burden of Peter’s message – “Salvation is found in no-one else…” This should read quite literally “the salvation…” – notice the definite article here and compare the words of Jesus in John 10:9 and John 14:6, also the inspired words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 2:5. There is “no other name…” by which we must be saved, and the name referred to is that of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 4:10). No one will ever be saved except by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, because He is the only Savior (Isaiah 43:11). Notice that this salvation is in a Person, not in religion, church membership or in rites or ceremonies but it is in the Person of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is through faith in His name (Acts 3:16).
This wonderful salvation, which is in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ, has been “given to men” – that is, it has been made available to all men everywhere. Thank God there is no racial barrier, for people of all races are invited to believe on Him (Romans 10:13); there is no social barrier (Acts 4:13; Romans 2:11); there is no financial barrier – whether we are rich or poor we all have to come the same way (Isaiah 55:1-2); there is no moral barrier – we may appear to be ‘good’ people or we may be very immoral (1 Timothy 1:15); and there is no age barrier – the young may come as well as the old (John 3:4; Acts 4:22).
It is “given” to men (John 3:16; John 10:27-28). You cannot pay for a gift. All you can do is to receive it or reject it. You cannot buy salvation by keeping religious observances (Titus 3:5). You cannot buy salvation with money (1 Peter 1:18-19). You cannot buy salvation by trying to live a good life (Ephesians 2:8-10). Salvation has been once-and-for-all purchased and provided by the death of our Lord Jesus Christ, and this great salvation is available for all who will receive it by faith. What we need to do is to come with empty hands and receive the wonderful provision that God has made for us to be saved now and forevermore.