June 18
Bible Reading: Acts 4:5-12
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.”
Next to our house is a dead-end road that is clearly marked as such with a sign that says so. Despite that, on many occasions, unobservant drivers have mistakenly turned onto that road, sometimes with trailers, only to then somehow find a way to turn around. In the marketplace of ideas and opinions, there are many views from which to choose from. When it comes to a way of salvation, they are all dead-end roads, save one, and that is through Jesus. Peter boldly asserted that there is salvation in one else but Jesus. Two thousand years later, things haven’t changed.
Not that long before Peter’s bold declaration, he had denied even knowing Jesus, and even denied Jesus to a servant girl. But things had changed since the Spirit had come. Now, by the Spirit, Peter boldly proclaimed Jesus before the most powerful religious leaders in Israel, the same people that had conspired to have Jesus put to death. In interrogating Peter and John for the crime of having healed a lame beggar, they wanted to know by what authority they had done what they did? Peter’s response was forthright and uncompromising — “there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
The world claims such a statement to be narrow-minded and bigoted. But it is the positive side we should turn our attention to. There is a name under heaven by which men can be saved! Have you ever taken a wrong turn and ended up in a dead-end? You’ve come to the end, and you’ve no choice but to turn around and head back to where you started. No one, having started, by faith, down the path to know and serve Jesus, will ever “be disappointed” (Romans 9:33, NASB).
Peter put his life at risk by proclaiming what he knew in his heart to be true. That truth about Jesus has worked to save you from your sins. You’ve found a road with no disappointing dead end, for it leads all the way to heaven. And now you’ve a good news message to share. You’ll likely not have to share it before a council of religious leaders, as in Peter’s case, but consider his example. He was bold when the opportunity came. And He was forthright in making the matter clear!
Jesus is the only route that leads to heaven.
NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain:
O precious is the flow
that makes me white as snow;
no other fount I know;
nothing but the blood of Jesus.
For my pardon this I see:
nothing but the blood of Jesus.
For my cleansing this my plea:
nothing but the blood of Jesus. [Refrain]
Nothing can for sin atone:
nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Naught of good that I have done:
nothing but the blood of Jesus. [Refrain]
This is all my hope and peace:
nothing but the blood of Jesus.
This is all my righteousness:
nothing but the blood of Jesus. [Refrain]
LookingtoJesus 