By Himself

Jesus was called two names at His birth. The first was ‘Emmanuel,’ meaning ‘God With Us.’ This name told ‘Who’ He really was. The second name told what He would do… “He shall be called JESUS (Jehovah is Salvation) for He shall save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

Every religion in the world tells people they can save themselves through some form of good works, duty, or ritual. Many try their best but, in their hearts, they know its not good enough. Their conscience troubles them and they have no assurance. They’re left hanging in doubt, hoping that when they die, their good works will somehow outweigh the bad.

But the glory of Jesus is this… “When He had by Himself purged our sins, He sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3). Notice the words “by Himself” and “sat down.” No one can add to His saving work or detract from it. Salvation is by faith in ‘Who’ Jesus is and the finished work He has done.

Nor does Jesus wait till we’re at death’s door to assure us of salvation. From the moment we place our faith in Him, He comforts us that we have passed from death into life (John 5:24). For the rest of our lives, our confidence is in His perfections, His power over death, and the proof of His resurrection. From this foundation, we enjoy a daily, personal relationship with our Savior.

To live by faith in Christ is to live by the conviction that He is who He claimed to be, and that His name is the only name under Heaven, given among men, by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

What a Gift we have been given in Jesus Christ our Lord!

(Devotional by Lisa Cataford)