Jesus Saves

Today we celebrate Easter.  Three days after a brutal death by crucifixion, the resurrection of Jesus Christ accomplished the greatest rescue ever known to mankind.  For all who believe in him, he provides eternal life (see John 3:16).  

Last month marked the passing of Billy Graham.  No man in history has ever publicly quoted the verses in John 3 to more people in his lifetime.   The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:16-17).  Dr. Graham devoted his life to preaching the message of a resurrected Christ.  Jesus said “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).  A person can only truly know God by believing in Jesus.  

Although I never met him or never attended one of his crusades, Billy Graham had a profound impact on my life.  Rarely did a message of his that I saw on the TV, or heard on the radio, not bring tears to my eyes at some point while he was talking.  God’s love brings overwhelming comfort to the soul.  Like none other, Dr. Graham helped instill deep into my spirit, a love and passion for sharing the good news of Jesus.  He communicated the gospel of Jesus with unmatched clarity and simplicity. Everywhere he went, and to millions of people around the globe, he had the same message.  Jesus saves.  God’s love is so deep, there’s absolutely no way God can turn a person away whose heart is fully surrendered.  

Soaking in the message that Jesus saves is the quickest way out of depression, anxiety, worry, or any trouble in life.  Common, ordinary challenges all seem easier to bear after stopping to ponder what Jesus endured to accomplish our salvation.  Jesus saves the lost.  To benefit from what he did, I have to admit I’m lost.  When I’m willing to admit I need help (when something went wrong and created loss), Jesus rescues.  Big messes or little goofs, no problem is too tough for Jesus to redeem.  Thank God, Jesus saves!

Jesus never promised to eliminate difficulties in life.  If we had no troubles, he would have nothing to save.  We cannot live a “good life” through our own will power. It’s not about being good enough, strong enough, or smart enough.  It’s about being “fed up” enough to let Jesus be enough.  Jesus is enough.  He is always enough.  

It really is that simple.  Jesus saves.  That message is enough.  

For the follower of Christ, every day is Easter.   Every day, Jesus saves.  My prayer is that you make him enough for you today!

To take the next step after you acknowlege you need what Jesus has done for you, is to say something like this, “I am thankful for what Jesus did for me by dying on a cross and being raised from the dead, I surrender to his power to make me a whole person.”   As you surrender to the teachings of Jesus as described in the Bible, you turn around your ways of thinking and acting, and take on his new life.  Join in company with other believers to help this process and you’re on your way to a new life to confess that Jesus saves.  

The Bible (most trustworthy book on the planet) says,

“This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
    he is my God, and I trust him.  ….

  The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
    I will protect those who trust in my name.
 When they call on me, I will answer;
    I will be with them in trouble.
    I will rescue and honor them.
 I will reward them with a long life
    and give them my salvation.”  (Psalm 91:2,14-16;New Living Translation)

by Ed Hersh, Blue Rock BnB Healing Ministry