I have something in my home that contains many letters.

It is called the Bible.

But, besides being able to read of how our Heavenly Father loves us ...the real defining moment was when He sent us a very special gift.

"God so loved the world, that He gave us His beloved Son."  (a variation of the verse John 3:16)

Many times I had wondered if several different church denominations were to get together to have a very simplistic discussion on choosing one Bible character to tell the world about ...who would they choose?

Many may say "God, the Father", yet, in choosing what moment they could cite as the most defining moment of expressing those feelings that give testimony of the character of God ...well, who could argue against mentioning that very moment that bridges God to humankind ...with the life of Jesus, and ultimately His death?

And if our subject is Jesus ...then following our language protocol, let's choose a verb next.  

Jesus loves.

Jesus forgives.

Jesus saves.

I believe the simplest and most important subject-verb linking would be: "Jesus saves."

But, what do we need saving from??

Well, none of us entirely obey or follow God precisely the way we should ...so, that would be what some hate to classify as 'sin'.

And since Satan (Lucifer, or the devil) also went against God, we would have that in common.  Being a righteous God, we would expect no less from God than to give us also a common place.  That would mean we would be with Satan, deserving to share the same habitation.

I certainly could not complain that I deserve better ...but, I certainly would say I'd like to have better.  So, though I don't deserve anything better, I admit that I am undeserving ...and I am overwhelmed by the possibility that I would be offered different real estate. 

Yes, if I could only be spared having to reside in the same place as Satan.  I don't know how long I have to choose ...but, I have to choose in this life.  And I don't know how long that will be.

Yes, this life is important in respect to how we choose, as that choice does not just have temporal significance. 

If I want to live with Jesus in the next life, the life which carries on for eternity, then I have to choose to live with Jesus in this earthly life.

When we say that Jesus saves ...He saves us from one place, and allows us to live with Him in another place.  So, whether we say we are saved from, or are going with ...it can be said that the way to Heaven (or the place where Jesus will be), is accessed through Jesus.

Most denominations call this 'salvation' ...and acknowledge that the death of Jesus was payment for our sins, and allows us not to be judged by our sins, but by our choice to follow the One (Jesus) who makes it possible to leave those sins behind.

In short, salvation is through Jesus.

And I believe that most church denominations agree with that ...so, let's not make it too complex.  Let's not diverge from that ...and let's let that truth build our lives.

And let's tell others about the salvation through Jesus.


Written by Mark Altrogge:

You are beautiful beyond description
Too marvelous for words
Too wonderful for comprehension
Like nothing ever seen or heard
Who can grasp Your infinite wisdom?
Who can fathom the depth of Your love?
You are beautiful beyond description
Majesty, enthroned above

(CHORUS)
And I stand, I stand in awe of You
I stand, I stand in awe of You
Holy God, to whom all praise is due
I stand in awe of You