Why is the Son of God called Jesus
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The Christian Observer - 9400 Fairview Avenue - Manassas, VA 20110  (703) 335-2844
Dr. Edwin Elliott, Managing Editor
Reformed Journal of Record since 1813  -- $27.00 US  per year (12 Issues)

The History of the Christian Observer

Why is the Son of God called Jesus, which means Savior?

Because He saves us from our sins, and because salvation is to be sought or found in no other.

Do those who seek their salvation and well-being from saints, by their own efforts, or by other means really believe in the only Savior Jesus?

No. Rather, by such actions they deny Jesus, the only Savior and Redeemer, even though they boast of belonging to Him. It therefore follows that either Jesus is not a perfect Savior, or those who receive this Savior with true faith must possess in Him all that is necessary for their salvation.

1. Jesus Is the Savior

A. The name Jesus acknowledges that He is God's promised Savior. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21)

1. The names, titles, and events of Jesus=s life all tie back in to the prophecies of the Old Testament. And He came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene. (Matthew 2:23)

2. In Jesus we find the rather than the replacement, repudiation, or destruction of the revealed plan. Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. (Matthew 5:17)

3. The name summarizes the doctrine of full substitutionary atonement. That It might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities and bare our sicknesses (Matthew 8:17)

B. The name also acknowledges that there is no other savior. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)

   C. Here is the message direct from the Apostles about the Savior. And be commanded as to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is be which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.(Acts 10:42-43)

D. The Christian have always been exclusive in their teaching about salvation through Jesus.And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned. (Mark 16:15-16)

E. Here are the options. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36)

F. Jesus was as exclusive as the disciples. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No an cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

G. What are you going to do about Jesus? How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; (Hebrews 2:3)

II. Tampering Ruins the Doctrine

A. Adding to and subtracting from the doctrine of exclusive salvation in Jesus repudiates the exact match. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? (I Corinthians 1:12-13)

B. Grace is exclusive - either He is your Savior or He isn=t your Savior. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. (Galatians 5:4)

III. Jesus Meets Your Needs

A. Total redemption and renewal come to us in Jesus. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. (Colossians 1: 19-20)

B. The entire messianic promise emerges through the name Jesus. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9: 6-7)

C. Experience confirms doctrine. And of his fullness, have all we received, and grace for grace. (John 1:16)

 

Heidelberg Catechism

Lord=s Day 011

Questions 29-30

Dr. Edwin P. Elliott, Jr.

File: Lord=s Day 011