There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved. - Acts 4:12
Has someone ever saved you from something? When I was in my early 20's, I went swimming with some friends. At best, I am a shallow end of the pool swimmer; water is just not my thing. This one day, I found myself in deep water and panicked. As I started to go under for the third time, my lungs filling with lake water, I was sure it was the end. Thankfully, someone nearby saw my distress and pulled me to shore. After a few short, painful minutes of coughing up nasty lake water, by the grace of God, I was okay.
Other people can save us; innocent bystanders, first-responders, and medical staff, but there is only one salvation source -- Jesus Christ. We often place faith in governments, institutions, systems, and even our abilities, but nothing can save us as Jesus does. Those other people and things may help us temporarily, and we are thankful for them, but only Jesus offers us a better here and now and the eternal. There is an old hymn written by Robert Lowry titled “Nothing but the Blood” that speaks beautifully to God’s grace and pardon.
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:
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Precious Father, we give you thanks for the salvation in your Son Jesus Christ. We ask forgiveness for those sins we have committed knowingly and unknowingly, wash away our sins, and make us anew. Through the Holy Spirit, make us into your image of righteousness and justice. Let others come to know you through our example. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Blessings!
Pastor Tim
“Nothing but the Blood” is #362 in the United Methodist Hymnal (UMH). If you would like to learn more about its history, click here. This link will also take you to the full lyrics, including two verses not in the UMH.
