Our Saviour

May 23, 2016 2006

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? (Rom 8:31-32).

Many unhappy Christians look upon Christ, first, as their example. Only second do they look upon him as their Saviour. That is upending things, turning them on their head. Which of us is like Jesus?

Jesus loved his enemies and prayed for them even on the cross. Jesus was always gentle, always tender, always understanding, always pure, always true, always God-centred, never selfish. If he is first of all my example, I am of all people most miserable because I am not like Jesus! I want to be like Jesus. It is my dearest desire. But I am a million light years from him.

But! If Jesus is first my Saviour – I have hope! The Saviour came into the world to save sinners. I qualify! That’s why he came. To save sinners like me and you.

The New Testament does not primarily portray Jesus as our example. If that were his task, he would have lived until he was an old man. Where is Jesus an example for anyone over 33? If he were only an example, he would have had to be a man and a woman. Women cope with some things men don’t. Men cope with other things women don’t. Jesus, to be an example for both, would have to be both. He wasn’t.

Because Jesus came first and foremost to be our Saviour, we can rest assured in Him if only we accept him in faith.

– Des Ford. Rom 8:27-32. Adapted from “The Crises of Christ: His Birth ”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *