One Name

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” - Acts 4:12

2,000 years ago, a man named Peter made one statement that will forever draw a line between Christianity and every other religion that will ever exist. Peter grew up fervently believing in one religion; but when he met Jesus, everything changed. As soon as he believed, Peter began declaring to others how wrong he had been before. And in Jerusalem, before an audience of high priests and elders and under the threat of further imprisonment, Peter made this game-changing statement: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

I’m sure there were collective gasps, indignant, angry shouts, and even the ripping of garments that accompanied blasphemous words in those days. To a group of pious rule-followers this claim was more than preposterous - it was downright offensive. On that historic day Peter did more than just assert that Christianity was right and all other religions were wrong. He revealed that a relationship and not a religion is the only way to God.

John 1:17 says, “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” When this verse says grace and truth “came through” Jesus, that literally means to appear in history or come upon the stage. This verse is proof that Jesus changed everything. When Jesus was born, grace took center stage. The Law of Moses had done its job, keeping God’s people in line and revealing their sins. But the time had come for the new and living way…the new covenant… which would be established by grace.

Peter understood this grace because he had a relationship with Jesus. He lived life with Him and knew Him. Following rules had never been enough. It still isn’t enough. It is not a belief system that saves. It is a Person, and His name is Jesus. Do you know Him?

Father, thank You for Jesus, the only name by which anyone can be saved. In Jesus’ name, amen.