Christ – The “Only Savior”
Categories: Bible Study LessonsChristianity differs from all other religions of the world in that it is the only religion that has a savior. According to Matthew 1:21, this savior’s name is Jesus, “for he shall save his people from their sins.” In referring to Jesus, Peter declared, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:10,12 – NKJV).
No “Savior” In Judaism
In the first century, the Jews rejected Christ as their savior (Acts 13:44-46). Jesus had warned them in John 8:24 that unless they repented and accepted Him, they would “die in their sins.” Since they refused Jesus and his offer of pardon, they must pay the penalty for their own sins; that penalty is spiritual death (Romans 6:23; cf. Isaiah 59:1-2).
No “Savior” In Islam
The Koran nowhere claims that their prophet, Mohammad, was sinless. Muhammad could not die for your sins or mine, because like all men, he sinned (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10). Since he sinned, any death that he suffered could only be regarded as a penalty for his own sins.
No “Savior” In Buddhism
Buddha’s real name was Siddhartha Gautama. He lived from about 566 B.C. to 483 B.C. As far as history tells us, Siddhartha Gautama never claimed to be a savior; only a mere man. As a man who sinned, any death that he suffered can only be reckoned as penalty for his own sins.
Conclusion
In contrast to the above sinful men, Christ lived an entirely sinless life (John 8:46; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22,24; 1 John 3:5; cf. Isaiah 53:9). Every other human who has ever lived has at some point in their life sinned. This is why that only our Savior’s death upon the cross can be applied to you and me. Jesus did not deserve the death that he died, because He never sinned. Because He was sinless, only He could die in our place. Because He died in our place, His death can be applied to our account before God. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). As Christians, let us praise God for the wonderful provision of His sinless Son, and our “only Savior” (2 Timothy 1:10; Titus 1:4; Titus 2:13; Titus 3:6; 2 Peter 1:1).