He Came to Save Us

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph. Happy Thanksgiving!)

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” – Luke 2: 10, 11

 

The message to the shepherds that night, from the angels was simple and straightforward: Good news of great joy to all people-each one of us even now and here. The good news was not just for the Jews-who were expecting the Messiah, but also the Gentiles-near and far and all over the world.

God the Father, in His great love for you and me, and for all mankind, gave us the best gift; which Paul describes as the indescribable gift (2 Cor. 9:15). God’s love is also full of purpose: that we in believing, might live through Him-our Savior Jesus Christ. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. (1 John 4:9)

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. - John 3: 16, 17

What a good news-A Savior come to save the world! Whoever believes in Jesus will have everlasting life. The message is so simple-Salvation in just believing in Jesus. We need not, and cannot, earn our salvation with our own ‘good’ works. But we have salvation through Jesus-our Savior. For by grace we have been saved through faith … it is the gift of God. (Eph. 2: 8)

If you have never heard this good news before, or if you have not experienced salvation- today, you can make a choice to trust in Jesus-He came to save us.

Seek Him

The Bible says in Matt. 2:1-2 that wise men from the east came to Jerusalem. These ‘wise men’ were, in reality, astronomers-who studied the stars. They were really intelligent, and they saw an unique star that told the birth of Messiah. And in those days of hard travel, they made a decision and took out the long journey to meet Jesus.

To the wise men, the stars told a message; and to the poor shepherds, it was the angels. Both these groups of people understood the message; they had one intention in common-to seek out the Messiah. The message that comes to you now-whoever you are, whether wise or wayward, is also the same: Seek out the Messiah.

When God gives a revelation, it could be a wondrous sight-as that of a star to the wise men; it could be a wondrous voice-as that of angels to the shepherds; or it could also be a written word to read-as you do now: A Savior is come to save you. If you are interested to know salvation, seek Him. They that shall seek Him will also find Him, if you search for Him with all your heart. (Deut. 4:29)

Repent

Jesus says in Mark 1:15: …the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.

All of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. And we are in no way capable of saving ourselves. We need THE Savior-to show us salvation. Now there is a choice for you: You can turn away from sins and turn toward the Savior, or you can continue your life as usual.

I know there may be many that reject the gospel of salvation, just because they do not want to change their ways. Yes, many during the time of Jesus too, rejected the Messiah. But, if you are willing and obedient-you shall see good. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. In returning to Jesus, and resting in Him you will be saved. (Isa. 1: 18, Isa. 30:15)

Believe

Or are you thinking that you are too young to think about these things-of knowing Jesus and experience salvation? John 1:12 says: But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.

If you have believed in the name of Jesus, you have all the potential-and the right, to become children of God. No longer are you a slave to sin, but you are alive in Him. If you have followed these simple steps of obedience (of repentance from sins and believing in Jesus as Savior), trust now that His Spirit dwells in you, and you are the child of the Most High God.

Therefore, the message of the gospel is really simple: Repent of your sins, Believe in Jesus and Become the children of God.

Wondering about Next steps?

If you are wondering “I am saved. Now what?” then look into the pages of the book of Romans. The book of Romans in the Bible, written by Paul, is a descriptive discourse on the good news of the gospel.

• Chapters 1, 2: talks about how we were all far away from God
• Chapter 3 explains how we can come to Jesus
• Chapters 4, 5 tell us how we are reconciled to God and justified in Jesus Christ.
• Chapter 6, 7 assures us of the life of victory over sin, right here on earth
• Chapter 8 encourages us to continuously walk in victory through the Holy Spirit, knowing that nothing (and nothing) shall be able to separate us from the love of God.
• Chapters 9, 10 and 11 show us how the Jews were chosen by God, and how they have rejected the Messiah; how there is still hope for them, and the surety that He will again bring them back to Himself.

Explaining all these, Paul starts the Chapter 12 with the verse: “I beseech you, therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” 

Think about your response… Jesus came to save us; He picked you and me. Now, do you really love Jesus, love Him enough to give your physical self as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God?

You are a Christian-not because you came from a Christian family and traditions; not because you were born to Christian parents; and not because you have been part of the Church for a long time. You are a Christian because the love of Jesus has captured your heart, and you have experienced salvation by believing in Him. Now, surrender your bodies as a living sacrifice-for it is a reasonable response.

Look around you-this time of the year and season. Where is the Christ in Christmas? Where is the Savior in the life of those ‘saved’ Christians? Are there anybody out there celebrating with surrendered self-or is it just the time for wild parties and fun, with just friends and family? Is His name glorified or is it being blasphemed?

A Savior is come to save us. Have you really MET Him? Let us not go half-hearted to meet Him; for then we will not find Him. Though the night is cold, and the journey-far, determine in your heart to seek Jesus AND you will FIND Him. God has extended His gift to you, what is your gift to Him? A surrendered self is the reasonable response. 

May God Bless you. Amen.