Day 7: The Source of Our Eternal Salvation
Hebrews 5:8–9
It is no secret that many in recent generations have departed from their faith for various reasons, but often after legitimate hardship or crisis. It is worth sympathizing—even empathizing—with these stories, but we need not arrive at the same conclusion. Jesus does not offer to us a faith ill-equipped for suffering. In fact, suffering characterizes the path our Christ walked through, on which He secured for us life everlasting. Jesus, who prayed to the Father who could save Him from death, and was heard “because of his reverent submission” (Heb. 5:7), still died. This is not because His prayers were not answered. Jesus was not saved from death, but journeyed through death to become our rescue, demonstrating His power and willful obedience.
While a faith unfit for suffering is worth deconstructing, the model and way of King Jesus provides a deeper, lasting hope. Eternal salvation is found in a person, not a philosophy. Jesus shows us the way in “learning obedience” and being “made perfect.” This is not to say that Jesus was once disobedient or imperfect—Jesus’ obedience was a faithful, habitual practice of deep communion with the Father, emphasized throughout His life and ministry, crowned by His Crucifixion, and ratified by His Resurrection.
In this same way we, though sometimes weak and fearful of suffering, are invited into intimate dependence upon our Father, knowing that through the work of the Lord Jesus, He can deliver us through whatever this world sends our way.
Reflection Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for your gift of eternal rescue. May we receive it continually throughout the hardships of our lives. Father, thank You for your power over death and Your desire to fellowship with us. Holy Spirit, empower us for the same faithful obedience that Jesus demonstrates. May we be keen on how You are shaping us, who You are shaping us into, and what Your good will is in every situation, good or bad. Deliver us now as You have done before, and give us a victory that glorifies Your name and points us toward our blessed hope. Amen.
Week 1: Christ Our Savior
Colossians 1:13
As we focus on the life of Christ, this week’s theme is Christ Our Savior, which forms part of the fourfold gospel of Jesus, a cornerstone of our denomination. God’s plan for salvation commenced immediately following the fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden. The consequence of sin is death; however, it was not God’s intention for humanity to endure eternal death. Out of His love for the world, He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die on our behalf, allowing us to attain salvation and reconciliation with Him. Salvation can only be obtained through Jesus Christ, as there is no other name by which humanity is saved. Furthermore, our salvation is not achieved through good works, but rather through the righteousness of Jesus, imparted by faith and through the grace of God.
Reflection Questions
Do you believe Jesus has paid your debts in full, or do you still struggle with earning your salvation?
How often have you shared this truth with those close to you who need salvation?
What is your personal salvation story and experience?