“Let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ 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)

Peter had been involved in the healing of a paralytic. When asked for alms by the paralyzed man, Peter responded with a well-known response, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk” (Acts 3:6). His celebration over his new-found legs captured the attention of the religious leaders. Subsequently, Peter and John were arrested and questioned by the High Priest as to the source of the power by which they healed the paralyzed man. They responded with the quotation above. Boldly, Peter asserted that it was because of Jesus Christ they were able to do what they had done. His response reminds us today of two important truths. First, it is Jesus who makes us whole. Peter said, “it was by Him this man stands before you whole.” Second, there is no one else who can do it. Again, Peter said, “for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Jesus provides a healing that no one else can. There is much talk today about the many ways that a person can be saved. The Bible is exclusive in its claim that salvation is found in Jesus alone. He is our Savior and Lord. He is the church’s message today.

Reflection Questions:

What other means do people depend on to get them to Heaven? Write down those that come to mind.

If someone challenged your belief by saying that “salvation is through Christ alone” is     narrowminded, how would you respond? Does it matter?