The One and Only Savior
By Art Dmytriyev
Yancey County
As we consider religion and all its aspects, we might get overwhelmed by the abundance of it and so much variety in the whole world. Someone may wonder if there is only one true religion and how to find it. The purpose of this article is not to prove one particular faith and the evidence of its existence but to point to Someone Who is the True God. He did not just say that and claim something He is not, but with all of His Life, Death, and Resurrection He proved the fact that He is the Way the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). Amazingly, He desires your wellbeing and salvation!
First, let us consider the fact that Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is both: human and God. Jesus came to experience life as we do – fully human. Out of love for every single one of us, He chose to be stripped of His glory (Philippians 2:6-8), and was given no advantage over us when it came to living a life without sinning (Isaiah 53:2). The true statement is that Jesus is fully human and fully divine. It is not half human and half divine – it is 100 % human and 100 % God, to say the least. (See John 1:1, 14).
Next, let us never forget that Jesus faced the same struggles and temptations as humans do (even more). He “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15 KJV). If Jesus had any advantage through His divinity, then His life, death, and resurrection would not have served their purpose! Christ came to prove the love and fairness of God the Father. We know that the same power of the Holy Spirit that assisted Jesus on Earth is available for us today (Romans 8:26-27). Think about it: Jesus was born in humble conditions; He did not grow up among the privileged; He was homeless and penniless; He was bullied by religious leaders, and He was tempted by the devil himself. So, Jesus can relate to any of our struggles because of what He went through for your and my sake!
Consider, Christ’s ministry on Earth. He began His dedicated ministry at the age of 30, and His purpose was to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). He gave Himself for it freely: He gave his time; He gave His energy; He gave peace and healing, and He gave love. He ministered to the needs of people. He felt the needs of the people. He fed the hungry (John 6:1-14). He touched the untouchable (Matthew 8:3). He ate dinner with the outcasts of society (Luke 15:1). He welcomed children (Matthew 19:14). Ultimately, Jesus said about His Love: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13 KJV). According to John the Baptist, He was the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the World (John 1:29, 36). It does include yours and my sin as well! Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness, in which we had no share. He suffered the death which was ours, that we might receive the life which was His.
Finally, the good news, or the Gospel, is that Jesus overcame! He overcame sin and death! Praise the Lord! His resurrection is the triumph over evil and death. His mission is accomplished and now the way to the Holy of Holies is open. (Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38).
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16–17 KJV).
Dear Reader, what will be your response to the perfect life, selfless death, and triumphal resurrection of Jesus Christ? Will you continue to leave without any changes in your thoughts and actions, or will you make a difference by following the example of our Savior? Please, make your choice today by following the Lamb wherever He goes (Revelation 14:4) and inherit the Kingdom of God!
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Pr. Art Dmytriyev is originally from Siberia. He has traveled the world in Evangelism and pastoral ministry. He serves as a pastor in North Carolina, holds a Master of Divinity degree, and is currently a Doctor of Ministry candidate. More information at: https://burnsvillenc.adventistchurch.org/pastors-blog
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