Salvation Through No Other Name

Picture waling along a hiking trail, surrounded by nature, when you unknowingly find yourself brushing up against some poison ivy. At first, you might not give it a second thought, but soon your skin starts to itch, and red welts appear. Days go by, and as the irritation worsens, finally you see a doctor. After a quick examination, the doctor prescribes an ointment and instructs you to apply it twice a day.

Now, imagine if you responded, "I think I’ll just use some lotion from home instead. It smells nicer." No matter how appealing the lotion may be, it can’t solve the problem. The only solution lies in the medicine prescribed by the doctor.

This example helps us grasp a far greater reality. All of us face a problem that can't be fixed on our own—the problem of sin. It’s a condition that impacts every part of our lives and our relationship with God. But God, in His wisdom, has given us the only effective cure: salvation through Jesus Christ, His Son.

The Bible tells us, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) As our Creator, only God has the authority to show us the path to restoration. In His wisdom, He has determined that Jesus can free us from the penalty of sin. No amount of effort or self-made solutions can change our condition—only Christ can truly renew our hearts.

Remember the account of Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector who built his fortune by cheating others. Greed and deceit defined his life. But when he encountered Jesus, everything changed. Zacchaeus’s transformation didn’t come from moral determination or self-improvement—it came from meeting Jesus, who saw beyond his faults and offered him grace. This encounter shows us that no matter our past, Jesus has the power to renew our hearts fully.

Unlike the crowds who viewed Zacchaeus with contempt, Jesus looked at him with compassion. Passing through town, Jesus saw Zacchaeus perched in a tree, trying to catch a glimpse of Him. Instead of walking by, Jesus stopped and called out:

“Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” (Luke 19:5)

This was more than a simple visit; it was a powerful message of acceptance. Moved by Jesus’s kindness, Zacchaeus responded by not only repaying the money he had taken but by going far beyond what was required. His heart was transformed. And this transformation was possible only because he encountered Jesus personally.

Yet, not everyone was pleased with Jesus's actions. Religious leaders criticized Him for associating with someone they regarded as unworthy. They asked, "Why would He eat with tax collectors and sinners?" In response, Jesus clarified His purpose:

“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:30-32)

Jesus, the Lamb of God, came so that sinners could find peace with God. His mission was to offer forgiveness and reconciliation to anyone who would trust in Him. This invitation remains open to all, regardless of our failures or past mistakes. Even the thief on the cross, moments from death, turned to Jesus in faith and was assured of salvation.

The Bible promises, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13) This includes people like Zacchaeus, the thief on the cross, and every sinner who genuinely seeks Jesus. The Bible is full of stories of people who trusted in Christ and were transformed. These accounts remind us that Jesus’s forgiveness is available to everyone. When we call on Him with a sincere heart, we, too, can experience His life-changing power and the gift of salvation.