WHO IS THE JESUS WHO SAVES?

"And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus" (Lk. 24:3). 

 

This is the first of fifty-seven verses which contain the exact phrase "the Lord Jesus!"  I doubt I need to say this, but just in case there is someone reading this who is not aware of it, whenever the word "the" is placed in front of a noun, it is known as the "definite article," and it is used to indicate a specific person or thing; it refers to the "one and only."  "Lord Jesus," without the definite article, appears one hundred fifteen times!

 

In recent months, I have been accused of teaching a false Gospel.  The term used to describe my "heresy," is "Lordship Salvation."  My critics believe I am adding works to how one gets saved.  Let me say, first of all, that the only "work" that has the ability to save a person, is the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross (Jn. 19:30).  His death, burial, and resurrection is the message of the one and only Gospel (Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 15:1-4; Gal. 1:6-9), and nothing you or I can do, adds to our salvation.  It is a gift (Eph. 2:8-9), provided by Jesus, and it becomes ours when we believe in Him (Jn. 1:12; 3:14-18; Rom. 10:8-17)!

 

The problem, as I see it, is that conservative believers are so concerned that the Gospel will be "watered down," that they "see wolves everywhere."  It is an honorable thing for a person to guard the Scriptures from additions or subtractions, but unfortunately, their zeal has turned them into modern-day Pharisees.  Jesus called the doctrines of the Pharisees, "leaven" (Mt. 16:6-12).  They taught one could find favor with God by works; the exact opposite of the Gospel of Grace!  Today's Pharisees, while guarding against works as a means of salvation, have failed to focus upon the true identity of Jesus! 

Jesus is God - John 1:1, 14!

Jesus is Lord - John 13:13!

Jesus is the Son of God - John 1:34!

Jesus is the King - John 18:36!

Jesus is the great "I Am" - John 8:58!

 

If Jesus is God, Lord, Son of God, King, and the "I Am," then it stands to reason that a believer will make every effort to obey Him!  A believer will always want to do His will!  A believer will, want more than anything else, to please Him!  A Gospel message that does not present the true majesty of the biblical Jesus, is a false Gospel! 

Salvation results when we call upon Jesus to be our Lord (Rom. 10:9-10)!!!!!!!