“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
(Acts 4:12)
Natural man, as the progeny of Adam, is carnal and corrupt from conception. David explains, “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me,” (Psa. 51:5). This condition is depicted in Scripture as poor, miserable, blind, and naked (Rev. 3:17), because apart from the redemption found only through Christ, sinners are completely destitute and without a shred of hope before a holy God.
As sinners in such a desperate state, we stand in need of pardoning mercy. What Luke calls trespasses or sins (11:4), Matthew 6:12 refers to as debts in that familiar passage known as The Lord’s Prayer, “and forgive us our debts.” Having broken his Law, we owe a sin-debt to God that we cannot pay because we are poor, miserable, naked, bankrupt… so we therefore carry within us the sentence of death (John 3:18, Rom. 6:23). There is no escaping this condemnation and death apart from God’s pardoning mercy to absolve, acquit, and discharge the death sentence we bear.
As sinners, we stand in need of renewing and sanctifying grace. God’s cleansing and purifying work is carried out in our hearts through the Spirit’s application of the blood of Christ. We are washed in his blood (Rev. 1:5), thereby cleansed from all sin (1 John 1:7, 9) and set free from the sentence of death. Apart from this transforming work of the Spirit in our heart, we could never hope to enter into the beatific presence of God (Heb. 12:14).
As sinners, we stand in need of the peace and comfort which flows only from God. As Christ promised, “My peace I give you,” (John 14:27). God never gives his peace to impenitent sinners. It is only made available to those in whom his Spirit dwells, those who walk in the light of his love and truth.
And as sinners, we stand in need of the quickening, indwelling presence of his Spirit to enlighten and teach us the way we should go. Sinners are blinded by spiritual darkness (Eph. 4:18), ignorant of his Word and ways (1 Cor. 2:14). They cannot discern spiritual things because they are carnal. Nor do they understand the way to Jesus Christ. If God does not rescue us, we shall surely miss the safe harbor of salvation and haven of rest, and so perish forever. The psalmist was well aware of his own darkness and lack of wisdom, which made him pray, “Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth and teach me,” (Ps. 25:4-5).
The 18th century minister Azariah Mather described our place of need so plainly when he said, “There is no help to be had for poor needy sinners but in and through Jesus Christ. He and He only can deliver the needy, the poor, and him that has no helper.”[1]
Contemplations:
- I am contented, O! Holy Father, to submit myself to those who have just cause to be offended with me and to use all fair ways of reconciling myself to them, for I know that before I hope for reconciliation and peace with you I must freely forgive all those who have done me harm. I must be able to fully and with good will offer them my pardon, as I most certainly desire yours. And my heart’s desire and purpose is to do good to my brethren that I may not be held unworthy to receive it from you in my own time, knowing my peace comes from Jesus Christ alone.
- Help me show mercy to others that I may not be ashamed to ask You for it for myself, for I seek your favorable mercy towards me, Lord, through your Son. God be merciful to me, and forgive me, a sinner.
- I have no hope in myself, O! Gracious Lord, but only in Jesus Christ and your mercy.
- I am only saved, Lord, through your blessed Son’s infinite merits. I do not rest my soul upon any other name given among men whereby your justice may be satisfied and my sins expiated, but on his name alone. Show this humble and believing sinner your mercy.
Further References for Acts 4:12:
Acts 10:43; 1 Tim. 2:5; Matthew 1:21; John 14:6
[1] Azariah Mather, None but Christ (New-London Conn.: Printed & sold by T. Green, 1722), 8.
