Lectionary: 265
He is the stone rejected by you, the builders,
which has become the cornerstone.There is no salvation through anyone else,
nor is there any other name under heaven
given to the human race by which we are to be saved.”
nor is there any other name under heaven
given to the human race by which we are to be saved.”
Acts 4:12, the latter of the two verses above, is also a stone rejected by the builders. First there is the Risen Lord Jesus, who is despised and rejected. And then there is the proclamation: “There is no salvation through anyone else….”
Neither is acceptable to many people. Even good people – the honest, hard-working Christians who pay their taxes and do their share – may find this requirement politically incorrect.
They may be mollified by an explanation; what we call an apology in the ancient tradition. Christian apologists attempt to explain our beliefs in ways that non-Christians will find palatable. In this case, many people believe that “anonymous Christians” are saved by the mercy of God. Devout by the standards of their own religious traditions, they care for their family, friends, and neighbors; act justly toward their enemies; and show reverence toward the God of their understanding. We hope for them as we hope for ourselves, that the Lord and Judge of All will show them mercy.
If, on that Great Day, they ask, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?" they will surely hear the invitation, "Come, you are blessed by my Father."
That said, we believe Jesus has opened the narrow way of salvation by his life, death, and resurrection; and there is no other narrow way. We pray that God’s will might be accomplished, and all people will be saved; and God surely intends that everyone know WHO saved them! Christians feel an obligation and a delightful duty to announce the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ.
The Church has long applied the words of Psalm 19:4 to the apostolic project,
A report goes forth through all the earth, their messages, to the ends of the world.
Those who know the Lord’s name, our religious traditions, our moral teaching, and our blessed companionship enjoy an advantage, an "inoculation" against diabolical suggestions. They are more likely to enter through the narrow gate. Even as we strive to enter into his rest we invite everyone to come with us.
We know in our hearts the Goodness of God. It is unlimited and energetic and insatiable in its desire to enfold all people. Their blessedness cannot be complete without their knowledge of the One who saves them. I might be happy if someone gave me a fortune, but I would lie restless until I knew the donor and thanked them profusely. In the same way, no one can rest until they know the name of Jesus, have witnessed his passion, death, and resurrection, and sung his praises.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.