No Other Name Under Heaven

Acts 4:8–12 NKJV

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

The Pre-Eminent Christ

why is it referring to Christ?

Matthew 21:42 NKJV

Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone.

Isaiah 28:16

“Therefore thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation”

Tried: approved for use as a foundation-stone

precious: precious, rare, splendid

this name is one that is both tried and precious, he is beautiful, splendid, wonderful to behold

“But (when) the well of His humanity is inseparably united to the infinite, inexhaustible reservoir of His deity, who can possibly drain Him dry? The foundation of all peace, confidence, and comfort lies in the grace of our maker, the God of the whole earth. Kindness and power are also in Him. He is our God and our Kinsman redeemer. He says to sinners, ‘look to me and be saved, for i am God and there is no other’(Isa. 45:22). And we can say, ‘surely in the Lord i have righteousness and strength’ (24)” - John Owen “Communion with God”

Power in The name

the excellency of Christ is tied in His ability to save and pardon, or condemn and punish

Colossians 1:19–20 NKJV

For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

to Christ has been given all things,

even the keys to death and hades

Revelation 1:18 NKJV

I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

God is LORD over all creation including Hell

Christ is both the author and finisher of our faith

Hebrews 12:2 NKJV

looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Christ has the power to save and has already won the battle

Colossians 2:15 NKJV

Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

Why and How?

the watered down gospel will tell you “everyone who calls upon His name will be saved”

Romans 10:12–13 NKJV

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

the truth is not far but we must have wisdom take context into consideration

Romans 10:9–10 NKJV

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

wheres the distinction?

Matthew 15:8–9 NKJV

‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ”

Faith has never been in the lips, but in the heart and hands

saving faith is as follows:

Romans 4:19–22 NKJV

And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.”

Saving faith is not only a confession, but a profession.

what kind of profession?

Romans 1:1 NKJV

Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God

John 12:26 NKJV

If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honour.

Go in peace, and walk in victory

do you wish to live in Christ? to abide? to be free to serve?

lay your life down.

violinist gives his life (optional)

set your mind on the very things which you avoid

missions, giving, forgiving, martyrdom

throw your whole life on the altar

is sin too strong?

wage war against your flesh, give no foothold to the enemy

be fully His, and know that your inheritance will be the glorious, splendorous, beautiful son of God