No Other Name

Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)

Here was bold preaching from Peter. He spoke to the most powerful men of his community and told them that Jesus Christ was the only way to salvation, the only way to be made right with God.

This shows what a remarkable transformation the Holy Spirit did in Peter. The same man who only a few weeks before was afraid to say that he even knew Jesus now proclaimed Jesus Christ as the only way to be made right with God. As he was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:8), Peter did not have the spirit of fear – he had the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7).

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Peter phrased this with great emphasis:
– There is no salvation in any other name than Jesus (Nor is there salvation in any other)
– There is absolutely no other name that can save (for there is no other name under heaven given among men)
– This is a “must” for salvation, being made right with God (by which we must be saved)

Peter didn’t merely proclaim Jesus as a way of salvation, but as the only way of salvation. The idea that there is no salvation in any other, and that there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved is hard to accept for many people – but it is plainly stated.

The world hates this kind of talk. Many people don’t mind if you speak about Jesus being one among many possible saviors or ways to God. But if you believe and speak what the Bible says – that there is no salvation in any other – then get ready to be laughed at, to be hated, to be considered hateful.

Instinctively, many respond: “Isn’t there some way that I can save myself? Isn’t Jesus just for those people who can’t save themselves?” No. If you are going to be rescued; if you are going to be made right with God, Jesus is going to do it.

Such a strong statement from Peter also shows that he understood that Jesus was in fact God. The Old Testament clearly says that God is the only Savior (Isaiah 43:11, 45:21). If Jesus is the only savior, then Jesus is God!

If you wish to believe that everyone will be saved, or that there are many roads to heaven, or that one can take the best of all faiths and blend them into one – you are free to believe such things. You may believe such things and bear the consequences; but please do not claim this is the teaching of the Bible.

Today, remember what the Bible says about the name of Jesus: there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

Click here to read David’s commentary on Acts 4