“THE AUTHOR OF SALVATION”

16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 

Matthew 19:16

Salvation is one of the first words that Christians should know and understand. In fact, it appears over 150 times in the Bible, making it an important term that you and I should have a real grasp of.

Let’s continue our study of Matthew 19:16. 

Why Teacher?

So, the man calls Jesus “Teacher.” This word comes from the Greek “didaskalos.” In the NT, it is used of one who teaches concerning the things of God and the duties of man. A teacher was someone who, by his great power and influence, drew crowds around him, e.g., John the Baptist and Jesus.

This man acknowledges that Jesus has the authority to teach. However, he is not asking how to be saved (not exactly the way we understand salvation today). Instead, he is trying to find out how to enter the Messiah’s kingdom. He assumes that entrance into the Lord’s kingdom demands “good deeds.”

What are good deeds?

Good deeds (“agathos”), by definition, are acts that are “pleasant, agreeable, upright, honorable.” These are acts acceptable to God and people. The man assumes that if he is righteous enough, then he should be qualified to get into the kingdom of heaven. It was believed that entry into God’s kingdom required repeated acts of goodness. If someone did enough good, then he could expect to go to heaven.

The man’s question was centered on works, not faith, which was typical among the Jews of the time. Despite his riches, power, and religious connections, he felt a void in his heart that had to be filled. 

This opulent man thought that doing benevolent acts would allow him access to the Lord’s Kingdom. He believed that acceptance into heaven was a matter of doing the right things (excluding the need for faith). Jesus challenged him to sell all he had, distribute the proceeds to those in need, and then follow Him. The Lord’s response was a huge letdown for this influential man, so he went home extremely dejected.

Many religious people think that being good and doing good deeds can make up for their sins and appease God. That’s why so many of them are invested in helping the poor and needy, hoping that this way, they could earn God’s favor.

But the Bible is unmistakably clear.

8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Ephesians 2:8-9

Salvation is a gift from God, not something we can earn. It is His unmerited favor extended to sinners like you and me. We receive it by trusting in Christ alone. Since it's a gift, we don’t have to work for it; if we did, it would be like a wage. The work is finished; Jesus died on the cross in our place. He has redeemed us from our slavery to sin.

God is the Author of salvation. Just like how credits are given to the writer of the book (not the readers), so the praise is given to God himself. As such, He alone deserves to be acknowledged and given full devotion.

Do you believe this?

Pursue the Savior today!

Photo by Sajal Das on Unsplash