“I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins. . . .”

— Acts 26:17-18

Here the apostle Paul describes how his life turned around when he met Jesus. The Lord called him to be a witness to the Gentiles (non-Jews) so that they too could receive salvation. And Paul did that for the rest of his life.

Jesus calls us, too, to spread the good news that he came to save us. But this is highly unpopular in our world today. Many countries outlaw the direct preaching and teaching of Christ’s message to the world. Even in countries that have freedom of religion, it is seen as intolerant to say that Jesus is the way to salvation.

But Scripture is clear on this. Jesus himself said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). And his disciples declared, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven [besides Jesus’] . . . by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Now, this does not mean that people have to convert to one particular denomination or brand of Christianity. It simply means that people need to believe in Jesus to be saved to eternal life.

If you are trusting anyone or anything else for salvation, please put your trust fully in Jesus Christ alone. Through his death and resurrection he became the one and only bridge from death to life.

Jesus, thank you for laying down your life to become the way of salvation. May we witness faithfully, drawing others to trust in you alone. In your name, Amen.