JESUS IS GOD AND SAVIOR: SAVED BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba | Shimba Theological Institute

One of the most life-changing truths in Scripture is this: Jesus Christ is God, He is the Savior of the world, and salvation is a gift of grace received through faith alone. Every page of the New Testament echoes this divine revelation. From the incarnation to the resurrection, the Bible consistently proclaims the deity of Christ and the liberating truth that our redemption is completely the work of God—not human effort.

1. Jesus Is God: The Bible’s Clear Testimony

The identity of Jesus Christ is foundational to the Christian faith. He is not merely a prophet, a miracle worker, or a moral teacher—He is God in the flesh.

• John 1:1 declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

• John 1:14 confirms, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”

• Thomas worshiped Him saying, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).
  Jesus did not correct him, because Thomas’s confession was true.

Jesus also claimed divine authority:

• He forgave sins (Mark 2:5–7)

• He accepted worship (Matthew 14:33)

• He declared Himself one with the Father (John 10:30)

• He used God’s divine name “I AM” (John 8:58)

Only God can do these things. In Jesus, God stepped into time and space to save humanity from sin, death, and judgment.

2. Jesus Is the Only Savior

Because Jesus is God, He alone has the power to save. The apostle Peter boldly declared:

“There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
— Acts 4:12

The cross was not an accident—it was the divine plan of redemption. Jesus willingly gave His life as the perfect sacrifice for sin. His blood accomplishes what no human work could achieve: atonement, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God.

The resurrection sealed His identity as Savior and Lord. No founder of any religion rose from the dead—only Jesus lives forever. Therefore, He remains the sole bridge between God and humanity.

3. Saved by Grace Through Faith—Not by Works

Many people believe they must earn God’s acceptance through good works, rituals, or moral performance. But the Bible clearly teaches the opposite:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
— Ephesians 2:8–9

What does this mean?

• Grace means God acts out of His love—not our merit.

• Faith means trusting Jesus alone—not ourselves.

• Gift means salvation is free—not something we earn.

• Not of works means we cannot take credit for it.

Salvation is not a reward for the good, but a rescue for the lost. It is not achieved by effort, but received by believing in the finished work of Christ on the cross.

Human works cannot save because:

• We are sinners by nature (Romans 3:23)

• Our righteousness is insufficient (Isaiah 64:6)

• Salvation requires perfection, which only Christ provides (2 Corinthians 5:21)

4. Good Works Follow, They Do Not Save

Paul continues after Ephesians 2:8–9 with an important truth:

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…” (Eph. 2:10)

Good works are the evidence, not the cause, of salvation. When a person is born again:

• The Holy Spirit transforms them.

• Their desires change.

• They bear spiritual fruit.

• They live in obedience—not to earn salvation, but because they have it.

Grace produces transformation that works never could.

5. Why This Message Matters Today

In a world filled with religious confusion, moral uncertainty, and spiritual deception, the gospel stands as the only message of hope:

• Jesus is God—therefore His authority is supreme.

• Jesus is Savior—therefore His salvation is sufficient.

• Grace through faith—therefore no one is beyond God’s reach.

This truth brings peace to the guilty, hope to the broken, and rest to the weary. It removes the burden of religion and invites us into a relationship with the living God.

6. A Personal Appeal

Beloved reader, your salvation does not depend on your performance, your background, your struggles, or your past. It depends solely on Jesus Christ, who loved you enough to die for you.

Today, place your trust fully in Him.
Receive the gift of grace.
Embrace Jesus as your God and Savior.

He is mighty to save. He is faithful to forgive. He is God, and He is good.

---