✝️ Jesus Is the Savior of the World

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba, Shimba Theological Institute

Introduction

The doctrine of salvation, according to the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, rests not on ritual, merit, or human effort, but solely on the grace of God received through faith in Jesus Christ. This truth stands at the heart of the Christian faith and distinguishes the Gospel of Christ from every system of works-based righteousness. The Scriptures consistently affirm that salvation is both a divine gift and a complete work of Christ on the cross, applied to the believer by faith alone.

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1. Salvation: A Gift of Grace

The Apostle Paul emphasizes:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9, KJV).

Grace excludes all boasting. Faith is the hand that receives Christ, but it is Christ Himself who saves. The Reformers echoed this Pauline truth by affirming sola gratia (grace alone) and sola fide (faith alone). Thus, salvation cannot be earned by law-keeping, rituals, or religious duties. It is God’s sovereign act of love in Christ Jesus.

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2. The Example of the Thief on the Cross

One of the most vivid testimonies to salvation by faith alone is found in the thief crucified alongside Christ. He uttered a humble plea:

“Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom” (Luke 23:42, KJV).

To this, Jesus assured him:

“Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43, KJV).

Here we observe that the dying man had no opportunity for baptism, church membership, or ceremonial observance. His salvation was grounded entirely upon faith in Christ. This demonstrates that faith alone unites the sinner with the Savior.

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3. Confession and Belief in Christ

The apostolic teaching is equally clear:

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9, KJV).

The essence of the Gospel is not human achievement but divine accomplishment. Faith rests upon the finished work of Christ in His death and resurrection. The Philippian jailer heard the same message:

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31, KJV).

Thus, salvation flows not from external observances but from inward trust and outward confession.

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4. Jesus Christ: God Incarnate

The KJV leaves no ambiguity regarding the divinity of Christ:

• Isaiah foresaw Him as “The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

• Matthew declared Him Emmanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

• Paul confirmed, “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9).

Jesus Christ is not one among many prophets, nor a mere moral teacher. He is the incarnate God, the eternal Word made flesh (John 1:14), the exclusive Redeemer of mankind.

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5. The Narrow Gate: The Exclusivity of Christ

Jesus Himself declared:

“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved” (John 10:9, KJV).

He further warned:

“Enter ye in at the strait gate… because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life” (Matthew 7:13–14, KJV).

The exclusivity of Christ is not narrow-mindedness but divine truth. Salvation is only in Him; any attempt to add works, ceremonies, or secret rites obscures the simplicity of the Gospel.

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Conclusion: Assurance and Growth

Believers can be assured of eternal life:

“These things have I written unto you… that ye may know that ye have eternal life” (1 John 5:13, KJV).

Sanctification follows salvation—good works, baptism, and Christian service are fruits of grace, not conditions of it. The Christian life is a walk of growing in grace and knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

The Gospel remains simple yet profound:

• Christ died for sinners.

• He rose again in victory.

• Anyone who trusts Him is saved forever (John 3:16; 1 Peter 1:3).

This is the hope of the world: Jesus is the Savior, and God is glorified forever.

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✝️ By Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute

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