SALVATION
Acts 4:1–12 /Psalm 118 / John 21:1–14
“There is salvation in no one else…” this is a bold, uncomfortable truth spoken by Peter that many today would rather ignore. Let’s be honest, we talk about salvation but do we really understand it?
Salvation is not just about escaping problems.
It is not just about breakthroughs, miracles, or “open doors.” It is deliverance from something deeper like sin, judgment, and eternal separation from God. What exactly are you seeking to be saved from?
Interestingly, there is only one name that saves. Not your pastor’s name, not your favourite preacher’s voice and not a spiritual brand or movement. Only Jesus Christ. Yet, a dangerous trend is rising. Some Christians now pray more in the name of men than in the name of Christ.
Let’s be clear, invoking saints is not the same as replacing Christ or praying in the name and grace of pastors as some claim. We are saved in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
Still on salvation, Cyprian of Carthage takes this idea further and declared boldly “Outside the Church, there is no salvation.” But what does this mean? The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains. All salvation comes from Christ, through His Body, the Church. Yet God, in His mercy, does not condemn those who are ignorant of Him through no fault of their own.
Still, the truth remains; Christ is the source. The Church is the instrument. Salvation is not random. And then comes the Gospel, after a night of failure, Simon Peter obeys one simple instruction from Jesus and suddenly, the nets overflow. Listen, this is not just about fish. This is about mission and salvation. If we must be save we must abide by His instructions
Peter moves from catching fish, to catching souls. From labouring in emptiness, to drawing men from sin into life. So ask yourself today:
Are you still casting your nets your own way?
Or are you obeying the voice that leads to salvation?
Prayer
Almighty ever-living God, who gave us the Paschal Mystery for the reconciliation of the human race, grant that what we profess in faith, we may live out in deeds. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
