The Author of Salvation (1)
Having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.
Hebrews 5:9 NKJV
The Author of Salvation (1)
We may name a multitude of authors in connection with literature and lexicons, history and homilies, dictionaries and declarations, encyclopedias and encyclicals, but there is only one Author of salvation. In His authorship, Christ precedes all others; in origination He stands supreme and preeminent, without peer or competitor. No other authorship could possibly be appended to this supremely important subject of salvation. The prophet Isaiah records in his message, “I, even I, am the Lord, and besides Me there is no Savior” (Isa. 43:11). Hosea also repeats the same assurance: “For there is no Savior besides Me” (Hos. 13:4).
In this greatest of all authorships, Christ stands absolutely and eternally alone: “Nor is there salvation in any other” (Acts 4:12). Likewise, He is the sole Author of the faith which appropriates the salvation: “For by grace you have been saved through faith” (Eph. 2:8). In order to qualify for the authorship of eternal salvation it is essential that the one who plans the project should know all about everything, be able to do anything, and be available everywhere to undertake for anyone and everyone always and altogether. This means nothing short of possessing the attributes of omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence. Christ, who exercises these infinite powers, is therefore eminently fitted, expressly suited, and eternally qualified to be the Savior.
Our Lord’s preeminent suitability and perfect capacity as Author are conclusively revealed in the Scriptures of truth. He already holds exclusive distinction in endless perfectness, as Author of eternal ages and of abiding life. He is fitted in the fullest sense to be our Substitute. He is definitely suited by virtue of His superior sufficiency to satisfy the heart and mind, and He is most qualified by reason of His sovereign strength to perfect forever them that are sanctified.
-- Charles J. Rolls
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