“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12 NIV
No Other Name
Canada’s province of Alberta was named for Queen Victoria’s fourth daughter, Princess Louise Caroline Alberta. The Princess was the wife of the Marquess of Lorne, who was Governor General of Canada in 1882 when the District of Alberta was created as part of the Northwest Territories. In 1905, the name was retained when the District of Alberta was joined with parts of the districts of Athapaska, Assiniboia and Saskatchewan to create the present-day province of Alberta.
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The Bible is very clear – the road to eternal life is a narrow one. The world wants to believe, if it believes in eternal life at all, that our own efforts, or following any of a thousand religions, can somehow earn God’s favour and ensure that everyone will get to heaven. What often gets Christians into trouble is that the Bible teaches something altogether different. Acts 4:12 tells us, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” This wasn’t a declaration made within the comfortable setting of a meeting of Christians. Peter proclaims this while being accused by the rulers, elders and religious teachers in Jerusalem. Under the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter makes this brave statement – Jesus is the only way to heaven. The world today sees this as too narrow – we need to be more open and inclusive, it tells us. But we must stand by what is clearly the teaching of God’s Word – if you want to have the assurance of eternal life, there is only one way – Jesus. Put your faith and trust in Him alone and eternal life will be guaranteed. There is no other way.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley