Jesus own words on his life mission: Salvation
1. Jesus, the Son of Man that can Save:
Jesus declares he came to seek and to save that which was lost. In other words to find that which was lost to God and recover it. His mission is to redeem, to claim back, to save, to bring into abundant life that which was dying, condemned, imperfect. As healing was given from the serpent's venom in Moses day, so belief in Jesus death would bring healing in the spiritual realm. Jesus is able to cure physical maladies (the miracles he performed) and these are a picture of his ability to cure the moral malady which is sin.
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.
Luke 19:10
As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him should
not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not
perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:14-16
For God didn't send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him.
John 3:17
2. Jesus came for Sinners:
Jesus says that his call is to sinners. This means those who admit they are sinners; if we say we are healthy (without sin) then we will not seek the physician. If we recognise our moral illness and go to Jesus then he will heal. There is no case for saying we are morally well enough - only perfect righteousness is acceptable to God.
When Jesus heard it, he said to them, "Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick. I came not
to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Mark 2:17
For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into
the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 5:20
3. The Cross was God's way for Salvation:
The way of salvation for man was the way of the cross for Jesus. To give his life as a ransom for many, to suffer death and then to be raised. For Jesus this was a way of torment beyond the understanding of man, but Jesus says it was the reason he came to earth, and this ultimate sacrifice would become the chief Glory of God.
... even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Matthew 20:28
From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up. Matthew 16:21
"Now my soul is troubled. What shall I say? 'Father, save me from this time?' But I came to this time for this cause. Father,
glorify your name!" Then a voice came out of the sky, saying, "I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again."
John 12:27,28
4. Salvation is for Life:
Being saved by Jesus means the gift of abundant life. New, eternal life, in harmony with our loving Heavenly Father.
I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.
John 10:10
5. Faith in Jesus is our way to receive Salvation:
Forgiveness from sin comes through faith: believing in Jesus and in his claims and accepting his teaching and him as the one for whom we live.
He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." Those who sat at the table with him began to say to themselves, "Who is this who even forgives
sins?" He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."
Luke 7:48-50
6. God's perfect holy standard had to be satisfied:
Jesus did not come to destroy the law. Forgiveness and salvation is not by changing, relaxing or overlooking the requirements of God's law. Jesus fulfilled the law - he loved God and his neighbour perfectly, and obeyed every law of God in letter and spirit.
"Don't think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn't come to destroy, but to fulfil."
Matthew 5:17
7. Salvation gives sinners entry into His Kingdom and Peace with God:
Jesus has the title "Prince of Peace" but this means making peace between man and God. Jesus mission was not to bring peace on earth because he knew his message would cause division and opposition. Peace with God means being with Jesus when we die.
Don't think that I came to send peace on the earth. I didn't come to send peace, but a sword.
Matthew 10:34
He said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom." Jesus said to him, "Assuredly I tell you, today you
will be with me in Paradise."
Luke 23:42,43
8. Jesus is coming back and we need to be getting ready:
Jesus reminds us that there is a time coming when he will examine our lives and pronounce his judgement. Until that time those who have put their trust in Jesus must seek to live for him. His saving mission will be complete when he finally changes his people to his perfect likeness.
For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will render to everyone according
to his deeds.
Matthew 16:27
Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth.
John 17:17