Article April 11, 2011 Issue

Do we need a Savior?

By Madelon Maupin

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
–John 3:16, 17

Savior means someone who saves, rescues, or delivers. Jesus’ very name, from the Hebrew Yehoshua, or Yeshua, means “Yahweh saves” (Anchor Bible Dictionary). For Christians, salvation is the deliverance from sin and its consequences, believed to be brought about by faith in Christ (New American Oxford Dictionary). In many Christian circles, one of the more familiar questions believers might ask is: “Do you believe in Christ Jesus as your personal Savior?” A brief look at both the Bible and Mary Baker Eddy’s words can help us respond with understanding and love.

The Bible has many references to Savior prior to the arrival of Jesus of Nazareth, and these most often refer to God, such as when David expresses his gratitude for safety from Saul’s pursuing armies: “The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence” (II Sam. 22:3).