Salvation explained in the New Testament

[Amazing Grace Ministry]

Dear in Christ,

Continuing our discussion Salvation, let us move to the New Testament where we find several examples, about people, who through their faith in Jesus, were saved from sin, diseases, death and evil grips of Satan. Some brought healing to their servants, children, relatives, friends and more. Why? Because not only did they have faith in Jesus, but they exercised it. These faithful people, approached Jesus, some cried out aloud, some touched his garments, some broke the roof of the house where Jesus stayed, so that they could let in their lame friend, some climbed on trees…. All these people exercised their FAITH and received HELP.

Pool of Siloam: (John ch9 v6-7)

In John ch9, we read about a blind man, whom Jesus healed by applying clay on his eyes. Applying clay was only one part of the healing process. The Bible says, Jesus asked the blind man to go and wash the clay in the pool of Siloam. Why did Jesus require that? Did the pool contain any healing power, which Jesus did not posses? Definitely not. It was a test of faith and involvement. And as we read further, we see the blind man faithfully doing his part and being healed.

Woman healed by touching Jesus garment (Luke ch8 v43-48)

Let us look at yet another act of Faith, which brought healing to a woman who was diseased for 12 years! We read in Luke ch8v41, that a ruler of the synagogue approached Jesus, asking him to come to his house to heal his daughter. Jesus readily agrees, and we read the people followed him (v42). Now I am sure there were lot and lots of people following Jesus, especially on that day, because they were all excited about what was going to happen. They have all heard the ruler say that his daughter was on her death bed, so if Jesus was still going, it means something big was about to happen. We can very easily picture a crowd, people talking about what the outcome will be, some trying to get closer to Jesus, so that they can witness the act first hand, disciples trying very hard to control the crowd, the ruler leading the way to his house. While all these things were happening on one side, we read about a woman who is inflicted with an incurable disease for 12 long years. The Bible says, she spent all her life savings on physicians and no one was able to cure her. How terrible was her condition. But today, she is here with a mission, with a renewed vigor. Most probably she has heard about the healing powers of  Jesus, and she has come to receive it for herself.  Unfortunately, we see there is no one to help her. Why? In the OT we read that a woman with such disease (blood issue) is considered as unclean, and whoever touches her was also considered unclean. No wonder, she didn't have anybody to help her. 

How did she plan to receive the healing? She was not supposed to come in such a public place, as she was unclean. She was to keep distance from others. But then, how could she approach Jesus, who was all the time surrounded by people. Let us see what was in the woman's mind that day. Mat ch9v21 says "For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole". And was she able to do that. Yes, she was.

Luke ch8v44 says 'that she came behind him' – considering herself not worthy of getting direct attention or as not to interrupt Jesus (Oh, God loves a humble heart) and "touched the border of his garment" – she didn't find it necessary to touch the main portion or a big part of the garment. She was satisfied with the least part, the border was enough. That was the kind of faith she had in Jesus, and did her faith save her. Yes, it did. What the physicians couldn't heal for twelve years was cured in an instant! That is the power of faith.  

There is another lesson to be learned from this incident. You see, as soon as the woman touched the garment, Jesus stopped and said "Who touched me?' – v45. This question may sound strange, especially in this scenario when a multitude was following Jesus. This is what the disciples also felt. Peter said "Master the multitude throng thee and press thee and sayest thou, Who touched me?"

But then Jesus answered (v46) "Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me". It was not a normal touch as the crowd surrounding Jesus did. It was a touch of Faith, from a person who knew that Jesus was the only solution for her problems. It was not an aimless touch, it was a touch of purpose.  

We see Jesus praising the women for her faith saying (v48) "Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace".

As long as we don't realize our need for Jesus, we will never understand HIS value, and as long as we don't understand HIS value, we will never be able to approach HIM in faith and receive what Jesus has to offer.

Jesus said in Luke ch5v31-32 "They that are whole need not a physician: but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance".

Do you feel the need for Jesus? Then approach him right away, for he standeth at the door, waiting for your invitation. Waiting to see your faith in action.

Rev ch3v20 "Behold I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me".

God willing, tomorrow we will look meditate on a parable Jesus told his disciples about the Kingdom of Heaven.

May the infinite mercy of God guide you today, according to HIS divine purpose,

I ascribe all glory to God, for the grace bestowed upon a broken earthly vessel like me.

Tony Herold
For Amazing Grace Ministry