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The balance of Jesus as “my personal Savior”

A common expression used in Christendom in recent years is to speak of Jesus as one’s “personal Savior.” It is usually used in the context of urging a person to “accept Jesus as your personal Savior,” which is often tied to saying a prayer and asking Jesus into one’s heart. However, there is no Scriptural support for this as a means of salvation from sins.

There is certainly nothing wrong with speaking of Jesus as one’s “personal Savior.” His role as Savior is certainly very personal. However, for Jesus to be one’s “Savior,” one must obey what He commands as “Lord.” Four times in his second letter, Peter refers to Jesus as our/the “Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (1:11; 2:20; 3:2, 18). Jesus’ role as Savior cannot be divorced from His role as Lord! In order to be our “Lord,” we must obey His commandments (1 Thess. 4:1-3). Likewise, in order to be our “Savior,” we must obey His commandments (Heb. 5:9).

Obeying His commands as Lord (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16) makes Him my Savior!