Matthew and Luke both record an event where a Centurion made a special request of Jesus on behalf of one of his servants. A Centurion was a professional military officer in the ancient Roman Army who typically commanded anywhere from 80 to 100 soldiers. For someone of his status to make a special request of the Savior for one of his servants, he demonstrated a special kind of faith that even went beyond that of many of the Lord’s followers. (ESV – all emphasis is mine.)
Matthew states that the Centurion met Jesus in person, but Luke states that the Centurion sent elders of the Jews to speak for him. Both narratives said the Centurion felt unworthy for Jesus to personally appear at his residence, but asked that the Savior just say the word and he believed his servant would be healed.
Jesus responded in both narratives that this Centurion showed that “not even in Israel have I found such faith” (Matthew 8:10 and Luke 7:9). Because of his belief and the humble nature that was demonstrated, Jesus granted the Centurion’s plea, and the servant was healed.
The Centurion demonstrated the “ABCs” of Salvation. He admitted he was unworthy, but believed that Jesus was the Savior, and called out for Jesus to respond as such. In Matthew 8:11-12, Jesus said, “I tell you, many will come from east and west, and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven, while the sons of the Kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
For the Jewish elders that believed Gentiles were not going to be included in the Heavenly Kingdom, we have John 10:14-16: “I am the Good Shepherd. I know My own, and My own know Me; just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice. So there will be one flock, one Shepherd.” Jesus was stating that He came to this earth to be the perfect sinless blood sacrifice, not just for the Jews, but for all Gentiles as well. That would include everyone on Earth.
For all that were in the will of the Father prior to Calvary, the blood of the Savior reached back for them. From Calvary to the end of this earth, all who will have received and accepted Jesus as their Savior will be saved (Romans 10:9-13).
For the false prophets and antichrists that say we must “earn” or “buy” our way into Heaven, Ephesians 2:8-9 is absolutely specific about this. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God, not a result of works so that no one may boast.”
There are those in the so-called religious world today that are “tweaking” God’s word to fit their own narratives. Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having “itching ears” they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”
No human, other than Jesus Our Savior, has ever lived a sinless life on this earth, and no human ever will. We have a Heavenly Father that can accept only perfection.
All who believe there are many ways to Heaven without Jesus as their Savior will find this fact to be absolutely false when they take their last breath on this earth. Revelation 20:11-15 tells about the Great White Throne Judgment. It is final; it is absolute; and it is horrible. All who appear at this judgment will be cast into the lake of fire forever.
For all who truly receive and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, we have the promise of Ephesians 2:4-7: “But God, being rich in mercy because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved – and raised up with Him and seated with Him in the Heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”
Our Father will never lie, and when He says that all who truly receive and accept Jesus as their Savior will spend eternity in Heaven, He means every word. He also knows we are imperfect, and as humans we will still slip and sin. For this, we have 1 John 1:8-10. We admit our sins and ask forgiveness – God will forgive us.
It’s not because we’re worthy; it’s because of His Mercy. This is the title of a 2022 Casting Crowns song that was released.
1.) I could stand here and try to tell you, I found my way here on my own. Brought it to life, this heart of stone; made up my own mind to change my own life, working my own way to good as if anybody could. But the truth is, I’ve been broken since my very first breath. And the truth is, I’ve been wandering since my very first step.
Ref) I know the only reason I can stand here unashamed is not because I’m worthy; it’s all because of Mercy. There’s no way that I could earn it; Praise God, my debt is paid. It’s not because I’m worthy; it’s all because of Mercy.
2.) I still remember the day He found me, six feet under all my shame. I heard Him call me out by name; Hallelujah, the Cross has spoken; Jesus my Savior bled and died to bring this dead man back to life. (Ref)
3.) I’m just as desperate for You now as I was back then. If I ever should forget, remind me once again; I’m just as desperate for you now as I was back then. If ever I should forget, remind me once again.
(Ref and) Because of Your Mercy – Oh Hallelujah – Oh Hallelujah – it’s all because of Mercy!
Please consider your eternal future, and if you haven’t already, choose Jesus as your forever Savior. Follow the ABCs of admit you’re a sinner in need of a Savior; believe and have faith that Jesus is the only way to the Father (John 14:6); and call out to Him to forgive you and to accept you to be with Him forever.
Tomorrow is not guaranteed; today would not be too early to become a part of His precious flock. It’s the most important decision you will ever make!
Come, Lord Jesus!