John 3: 13-17 (Friday, September 14, 2007 – Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross)

Belief in Jesus Christ is necessary for salvation. Sometimes we get overly concerned about what happens to members of other religions who do not profess a belief in Jesus Christ. That is not so much our problem as the problem of God. We have no jurisdiction over that judgment; we leave it for God to decide. The biblical teaching is clear that Jesus Christ is the singular mediator of salvation. In Acts of the Apostles, St. Peter is very clear that, “There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are saved.” (Acts 4:12) Due to the sin of our forefathers, God condemned the world, but because of his deep love for us, he sent Jesus Christ to redeem us.

The event of the Cross, and his subsequent resurrection opened wide the gates of heaven, in order that we who accept him as our personal Lord and savior would be able to enter into eternal life. It is not the wish of God that any one of us be condemned in hell, but it is our free choice to choose hell over God. A decision to glory in the sinful things of the world, rather than following the path of Christ, is your own personal free choice to condemnation. By the Cross, Jesus has redeemed the world.

Prayer:
O my Jesus, forgive me my sins, save me from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those who are most in need of your divine mercy.