SAVIOR!

In Penang, Malaysia, is a strange place of worship called the Snake Temple. In it are a collection of pit vipers, freely lounging around in the shrubs outside and potted plants inside. Built in 1850, this sanctuary, for some strange reason, attracted those reptiles, which apparently took shelter in the shrine on their own accord. These serpents have been continuous inhabitants of the building since that time. Tropidolaemus wagleri (Wagler’s pit vipers) aka temple vipers—so called simply because of their tenancy at this particular temple.

But what I found even more curious was one of the tourist-trap stalls on the temple grounds. A young girl manning this booth of interest offered to write whatever I wanted on … a grain of rice. Yup, a grain of rice (and there’s a dime for comparison)!

OK, I said, taking her on. Standing in the temple precincts, I figured these were the best words to get the young lady to inscribe: “Jesus Saves!”

(Since there was a lot more space on that grain of rice, the good woman also added “Jesus is Lord” on the other side of that infinitesimal canvas!).

This amazing piece of work took her all of two minutes. She offered to make it into a key chain for me. I chose the closest thing that looked like a cross in which to place the rice grain. What color liquid did I want the grain floating in? Red, of course. Jesus Saves!

He does. Indeed!

We have heard the joyful sound:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Spread the tidings all around:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Bear the news to every land,
Climb the mountains, cross the waves;
Onward! ’tis our Lord’s command;
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Priscilla Owens, 1882

And save He did, by paying the price for our sins by His life, death, and resurrection.

Sing above the battle strife:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
By His death and endless life
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Shout it brightly through the gloom,
When the heart for mercy craves;
Sing in triumph o’er the tomb:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

The resurrection of Jesus demonstrated the sufficiency of the price He paid for sin. Death couldn’t hold Him. The grave had no claim on Him. The penalty had been paid. For me. And for all who believe.

Christians are …

… those who believe in Him who
raised Jesus our Lord from the dead,
He who was delivered over
because of our transgressions,
and was raised because of our justification.
Romans 4:24–25

“Justified”—we are declared righteous by God because of that Great Exchange.

He [God] made Him [Jesus Christ]
who knew no sin
to be sin on our behalf,
so that we might become
the righteousness of God
in Him.
2 Corinthians 5:21

His righteousness becomes mine, as He bore my sins. No longer would sin be an issue for eternal life between God and mankind. The price had been paid, fully, finally, forever.

The gospel, the power of salvation to all who believe.

… the gospel … which also you received,
… by which also you are saved,
… that Christ died for our sins
according to the Scriptures,
and that He was buried,
and that He was raised
on the third day ….
1 Corinthians 15:1–4

Give the winds a mighty voice:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Let the nations now rejoice:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Shout salvation full and free;
Highest hills and deepest caves;
This our song of victory:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Praise God!