“Though it is hardly proper to speak of Jesus as a sacrificer, a ransomer, or a redeemer, it is wholly correct to refer to him as a savior. He forever made the way of salvation (survival) more clear and certain.” 188:4.7 (2017.2)
This emphazises that while traditional Christian theology often portrays Jesus as a sacrificial figure, ransoming humanity from sin or redeeming them through his death, it is more accurate to understand him as a *savior* in a broader, spiritual sense. Jesus did not come to offer himself as a sacrifice in the way ancient religions required animal offerings to appease their gods. Instead, he clarified the path to salvation by illuminating the love of God and showing humanity how to live a life that aligns with divine will. His role as a savior is not transactional, but transformative, guiding people toward eternal life through faith and spiritual growth.
Jesus’ mission was centered on revealing the nature of God as a loving Father and teaching that salvation—referred to here as "survival"—is not earned through ritual sacrifices but through a deep, personal relationship with God. Jesus modeled this relationship by living in obedience to God's will and showing others how to do the same. His teachings emphasized that salvation is available to all who seek God’s guidance and strive to live in harmony with divine principles. In this sense, Jesus made the way to eternal survival “more clear and certain” by showing that God’s grace and mercy are accessible to everyone through faith, rather than through strict adherence to religious law or sacrificial rites.
Moreover, as a *savior*, Jesus liberated humanity from the fear of death and spiritual uncertainty. His resurrection demonstrated the reality of life beyond physical death, providing a tangible example of spiritual survival. This assurance of salvation gives believers hope and confidence in the eternal love of God. Therefore, Jesus’ role as a savior is about showing the way to live a life that aligns with the eternal values of truth, beauty, and goodness, ensuring that anyone who chooses this path can confidently look forward to spiritual survival and a deeper connection with the divine.
