Four Names For Our Savior

Revelation 22:16

Our dear Savior uses four names to declare who he is and what he does in this one verse of Holy Scripture. "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star."

OUR SAVIOR'S NAME IS "JESUS". He is called Jesus because he effectually saves his people from their sins (Matt. 1:21). When he was born, he was called "Jesus", because he came into the world to save God's elect. And now, as he sets upon the throne of exalted glory, he is called "Jesus", because he has fully accomplished the everlasting salvation of all his people (Heb. 9:12; John 19:30).

OUR SAVIOR IS "THE ROOT OF DAVID". That is to say, "Jesus Christ is God almighty!" He is the root and source and cause of David's existence, faith, spiritual life, and everlasting glory. David was what he was, did what he did, and is what he is in heaven today, because of and by the power of Jesus Christ, his eternal God. Never lose sight of this glorious truth: our blessed Savior, Redeemer, and King is himself the eternal God (Acts 20:28).

OUR SAVIOR IS ALSO "THE OFFSPRING OF DAVID". He is David's son. That is to say, "He is a man, born of the lineage of David, and rightful heir to the throne of Israel." Yes, God and man are forever united in immutable and indissolvable union in the Person of Jesus Christ. By means of the miraculous incarnation, the Son of God took into union with himself manhood. Thank God! Only as a Man could he obey the law and suffer the penalty of the law for men. But only as God could his obedience and death be effectual and meritorious for the accomplishment of our salvation (Gal. 4:4-6).

AND OUR SAVIOR IS "THE BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR". He is the Light by whom God is revealed and made known to men. In his light we live now and shall live forever (John 1:5, 9; I John 2:5; Rev. 21:23).

Don Fortner