One would no doubt be surprised that the term “Savior” would appear but one time in the gospel of John. One time in the KJV you will find the word. It appears in this context. There are some who have come from the city of Sychar out of Jacob’s well. They have come because of the woman’s report who had gone to draw water. Now they have seen and heard for themselves. They now say to the woman,
Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world (John 4:42).
They found in Him those confirming facts that He was the Savior. He is seen in the book of John as such. He is seen as:
A UNIVERSAL SAVIOR
This will become evident in the testimony John will present as he writes. For example, listen to the language of John the baptist, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world“ (John 1:29). He does not just take away sin from some in some parts of the world but from those who have sin in any part of the world. John would later say, “for the sins of the whole world“ (1 John 2:2). Yes, he is a universal Savior. His blood will atone for the sins of those in China, Africa, Russia, Columbia, San Francisco, New York and Athens. Men in every part of the world can say, “His blood reaches even me.” All can have hope because of Him.
A UNIFYING SAVIOR
That one who is the Savior of all is one who seeks to unify all. That was a part of His mission. Jesus says, And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd (John10:16). Here we see His desire to unify and also how He would unify. As men listen to His voice or teaching and follow Him, all are united. We cannot hope to obtain such while ignoring what He has to say. But as we heed His Word, we will have fellowship with others who do likewise.
A UNIQUE SAVIOR
He is the only Savior we have. There is no other. No other can do for us what Jesus does. No other can provide what Jesus provides. He alone offers the salvation we need. Listen to His words, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). There is absolutely no other way to the Father. This sort of thing is exactly what Peter had in mind when he said,
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
His is the only way. What a Savior!
-Winfred Clark
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