The Radical Resurrection
Only Jesus can place the engine of life within us—the power to truly live.
Devotional Credit: Immeasurably More
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Today’s devotional by Ray Stedman confronts us with the uniqueness of Jesus Christ—not as one among many wise teachers, but as the only One capable of transforming the human heart. While other religious leaders through history offered guidance, philosophy, or moral instruction, only Jesus Christ conquered death. Only Jesus is named by God as the cornerstone—unshakable, immovable, and eternally secure. His resurrection isn't just a proof of divinity; it is the very gateway to new life.
The message unapologetically clarifies a claim that may seem intolerant to the modern ear: there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. Not because Christians claim exclusivity by pride, but because only Jesus provides what no one else can—life. Others may tell us how to live. But Jesus actually gives us His life, empowering us to do what we could never accomplish in our own strength. That’s why the gospel is more than instruction—it is an impartation.
Our problem has never been a lack of knowledge. It has always been a lack of ability. Christ does not merely command us to love, He becomes love in us. He does not call us to rise above sin, He raises us by uniting us to His own resurrection life. That’s why Acts 4:12 remains the startling and saving truth: there is no other name, no other source, no other life.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit
I have not asked you to try harder, perform better, or chase after a life you cannot reach. I have given you My Son—not just as a teacher, but as your very life. He is the cornerstone that cannot be moved, the solid foundation upon which your new self rests. Others may speak of goodness; He has made you good. Others may point toward peace; He is your peace. Others may describe the way; Jesus is the way.
You once lived from your own efforts, striving to meet the standard you knew in your heart to be right. But now, Christ lives in you. It is no longer up to you to maintain righteousness by discipline or duty. I have joined you to the Risen One. His Spirit indwells you. His desires shape you. His power flows through you. I am not waiting for your best effort—I am expressing His finished work in your surrendered heart.
Do not marvel that others fall short, even those who speak wisely. Every human voice will ultimately lead you back to your own inability—except one. Listen to the voice that speaks not only of truth but gives you Truth Himself. Jesus has overcome sin and death not just to declare your freedom, but to become your freedom. Let Him express Himself through you today, for there is no other name that brings life.
Scriptures: Acts 4:11–12, Galatians 2:20, Colossians 1:27, Romans 6:4, John 14:6, Ephesians 2:14
Real-Life Analogy
It’s like trying to start a car with no engine. You can polish the exterior, read the manual, and even know all the traffic laws—but without power under the hood, you’re not going anywhere. Other leaders gave the manual. Jesus placed His own life—the engine—inside you. That’s why only His name saves. He doesn’t just instruct; He indwells.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You for giving me more than guidance—you’ve given me Christ. I no longer live by trying to measure up to the teachings of good men, but by drawing from the life of the only One who ever conquered death. In Jesus, I have not just knowledge of what is right—I have the Person who is rightness dwelling within me. Thank You for placing me on the unshakable cornerstone. I walk today not in imitation but in participation. His life is now my life.