Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 11

After exploring God’s providential care last week—a truth that wraps us in the comfort of the Father’s hands—we now turn our attention to the heart of our salvation: the name of Jesus.

There is something uniquely powerful about names. A name can stir memory, evoke affection, even change how we relate to someone. But among all names, there is only one that carries eternal weight and offers eternal hope. That name is Jesus.

The Catechism gently draws our hearts to consider not just what Jesus has done, but why His name matters. In a world full of religious options and spiritual advice, we’re reminded of a gospel truth we must never lose: Jesus alone saves.

Question 29

Why is the Son of God called “Jesus,” meaning “Savior”?

Because He saves us from our sins, and because salvation should not be sought and cannot be found in anyone else.¹

¹ Matthew 1:21; Hebrews 7:25; Acts 4:12

Question 30

Do those who look for their salvation and security in saints, in themselves, or elsewhere really believe in the only Savior Jesus?

No. Though they boast of Him in words, they in fact deny the only Savior Jesus.
For one of two things must be true: either Jesus is not a complete Savior, or those who by true faith accept this Savior must find in Him all that is necessary for their salvation.²

² 1 Corinthians 1:12-13; Galatians 5:4; Colossians 1:19-20; 2:10

There Is No Other Name

It’s one thing to say “Jesus saves.” It’s another to say, “Only Jesus saves.” That’s where the Catechism presses gently but firmly. It’s not just that Jesus is the best option. It’s that He’s the only one who can bear the full weight of our sin and bring us safely home to God.

The world around us tells us to look inward—to find strength, healing, and identity within ourselves. Others encourage us to look upward, but through saints or spiritual mediators who might help us along the way. Still others settle for outward conformity to rules and religion, hoping that will be enough.

But Scripture leaves no ambiguity:

“There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Jesus is not a half-Savior or a last resort. He is the full expression of God’s saving love. To trust in anyone or anything else—no matter how noble it may seem—is to subtly say, “Jesus isn’t enough.”

Jesus: The Savior We Actually Need

There’s a reason the angel told Joseph, “You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). Not from discomfort. Not from unfulfilled dreams. Not from political enemies. But from sin—the deepest, most destructive force in our lives.

And He does this not by giving us a new set of rules, but by giving us Himself.

This is what makes the gospel so beautiful—and so exclusive. Salvation is not found in a system or a philosophy. It’s found in a person. And that Person has done everything necessary for our salvation, from first to last.

A Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,

Your name means “Savior,” and how we need You!
Forgive us for the times we’ve trusted in our own goodness, our achievements, or the approval of others to make us right with God.
We confess that You alone are able to save us from our sins. You alone are enough.
Help us to rest in Your finished work, to rejoice in Your mercy, and to resist the temptation to look anywhere else for hope.
Let Your name be precious to us, and let our lives reflect the grace we’ve received in You.

Amen.

Daily Bible Readings

New Testament in a Year

March 16 – Mark 12:28–44
March 17 – Mark 13:1–37
March 18 – Mark 14:1–26
March 19 – Mark 14:27–52
March 20 – Mark 14:53–72
March 21 – Mark 15:1–32
March 22 – Mark 15:33–47

The Bible in a Year

March 16 – Joshua 4–6; Mark 12:28–44
March 17 – Joshua 7–8; Mark 13:1–37
March 18 – Joshua 9–10; Mark 14:1–26
March 19 – Joshua 11–13; Mark 14:27–52
March 20 – Joshua 14–15; Mark 14:53–72
March 21 – Joshua 16–18; Mark 15:1–32
March 22 – Joshua 19–20; Mark 15:33–47