From the first mention of redemption of the bible (Gen. 3.15ff) to the full and perfect accomplishment of it, there is a great sense of certainty, hope and relief for those with a heavenly wrought contrition. This one who would come would be able to do the job, he would be able to save his people from their sins (Matt. 1.21). So with this divinely approved resume of the Messiah we have great hope.
Well why is Jesus approved? Why is he uniquely able to save?
Jesus alone is possesses the requisite perfection. We know that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3.23). This verse teaches us that the ‘all’ here are all people from all times. Therefore one of our peers could not help us because they likewise are confined to the ranks of the unrighteous (Rom. 3.10-12).
So we need one who is different and not like us. We need one who is not polluted by the effects of human sinfulness. We need one who is not deserving of the wrath of God. However, at the same time we also need one who is like us, that is, one who carries our humanity. This substitute, this redeemer, this Savior must maintain an eternally perfect righteousness (he must be divine), but at the same time he must be able to identify with, live and die for sinners. So he must also be human.
Well who is qualified to undertake this task? All of humanity has been created therefore we are not eternal and we do not possess the eternal righteousness that is required to satisfy God’s standard. Likewise the angels could not serve as a suitable substitute; for angels themselves were created and they are merely the reflection of divine holiness where as Christ is himself is holy. He is not merely a reflection of divine holiness he is the source of holiness (Heb. 7.26).
I often find myself considering the exclusivity of the gospel through the Savior Jesus through the lenses of God’s own character. If the bible is true and God is radically intolerant of anything less than ceaseless perfection with respect to God-centered worship through love and obedience then there is no hope for forgiveness outside of this gloriously and wonderfully qualified one named Jesus of Nazareth.
So why should Jesus be valued? He is exclusively qualified to save sinners. He is preeminent. He is supreme. He is without rival and worthy of unmitigated worship.