On this Friday, marking the seventh day of the evangelical campaign at the University of Rwanda, Huye campus, organized by the CEP association, Christian students gathered at the campus stadium to listen to the sermon. This lunch hour service has been a daily occurrence since the beginning of the campaign on November 11th, 2023.

Not long after the opening prayer, the preacher began his sermon in Ecclesiastes 10:11 titled “Umugombozi iyo ariwe n’ inzoka atigomboye aba yari amaze iki?” which accurately translates to “Knowing how to treat snake bites is of no advantage if the person can not heal themselves once bitten” as of the preacher’s interpretation.

The following is a recount of the sermon that was delivered by the preacher as he connected this scripture with the campaign’s theme of “Jesus Christ the source of sanctification,” derived from 1 Thessalonians 5:23:

The resurrection from the dead has always been one of the greatest miracles of all time. In today’s world, it would undoubtedly still shock people if performed. In the Bible, there are five well-known instances of such miracles.

One of these miracles was performed by Prophet Elijah when he resurrected the son of a widow at Zarephath (1 Kings 17).
Another was performed by Prophet Elisha when he restored the Shunammite’s son to life (2 Kings 4:32-35).
Apostle Paul also raised Eutychus from the dead at Troas (Acts 20:7-12).
Additionally, Peter resurrected Tabitha (Dorcas), a woman known for her good deeds and charity towards widows (Acts 9:40).
Last but not least, Jesus Himself performed several resurrection miracles, including resurrecting Lazarus (John 11:43), a widow’s son in Nain (Luke 7:14), and Jairus’s daughter (Luke 8:53-54).

The question arises: What makes Jesus worthy and different from others (Umugombozi itorero rikeneye) and the source of salvation and sanctification that the church needs?

What makes Jesus worthy of the church? (Niki kigira Yesu umugombozi itorero rikeneye?)
In the instances mentioned above, the scriptures tells us that all those who raised others from the dead, including Elisha, Apostle Paul, Peter, and even Elijah, who reincarnated as John the Baptist (Malachi 3:1, Luke 7:27, Matthew 11:14), eventually died and were unable to resurrect themselves. Even the people they resurrected eventually faced death. However, Jesus is different from all these prophets and apostles. Although He died, He rose from the grave on the third day. And for those who believe in Him, even if they die, they will live again (John 11:15). In this sense, referring to the analogy in the theme “ “Umugombozi iyo ariwe n’ inzoka atigomboye aba yari amaze iki?” ( someone who specializes in treating bites but can not treat himself when bitten thus rendering his skill useless) we deduce that Christ, unlike other people, is the true source of life that the church needs for he himself has defeated death and will resurrect those who believe in him.

What makes Jesus the source of salvation and sanctification for the church?

The scriptures in the book of John 8 recount an incident where Jesus was on the Mount of Olives, and the teachers of the law and Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery, seeking judgment from Jesus. Instead, Jesus told them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” This led to everyone departing in shame, highlighting the fact that even the elders among the people have sinned and are therefore unworthy of bringing salvation and sanctification to others. No law can bring salvation or sanctify people because the law leads to death. However, the scriptures tell us that Jesus Christ was tempted in every way, just as we are, yet without sin ( Hebrews 4:15).

From Genesis to Revelation, all the heroes of faith have sinned in one way or another, but Christ is the only one who stands blameless in regards to sin (1 Peter 2:22, Hebrews 4:15). Therefore, He, who has not sinned is the only one deserving of saving others from sin. He is thus the only true source of sanctification.

As side remarks, the preacher has also talked about the fact that:
Jesus is the lord of mercy.
The law leads to death but Jesus brings salvation.
Had the Pharisees stoned the woman to death (as proclaimed by the law) at the crime scene instead of taking her to Jesus, there would have been no hope for her. Instead they chose to take her to Jesus hoping to convict Jesus together if he chose to go against the law, but because he is the Lord of mercy, the woman received salvation instead of condemnation.

The sermon was brought to a close by a closing prayer, with the congregation praying for Jesus to sanctify them and save them from sinning.

May God’s grace be upon those who hear this gospel and put the word into action. Amen!

By IDC.
Author: INEZA Nelly

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