The Messiah: God’s Anointed One #
The word “Messiah” comes from the Hebrew word “Mashiach,” which means “the Anointed One.” In the Old Testament, kings, priests, and prophets were set apart for service by being anointed with oil, a sign of divine appointment and empowerment. David, the shepherd boy chosen to be Israel’s king, was marked by this anointing.
“Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed David in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward.”
— 1 Samuel 16:13 (AMP)
The Jewish people longed for the promised Anointed One who would fulfil God’s covenant promises, defeat their enemies, and bring His everlasting kingdom. The prophet Daniel even referred to the Messiah as the coming ruler and Prince. To call Jesus Messiah is to confess Him as the King chosen and empowered by God, the One who brings to completion all the promises made through the Law and Prophets. He is the fulfilment of Israel’s story and the centre of God’s eternal plan.
The Saviour: God’s Rescuing Deliverer #
The word “Saviour” comes from the Greek “Sōtēr,” meaning deliverer, rescuer, or one who saves. Unlike Messiah, which emphasises His divine appointment and kingship, Saviour highlights His active mission. It is not only who He is but what He does.
“For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
— Luke 2:11 (AMP)
Here, both titles meet. The Saviour rescues humanity from the dominion of sin and death. The Messiah rules as the anointed King. Even His earthly name, Jesus (Yeshua), declares the same truth: The Lord saves. The Saviour’s work is not an abstract concept but a lived reality. He delivers from sin’s penalty, sin’s power, and one day, from sin’s very presence. His Cross reveals His work of salvation, while His Resurrection guarantees its completion.
Old and New: Shadows and Fulfilment #
The Old Testament contained many saviours who delivered Israel from crisis. Moses led the people out of Egypt, Joshua guided them into Canaan, and the Judges rose to rescue them from oppressors. Yet these were only temporary shadows. Each one pointed toward the true and final Deliverer.
Moses freed Israel from Pharaoh’s grip, but Christ brings humanity out of Adam and into a new creation. Joshua gave Israel a promised land, but Christ, the greater Joshua, gives the promised rest of the Spirit. The Judges saved Israel for a season, but Christ’s salvation is eternal. The animal sacrifices covered sin for a time, but Christ removed sin by His one sacrifice forever.
| Shadow (Old Covenant) | Fulfilment (Christ as Saviour) |
|---|---|
| Moses delivered Israel from Egypt | Jesus delivers us from sin and death |
| Joshua led into Canaan | Jesus brings us into the rest of the Spirit |
| Judges rescued Israel temporarily | Jesus gives eternal deliverance |
| Animal sacrifices covered sin | Jesus removes sin once for all |
The shadows taught Israel to expect the Saviour. The fulfilment came in Christ, who unites the identity of Messiah and the work of Saviour in His person and mission.
The Cross: Centre of Salvation #
To call Jesus Saviour is to acknowledge His saving work at the Cross. Salvation is not simply about forgiveness of wrongs but about being brought out of the old Adamic existence and into the life of Christ. On the Cross He bore sin, broke death’s power, and disarmed Satan.
His Resurrection is not an afterthought but the seal of victory. By rising, He showed that salvation is complete, eternal, and available to all who believe. Salvation is not an event we look back on with nostalgia, but a living Person we walk with daily. To know Him as Saviour is to experience His ongoing work—delivering us from sin’s grip, renewing our minds, healing our wounds, and shaping us into His likeness.
Messiah and Saviour: Two Titles, One Christ #
While the words come from different languages and traditions, they are inseparably joined in Christ. The Messiah is the Anointed King, appointed to rule in God’s name. The Saviour is the Redeemer, rescuing us through His Cross and Resurrection.
| Title | Language & Meaning | Focus on Christ | Scripture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Messiah (Mashiach) | Hebrew – “Anointed One” | His kingship and divine appointment | Daniel 9:25 |
| Saviour (Sōtēr) | Greek – “Deliverer, Rescuer” | His redemptive saving work | Luke 2:11 |
Jesus cannot be reduced to one or the other. If we only see Him as Saviour, our faith risks becoming individualistic, focused on forgiveness while ignoring His lordship. If we only see Him as Messiah, we risk reducing Him to a national or political hope. The gospel proclaims both together: He is the Anointed King who reigns, and the Rescuing Lord who saves.
Why This Difference Matters #
Recognising both titles deepens our understanding of Christ. As Messiah, He reigns over every area of life. He is not a private religious figure but the cosmic King. As Saviour, He rescues us personally from sin and death. He is not only a distant majesty but a personal Deliverer.
Both truths are needed. Without the Messiah, the gospel loses its vision of God’s kingdom on earth. Without the Saviour, the gospel loses its power to forgive and restore. Together, they reveal the full glory of Christ.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me…”
— Luke 4:18 (AMP)
“She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
— Matthew 1:21 (AMP)
“Therefore let all the house of Israel recognize beyond all doubt that God has made Him both Lord and Christ.”
— Acts 2:36 (AMP)
Here Messiah and Saviour meet. He is the Anointed King, the Delivering Lord, and the risen Christ who rules and saves.
Reflection #
When you confess Jesus as Messiah and Saviour, you declare more than titles. You proclaim that the Anointed King has come, and He is also your Deliverer. You confess that He reigns over the universe and rescues you from sin. You rest in the truth that His kingdom is unshakable and His salvation is complete.
In Christ,
Godwin.
