Jesus would be the last thing most people assume “Episcopalians” would be about. “Episcopos” is Greek and means “of bishops.” Being one myself, it is simply a fancy way to identify our ecclesiology or basically, who we are, what we believe, and how we practice our faith. Thirty years ago the phrase Episcopal Church would be synonymous with the idea of being a Christian. But then what does that really mean these days? A lot of people make that claim and talk about God all day long, but as soon as you bring up the name Jesus… well you could hear a pin drop.
So what’s in a name? The Protestant Episcopal Church defines what it means to be a Christian this way.
1. Jesus is the only Savior.
2. We are saved through grace alone, by Jesus alone, and through faith in him alone.
Many so called modern Christians claim that there are numerous other ways to salvation. They feel that to say Jesus is the only Savior is an arrogant statement loaded with exclusivity.
So what’s the deal, are they right?
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 )
There is no other NAME.
Scriptures are clear; the only name that we can call upon for salvation is the name of Jesus. In fact, the name Jesus means “Savior - the Lord saves”. It is in His name and through His name that we are saved from the penalty of sin and death. My name cannot save you, your name cannot save me, and there is no other name by which any of us can be saved…except the name of Jesus. I know you may be thinking, “how arrogant that an Episcopal Bishop would make such a statement.” So let me make another…
There is no other AUTHORITY.
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18 NIV)
Wow, is this guy nuts? Does he really believe there is only One who has all authority in heaven and on earth?
Yes… Notice that Jesus didn’t say that he has some or much authority. He was very clear in saying that He possesses all authority. This means He has all authority over our two greatest enemies, sin and death. This also means that He has all authority to grant the free gift of eternal life. And, he clearly demonstrated His supreme authority over sin and death by decisively defeating them at the cross. That is the greatest news ever! Jesus tells us to go out and share that great news of salvation throughout the world. As we go, we go out in the name of Jesus, and under the authority of Jesus. That’s our mission in the Protestant Episcopal Church.
So is there another way?
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
Jesus is either crazy or he is God. There is only one way to live with God the Father and this way is through God the Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only way because He is the only One who has provided the way. Notice that it is Jesus himself who makes this claim which many say is exclusively arrogant. But, Jesus didn’t simply say that he is the only way. He demonstrated this truth by being punished on the cross for our sins as our substitute, by dying the death that we deserve, and by rising from the dead for us three days later. No other person who ever walked the face of this earth can make that claim.
As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all, and richly blesses all who call on him for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:11-13)
Why is Jesus the only Savior? Because there is no other name, no other authority, and no other way to salvation except through Jesus.
The Protestant Episcopal Church, its people, its clergy, and its purpose is to make the name of Jesus, famous.
On October 16, 2009, I was consecrated as the new Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church, USA. As this work begins, I continue to ask; so what’s in a name?
Everything that matters.
Consecration, October 16, 2009 
