The Savior of Saviors:

The Church has long taught that Christ is the sole Savior, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords. While this is undeniably true, Scripture also reveals a deeper layer to this narrative: the role of the elect as co-heirs and active participants in God’s redemptive plan. A closer look at passages like Obadiah 1:21 challenges the traditional doctrine of passivity and opens the door to a profound revelation of believers as "saviors" under the authority of Christ, the Savior of Saviors.

Unpacking Obadiah 1:21

Obadiah 1:21 states:

"And saviors shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD's."

The original Hebrew reveals significant insights. The word מוֹשִׁיעִים (Moshiyim) is the plural form of "saviors" or "deliverers," indicating a group of individuals tasked with a redemptive role. בְהַר צִיּוֹן (B'har Tziyon) means "on Mount Zion," the seat of God’s authority and a symbol of spiritual ascendancy. Finally, לִשׁפֹּט (Lishpot) translates to "to judge," implying the execution of justice and governance. Together, these insights paint a picture of "saviors" who ascend Mount Zion, execute justice on "the mount of Esau" (symbolizing worldly opposition), and establish God’s kingdom. This verse does not diminish Christ’s role but rather amplifies it by showing how His redemptive work empowers others to share in His mission.

Christ: The Savior of Saviors

Christ is undeniably the foundation of salvation. His incarnation, death, and resurrection fulfill the Old Testament prophecies (Daniel 9:24-27) and inaugurate the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34). He is the ultimate Savior, but He is also the Savior of Saviors—the one who empowers His followers to extend His redemptive work. As Romans 8:29 declares, Christ is "the firstborn among many brothers and sisters," emphasizing His role as the elder brother in a family of co-heirs. Similarly, in John 14:12, Jesus declared that those who believe in Him will do "greater works" because He goes to the Father. This statement highlights the empowering role of the Holy Spirit within believers. Furthermore, 2 Corinthians 5:20 identifies believers as "ambassadors for Christ," entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. These passages frame the elect not as passive recipients of salvation but as active participants in God’s plan to reconcile the world to Himself.

The Elect as Co-Heirs and Saviors

The New Testament repeatedly affirms the elevated role of believers. Romans 8:17 states, "Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ." This inheritance is not merely a future reward but a present mandate to carry out Christ’s mission on earth. Believers are also empowered to judge, as 1 Corinthians 6:2-3 declares, "Do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world?... Do you not know that we will judge angels?" This authority mirrors the role described in Obadiah, where the saviors judge the mount of Esau. Moreover, as ambassadors of the Kingdom, believers are tasked with proclaiming the Gospel, engaging in spiritual warfare, and restoring God’s order in a fallen world.

Obadiah’s Prophecy in Light of the Church’s Mission

The traditional teaching that "only Christ is the Savior" has, in some ways, limited the Church’s understanding of its role. While Christ’s work is complete and sufficient, His intention was always to empower His followers to continue His mission. Isaiah 61:1-4 describes the Spirit-filled mission of God’s people, which includes proclaiming good news, binding up the brokenhearted, and restoring ruins. Additionally, the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 commands believers to make disciples of all nations, a task requiring active participation in salvation history.

Judging the Mount of Esau

Esau, representing worldly systems and opposition to God, is subject to judgment by the "saviors" who ascend Mount Zion. This judgment is not about condemnation but about establishing God’s justice and order. Believers are called to engage in spiritual warfare, dismantling strongholds and opposing the forces of darkness, as Ephesians 6:12 outlines. At the same time, righteous living—embodying Christ’s character—enables believers to challenge and overturn worldly values.

Not Prideful, but Mandated

Some may argue that identifying believers as "saviors" is prideful or diminishes Christ’s role. On the contrary, it is a humble acknowledgment of God’s grace and calling. Philippians 2:13 affirms, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose." Similarly, 2 Timothy 2:12 declares, "If we endure, we will also reign with Him." The title of "saviors" is not self-assumed but God-given, reflecting the responsibility to act as Christ’s representatives.

A Challenge to the Church

The Church must rethink its traditional doctrines that overly emphasize passivity. While salvation is a gift from God, the call to be co-laborers with Christ demands active participation. The elect are not mere recipients but vessels through whom God’s Kingdom is established on earth.

Conclusion: The Kingdom Shall Be the LORD’s

Obadiah’s prophecy culminates in the declaration that "the kingdom shall be the LORD’s." This is the ultimate goal: the full realization of God’s reign. Believers, as saviors under the Savior, play a crucial role in this divine plan. This revelation challenges the Church to embrace its identity as co-heirs and ambassadors, actively participating in God’s redemptive work. It is not prideful but obedient to recognize that Christ, the Savior of Saviors, has called His people to ascend, judge, and establish His Kingdom on earth. May the Church rise to this calling, bringing glory to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.