I’m not into numerology, trust me. But follow me on this one, if you will:
The word for salvation in Hebrew (the language of the Old Testament) is yeshuah. Yeshuah also means deliverance, help, prosperity, saving, security and victory. The word yeshuah occurs 77 times in the OT (according to NASB Strong’s Dictionary).
One example is found in Exodus 14:13-14: And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation [yeshuah] of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”
Yeshuah is the Hebrew name for Jesus. When Jesus entered the scene, he came as the yeshuah – the salvation – of God. It was his name! His name declared: “Yep, it’s me, the one you’ve been waiting for. I’m the salvation of the Lord!” His name, as mentioned, occurs 77 times throughout the OT. Jesus was God’s plan for deliverance from the very beginning!
So, Jesus’ name, yeshuah, is not just a name; it’s God’s act of deliverance and salvation for everyone who believes and receives his act (work) of salvation. When we believe in the name of Jesus, we receive his work of deliverance, salvation, help, prosperity, saving, security and victory.
According to Luke’s genealogy of Jesus, God is the 1st and Jesus the 77th generation who walked on earth (see Luke 3:23-38, check for yourself). The number 77 depicts wholeness from sin. Jesus, the salvation of God, came to bring wholeness from sin!
In Romans we read that Jesus is the firstborn of many brothers and sisters: “For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters” (Rom 8:29, see also Heb 2:10-18).
The church, as the brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ, is also the 77th generation. Salvation, then, is from the 77th generation (Jesus), and for the 77th generation (Jesus’ brothers and sisters) – the church.
The church, as God’s family, is the body of Christ. The church is one with Christ. Thus eternal salvation from God through Yeshuah springs from the church – to the world.