Before we can understand and appreciate the good news; one must hear and comprehend the bad news. God has spoken, demonstrated His love for us, and gives us a plan for salvation.
In Romans 3:23 God says “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Sin means missing the mark of the perfect standard of Gods law contained in the 10 Commandments. We have all lied, cheated, stolen (in some degree or another) and most of us have been sexually immoral. In Matthew 5:28 Jesus says “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart”.
Because of our sins God says “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a). The payment, penalty, and consequences of our sin debt are eternal separation from God. We are a condemned nation deserving judgment because we have violated Gods perfect standard; our own consciences bear witness to our faults.
“But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23b). This is possible because: “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ dies for us” (Romans 5:8). Jesus paid the price for our sins by dying on the cross for us, so that we would not have to suffer the consequences of sin. Jesus’ gift of salvation cannot be earned through good works but must be accepted. Romans 10:9 declares; “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Why would God give us a plan of salvation? Jesus tell us in John 3:16 “ God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that whoever believes in Him would not perish, but have eternal life.” Someone who receives Christ as His Lord and Savior has been forgiven. Jesus has offered every person a fresh start, a clean slate, and a second chance for eternal life. When this gift is freely accepted, Jesus changes a person from the inside out.
In order to have salvation one must receive Christ by faith. The Bible says: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12). Therefore, believe, receive, and become a child of God!
Doesn’t this sound like good news? Aren’t we all in need of a Savior?
If you have chosen to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, here is a simple prayer you can pray to God. By saying this prayer you are declaring to God that you are relying on Jesus Christ for your salvation. The words themselves will not and cannot save you; only having faith in Jesus Christ can provide you with salvation. “God, I know that I have sinned against you and am deserving of punishment. Jesus took the punishment that I deserve so that I may be forgiven. Please forgive me of my sins and come into my life and be my Lord and Savior. Amen.
