When a person comes into a relationship with God, we often refer to this as "salvation". Salvation is offered as an escape from punishment. "What punishment?", you might ask.
The Bible teaches that God is absolutely separated from all that is evil. God is holy. Mankind on the other hand is not. Any time you and I come short of absolute moral perfection, we fall short of God's standard of holiness. This means that all mankind are sinners.
Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"
We are less than God when it comes to holiness and righteousness.
As a result of our sin several things are true. First, sin makes true inner peace impossible. The Bible says in Isaiah 57:20-21: But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. "There is no peace," says my God, "for the wicked."
Second, sin makes one worthy of death. Notice what the Bible says in Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." The simple truth is that because of our sin, if we have earned anything, it is death not eternal life. We deserve death. While God is holy and eternal and man is sinful, we cannot coexist in the presence of God. Therefore, we deserve to be eternally separated from God in death. Here is what the Bible says in Hebrews 9:27: "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment."
Third, the Scriptures teach that as a result of our sinning we do not have the capacity to earn salvation or eternal life. Once flawed always flawed. We do not have the ability to make ourselves completely holy. The simple truth of Scripture is that mankind is in a spiritually helpless state. Salvation does not come of yourself or your good works (Ephesians 2:8-9 See below).
So, if every person is a sinner, in that they are less than God in holiness and righteousness, and no one person has the ability to earn his/her way to heaven for all eternity, just how does one get there?
As I mentioned earlier, the "good news" is that there is a way for you to be saved from the punishment you deserve and for you to have an intimate, personal relationship with God. That way is His way - the way of grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." God is willing to give to you something you do not deserve and cannot earn. All you must do is:
You see, God loved the world so much that He determined to come to earth Himself in the form of man. As a man, Jesus Christ was totally pure and sinless. He did not deserve death. But God knew that if He died in our place the penalty would be paid. Jesus Christ then became the sacrifice for your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:21
"For He made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."
God took the punishment He did not deserve so that He could give you what you do not deserve - righteousness. That gift of righteousness does not come through yourself but through Jesus Christ.
Not only did Christ meet the penalty but He conquered the penalty. When Jesus rose from the dead He demonstrated that as God He was more powerful than death. In so doing, God is able to give to us what we cannot earn - eternal life. Salvation is given as victory over death.
My friend, when you accept what Jesus Christ (God) did for you and demonstrate a willingness to turn from your sinful ways in order to follow the righteous ways of Christ, then Jesus promises to be your Savior and Lord. As your Savior He gives you forgiveness. He no longer holds your sins against you. The penalty for those sins was paid on the cross when He died in your place. As your Lord He offers you the power to break the powerful bonds of sin. He makes it possible for you to live a life of holiness and righteousness. He can help you defeat sinful practices, habits and addictions. As the term "Lord" might imply, Jesus needs to be in control of your life when you accept Him as your Savior and Lord.
There is nothing more refreshing, joyful and fulfilling in all that the world has to offer as that which God is now offering you. You can know for certain that you have been forgiven of your sins, that you are right before a holy God, that you have a home in heaven assured for all eternity, and that Jesus Christ Himself has promised to go with you in this life instructing you through His Word, the Bible, as to how you can live a victorious life free from sin.
Friends, that is not just "good news" that is In fact, that is the best news you will ever hear or have offered to you. I urge you to stop living without such peace and assurance. Stop trying to earn what you have no ability to earn and simply trust Jesus Christ for what He has done and can do for you in your life. Perhaps in the quietness of the moment you will offer this prayer to God
"Dear God, I know that I have done evil in your sight. I am a sinner who deserves whatever you wish. Yet, I also know that you have sent a Savior for me who has paid my penalty and who offers me forgiveness and cleansing. Lord, I want that for my life. I want Jesus Christ to be in control of my life from now on. I promise to turn from my sinful ways and to trust the guiding of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you God for the free gift of your salvation. Amen."
If you have prayed this prayer and accepted the gift of God's salvation - the "good news" to all mankind. Please e-mail me as we at Lighthouse would like to help and encourage you in your walk with Christ.
Thank You and may the Lord richly bless you!
Buffington B. Powers,
Pastor
