Some Good News for Everyone!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. [John 3:16] And that is amazingly good news!

Who is Jesus to you? If you died today, do you know where you’d go? If you answered “Heaven”, or more likely “Heaven I hope”, let me ask you, why do you think God would let you into heaven? If you answered “Because I’m a good person” read on.

It is important to first explain why we even need a Savior in the first place. Our God is a holy-holy righteous God and will not permit Himself to be in the presence of sin or sinful people. God tells us “we have all sinned and that “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is Christ Jesus our Lord”. [Romans 3:23] Because of our sin, we had no way back to God, but He loved us so much “he gave His only begotten Son, that who so ever believes in Him shall not perish but have ever lasting life" [John 3:16]

We have all sinned. We have all done things that are displeasing to God. There is no one who is innocent. Romans 3:10-18 gives a detailed picture of what sin looks like in our lives. And it ain't pretty. [Romans 3:10-18] Yikes! So unfortunately, us being “a good person” won’t cut it. But knowing this, He sent His Son here to live a sinless life [Hebrews 4:15] and to die in our place for our sins. He did for us what we could not do for ourselves, because he had no sin of His own. This is a free gift to all “if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” [Romans 10:9]

Regarding God's free gift, it's important to understand: “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.” [Ephesians 2:8-9] . Think of that! This is a gift from God himself, the most precious gift the world has ever known. The gift of salvation, forgiveness of sin, and eternal life. As with any gift, we have to accept it. We do this by admitting in our heart we’re a sinner that can not save ourselves and we need a Savior. [Romans 10:10] We receive this gift by putting our total trust and faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. There is nothing at all that can be added to this. No works, no promise of works, no sacraments, no baptisms nor anything else. NOTHING!

Consider if you will, the thief on the cross that was crucified with our Lord Jesus. He was one of two condemmed men being crucified with Jesus that day. Both of the condemed men started out mocking and reviling the Lord Jesus. [Matthew 27:44] But later the Lord told one of the men, the penitant thief, that "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise". [Luke 23:43] How did this happen? What was the key that this penitant thief found that unlocked the door to paradise? He didn't have time for good works, attending church or bible study. No, he didn't do good works. What he did was accept the Lord's free gift to him. Remember, Jesus said He didn't come for those who believe themselves sinless. [Luke 5:31] He came for those aware enough to know they are sinners and humble enough to repent and receive his eternal gift. [Luke 5:8] [Luke 23:41]

A gift is a "take" and not a "give" proposition. If one has to do anything for a gift, it's not a gift. Likewise, the free gift of salvation is just that, a gift. If you had to do anything to earn your salvation, then salvation becomes a reward, and not a gift, and Christ died in vain. The penitant thief didn't have time to do anything - except know he was a sinner and believe in Christ. [Luke 23:42] Salvation is step one with nothing added to it. It is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone that your sins are forgiven (past, present, and future). Thank you Lord!

Salvation is step one. Our good works and discipleship are step two. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” [Ephesians 2:10] When you accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you take on the righteousness of Christ and receive the power of the Holy Spirit. [Acts 2:38], [Romans 8:9] With the help of the Holy Spirit now residing in your heart, He will help guide you in all things. Through your obedience and love for Him, you are able to live a more righteous life, turning from your sins and doing the good works that you are called to do. Becoming a disciple of Christ surrendered to Him, should be the goal of every believer.

Isn't it nice to know that through Jesus Christ we can have a relationship of peace with God? The book of Romans teaches us “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Because of Jesus’ death on our behalf, we will never be condemned for our sins. [Romans 8:1]

We are all a work in progress. There will be times when we fail, but thankfully we have a God slow to anger, a God full of compassion and grace. [Exodus 34:6] “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9]