Humanity's Problem
In Genesis, we learn at the dawn of creation that the first humans, Adam and Eve, were introduced to sin when they were tempted by the serpent to go against God’s instructions given to them. To sin is to disobey or ignore God’s instruction and leading. Simply stated, God told Adam and Eve not to do something, but they did it anyway – which in turn, drove a wedge between themselves and God. This is exactly what sin is – it is going against what God wants for us which results in the damaging of our relationship with Him.
All have Sinned
As a result of Adam and Eve’s decision, now everyone sins. Romans 3:23 explains, “For everyone has sinned; we all have fallen short of God’s glorious standard.” So, if you have ever wondered why other people make mistakes and do harmful things to you and to others, it is because no one is perfect – and we are all apt to doing things against God’s righteous standard in exchange for what pleases and satisfies ourselves no matter how it impacts others.
No one is good – no one in all the world is innocent. No one has ever really followed God’s paths or even truly wanted to. Everyone has turned away; all have gone wrong. No one anywhere has kept on doing what is right; not one.
ROMANS 3:10-12
Jesus died for You
Thankfully, in spite of our sinful condition, because of His love for us, God made a plan to rescue and restore our relationship with Him once and for all. Even though we are naturally imperfect and mostly only given to satisfying ourselves, through the death and resurrection of Jesus, God has made a way for every person to reconnect and to be reconciled with God.
In reflecting on the cross, when Jesus was surrendering His life for us, He made an amazing statement about His grace. As He breathed his last breath. He proclaimed, “It is finished,” signifying that His mission was complete and that He had successfully paid in full the debt on sin to satisfy the justice and holiness of God. Thankfully, nothing else is left to be done!
In reflecting on the cross, when Jesus was surrendering His life for us, He made an amazing statement about His grace. As He breathed his last breath. He proclaimed, “It is finished,” signifying that His mission was complete and that He had successfully paid in full the debt on sin to satisfy the justice and holiness of God. Thankfully, nothing else is left to be done!
But God demonstrated His love for us in this way – while we are sinners, Jesus died for us.
ROMANS 5:8
Jesus is Alive
But Jesus’ death was not the end of the story. Three days later, God raised Jesus from the dead defeating death and the grave. The Bible says that Jesus now stands at the right hand of God the Father interceding on our behalf our forgiveness. Because of Jesus, we can live in freedom from sin today and alive to God. This does not mean we are perfect; but it does mean we are safe and secure in His grace as we daily live under the influence of the Holy Spirit to help us to become more and more like Jesus.
What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since He did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for His own? No one – for God Himself has given us right standing with Himself. Who then will condemn us? No one – for Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and He is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.
ROMANS 8:31-34
Jesus is God
Jesus is God in the flesh – who entered into our world in-person, to rescue all of humanity from what separates us from God. While this idea might be difficult for some to comprehend, in Jesus, God did what was necessary to satisfy His holiness so that each of us can be forgiven and reunited to Him through His grace and mercy.
In becoming a man, Jesus walked among us like any person would today – experiencing all the emotions and challenges we experience, yet without sin. This was possible because Jesus was uniquely fully man while also being fully God. As God in the flesh, He experienced the realities of being human, while at the same time, He was capable of healing the sick, walking on water, casting out demons, and caring for the most marginalized people of His day. Ultimately, Jesus cared for all of humanity by surrendering His life on a cross in death to satisfy God’s wrath on sin. Then, on the third day after his death, He arose from the dead defeating sin and death.
In becoming a man, Jesus walked among us like any person would today – experiencing all the emotions and challenges we experience, yet without sin. This was possible because Jesus was uniquely fully man while also being fully God. As God in the flesh, He experienced the realities of being human, while at the same time, He was capable of healing the sick, walking on water, casting out demons, and caring for the most marginalized people of His day. Ultimately, Jesus cared for all of humanity by surrendering His life on a cross in death to satisfy God’s wrath on sin. Then, on the third day after his death, He arose from the dead defeating sin and death.
His story Lives on
An account of the life and ministry of Jesus can be found in the four Gospel of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – which are found in the New Testament of the Bible. Through His words and actions, we not only discover who Jesus is, and what He has done for us, we also discover the kind of life we are meant to live — one full of love, grace, and compassion.
Who is Jesus?
He is more than a good role model. He is more than a bedtime story. The Bible refers to Him as our friend, our Advocate, our King, and – most importantly – our Savior.
Are You Ready For A New Start?
Let’s be honest, you make mistakes, we all make mistakes. The Bible calls these mistakes sins. So now God has a problem of sorts. He loves you, but it’s impossible for Him to be near your sin. Truth be told, you wouldn’t even be able to enjoy God’s company until you get this sin thing resolved. So, how does that happen?
If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved… For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
ROMANS 10:9-10, 13
God is real and He loves us.
He loves us so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to save us.
Jesus came to change the world.
He came down from Heaven. He lived a perfect life. He was arrested. He was tortured. He was crucified. For us.
But the story doesn’t end there.
But the story doesn’t end there.
Jesus rose from the dead.
This man Jesus, who was also God, was buried in a sealed tomb and then . . .
He walked out of it. Because He could. Because He loves you.
This changed everything. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross allowed things to be fixed between you and God.
He walked out of it. Because He could. Because He loves you.
This changed everything. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross allowed things to be fixed between you and God.
All you have to do is believe and receive it.
Making the decision to commit your life to following Jesus is the best choice you could ever make. Not only does it address your eternal need for God’s forgiveness, it also provides you with earthly promise and purpose because God loves you and wants His best for you. If you sense God speaking to you and you are ready to make this decision today. It’s simple to do, just pray something like this:
Dear God,
Thank you for Who You are. I understand that I am a sinner and that I need forgiveness. I believe that You sent Your Son Jesus to die on a cross for my sins. Please forgive me of my sins and begin to teach me what it means to live as Your child. Thank You for this free gift that You have given me through Your Son.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Questions? We Have Answers!
Connect with us today for more information on how to become a follower of Jesus. We are ready to listen and provide thoughtful answers to your questions. We look forward to getting to know you!
