God is the Creator and Lawmaker; therefore, as His creation, we are accountable to Him. Yet the Bible is clear that we fall woefully short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). His Word declares, "whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." (James 2:10) Because God is holy and just, sin must be paid for. Our sin condemns us to eternal separation from God in a literal place, hell. "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power." (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9)
We are helpless to save ourselves. Our own attempts at righteousness are as "filthy rags" in God's sight (Isaiah 64:6).
Thankfully, the story does not end there! God is also merciful; His love for us is so great that "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Jesus lived a sinless life; being God in the flesh, He met the perfect standard. He then took the punishment that we deserve, dying a cruel death in our place. But He didn't stay dead! On the third day, through the power of God, Jesus rose again and is now seated at the right hand of God. What a merciful, mighty Savior!
Because of this incredible love, God has offered us the free gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23). Isaiah 53:5 declares, "With His stripes we are healed." Christ is the only way to salvation. He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." (John 14:6)
The only good work that can get us to heaven is the finished work of Christ Jesus on the cross. (John 17:1-4, 19:30; Hebrews 10:11-14)
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) Such hope and assurance are in these precious words of life! Every person has an opportunity to place his or her faith in Jesus Christ and therefore experience life everlasting! Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life." (John 6:47) It is purely because of God's immeasurable grace that we can receive the gift of salvation. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9) When God sees a person who has called upon His name for salvation, He sees His righteous Son, Jesus Christ, because that person is now forever in Christ!
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved....whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:9, 13)
"...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved..." (Acts 16:31)
"Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else." (Isaiah 45:22)
God has mercifully provided a way for your salvation. If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, it is my prayer that you will delay no longer! And if you do belong to Him, I pray that you will take a moment to thank Him again for His gracious gift! “For Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee.” (Psalm 86:5) "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift." (2 Corinthians 9:15)
*If you have further questions about salvation, please do not hesitate to contact us and we would be glad to point you to additional truth from God's Word!