Apart from Christ we are helpless and sinful.

You see the Bible says that just over 6,000 years ago God created the heavens and the earth (click here for answers to a young earth creation) and everything in them (including Adam & Eve)...and He saw that what He created was "very good" (Genesis 1:31). When the first two people were created, they were perfect. It was a perfect world.

It was a beautiful place, full of life, without death, disease, pain or suffering. He created all of this for His Glory (Isaiah 43:6-7), and even though God was in control (sustaining) of everything, He gave man free will. He created mankind in the image (moral character) of Himself (Genesis 1:27), and put mankind in charge of the world-- to rule it, to care for it, to be responsible for it, (Genesis 1:28) and to enjoy all its beauty and goodness. He appointed mankind to look after the world, but always under His own authority, glorifying Him (1 Corn. 10:31) and obeying His directions.

God warned Adam in Genesis 2:17 that if he ate of the "tree of knowledge of good and evil" he would "die." (Romans 6:23) Before this, man would live forever. Now the word "die" means to physically die and also means to spiritually die (which is a separation from God). Adam and Eve chose to disobey God and to eat of the tree of life, and sin entered the world (Gen 3:6).

"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin' and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." (Romans 5:12)

God cursed the world and that perfect creation began to degenerate, that is suffer death and decay (Romans 8:22). Death and suffering on our earth is due to sin entering into creation (Click here to learn more about death and suffering). The death penalty, which Adam received as judgment for his sin of rebellion, has also been passed on to all his descendants (Romans 6:23). So from this point on in creation every human being on earth is born in sin (Ps. 51:5). By this vary nature we are now all dead in sin and are objects of God's wrath (Eph.2:1-5)

Now the crux of the matter is this: if one accepts there is a God (the God who has revealed Himself to mankind) who created us, then that God also owns us. If this God is the God of the Bible, He owns us and thus has a right to set the rules by which we must live. More important, He also tells us in the Bible that we are in rebellion (sinners) against Him, our Creator. Sin is a transgression of the Law 

(1 John 3:4). In the Greek language of the Bible it literally means to "miss the mark." Because of this rebellion (called sin), our physical bodies are sentenced to death; but we will live on forever, either with God or without Him in a place of judgment, called Hell.  But the good news is that our Creator provided a means of deliverance for our sin of rebellion, so that those who come to Him in faith and repentance for their sin can receive forgiveness of a holy God and spend eternity with Him. (Click here to learn the 7 C's of the Biblical History)

I am a pretty Good Person.

You are probably thinking to yourself right now, "Why am I reading this...I am going to heaven...I am a pretty good person." Most people believe that they are going to heaven. They think they have lived a good life. In fact, almost everyone thinks they are a good person. But the question you should be asking is, "Am I good enough to go to Heaven?"

How good do you have to be to enter into heaven? You have to be perfect in thought word and deed. You would have to be perfect, and sinless throughout your entire life. That is God's standard. And NO ONE except Jesus Christ has lived up to that standard. The Bible says no one is good...not even one (Romans 3:10-12 / Matthew 19:17). "All have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God." Romans 3:23. Even our best efforts at being good and righteous before God are looked at by God as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). If you claim to be without sin the Bible says you deceive yourself and even make God out to be a liar (1 John 1:8-10)

 God in His justice punishes sinners.

The Bible also says that it is appointed once for you to die and then to be judged, (Hebrews 9:27) and on that day of judgment you will have to give an account of every word you have spoken (Matthew 12:36-37). Erwin W. Lutzer (Pastor at Moody Church in Chicago) once said, "One minute after you die you will be either elated or terrified, and it will be too late to reroute your travel plans...

While relatives and friends plan your funeral, deciding on a casket, a burial plot, and who the pallbearers shall be, you will be more alive than you have ever been. You will wither see God on his throne surrounded by angels and redeemed humanity, or you will feel an indescribable weight of guilt and abandonment. There is no destination midway between these two extremes; just gladness or gloom."

Our God is slow to anger and does not want you to perish but He being a just God must punish liars, thieves, adulterers, blasphemers, murders, and all sinners. Would an earthly judge let a murder go because he has been a "good person." No, that would make him a corrupt judge! Our God is a just God and must punish sinners, but He is slow in anger, and abounds in love. He urgently calls sinners to turn from their evils ways (Ezek. 18:30-32 / Ezek 18:21-22 / Isa. 55:6-7).

Knowledge of sin comes by the law of God.

One thing you must be aware of is God's standard of judgment is different from mans standard. Man's standard compares himself against other men. We say I am not as bad as Hitler or as bad as so and so. But God's standard is found in Himself; in His Holy righteousness, and that is found in the 10 Commandments.

Please note: The Law of the 10 Commandments was NOT given to save men (Galatians 2:16), but to measure them! We want you to understand this clearly, because we believe many stumble at this point. They are trying to save themselves by doing good and by trying to keep the Law; but it was never meant for men to save themselves by. It is to stop the self-righteous (2 Thess.2:3-4) mouth from justify ourselves by what we do. "Now we know that what things so ever the Law says, it says to them who are under the Law; that every mouth may be stopped, and ALL the world may become guilty before God." (Romans 3:19/ Mark 7:21)  It is impossible for us to keep the Law. The Law is meant to show us that we HAVE sinned against a Holy God. (Romans 7:7), and then to point us to the answer... which is ONLY found in Christ Jesus (Gal 3:24 / Mark 1:3 / Luke 3:4). 

So, if you were to die today, and had to appear before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corn 5:10) ...realizing that everyone is going to die someday. In fact, 150,000 people (that is how many people die in an average day)  will die today, and I assure you the people who will die today didn't think they were going to die. In fact, that is 2 people facing God every  second. Again, if you were to die today...would you be innocent or guilty before God?  Where would you stand before a Holy, and Just God?

 

Let's take a look at the 10 Commandments (God's standard of goodness and holiness) and see how you personally measure up in God's eyes. Read this list with an open mind and heart and genuinely ask yourself if you have kept any of these commandments.

 

1) You shall have no other God's before me. Have you always put God first in your life? Jesus said to love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength --so much, that your love for your parents, brothers and sisters, friends, and even your own life is like hatred compared to your love and devotion for God. Have you ever failed to put Him first in your life?

 

2) You shall not make for yourself any idol. Who is God to you? Is He only a God of love and mercy who would never judge anyone and never cast anyone into Hell? If that's your god, then you're right. Your god couldn't cast anyone into Hell because he doesn't exist. He's a figment of your imagination. You've created a god in your own mind that you're more comfortable with. You may call it your "personal belief," but God calls it idolatry. It's the oldest sin in the Book, and the Bible warns that idolaters will not inherit the kingdom on heaven (1Corn 6:9-10).

 

3) You shall not take the name of God in vain. Have you ever used God's name as a curse word? if you have, you've taken the holy name of God -- who gave you your life, your family, and everything precious to you -- and used it as a filthy, four-letter word. Hitler's name wasn't even despised enough to be used as a curse word! If you have used God's holy name in that manner, you are a blasphemer and the Bible say, "God will not hold him guiltless who takes the name of the Lord in vain." (Exodus 20:7)

 

4) Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy. God commands that we set aside one day in seven. Have you ever been guilty of breaking this Commandment? 

(Exodus 20:8-10)

 

5) Honor your father and your mother. Have you always honored your parents in a way that's pleasing in the sight of God? Ask Him to remind you of the sins of your youth. You may have forgotten them, but God hasn't. (Exodus 20:12)

 

6) You shall not murder. Most people believe they haven't broken this one. Jesus warned, "Whoever is angry with his brother without cause, is in danger of judgment." 

(Matt 5:22) and the Bible says, "He who hates his brother is a murderer," (1John 3:15). God sees hatred in the heart to be as wicked as a murderer. We can violate His Law by attitude and intent. Because God's judgment is by the heart, and the outward action.

 

7) You shall not commit adultery. Yet, another commandment that most people say they have not committed is adultery. Jesus again warned, "You have heard...'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you  that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matthew 5:27-28) Have you ever looked at another person with lust? The Bible says that adulterers and fornicators (those who have sex before marriage) will not enter the kingdom of heaven.(1Corn 6:9-10).

 

8) You shall not steal. Have you ever stolen anything (even if it was something small)? The value of the thing stolen doesn't matter; petty theft is still theft. Have you ever taken anything that belonged to someone else? If you have, that makes you a thief.

 

9) You shall not lie. Have you ever told a lie? Then you are a liar. How many murders do you have to commit to be a murderer? Just one. If you have told even one lie, that makes you a liar. The Bible warns that all liars will have their part in the Lake of fire (Rev. 21:8). You may not think deceitfulness is a serious sin, but God does.

 

10) You shall not covet. This means we should never desire anything that belongs to another person. Not their house, nor their car, nor their money, nor their spouse, nor their lifestyle, nor anything that belongs to our neighbor. (Exodus 20:17)

 

 

We cannot save ourselves in any way.

 

To top it all off, the Bible says that if you have broken even just one of these Laws it is like breaking them all. (James 2:10)  So again, where would you stand before God when you die? Like the rest of us...GUILTY... a SINNER before a Just and Holy God!!

The punishment for crimes against God is an eternity in separation from God in Hell. The Bible also makes it clear that Hell is not a place to party, it is a place of torment. Click Here. Realize that God does not want you to perish. He is rich in mercy and compassion, and has provided a way for you to be forgiven. He has invited you to come to Him for a full pardon and receive the free gift of Eternal life. You cannot earn it (by doing good things, or by attending church), and you do not deserve it, but God is offering it to you as proof of His love for you. "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 This is called "Grace." Imagine you are standing in front of a judge, guilty of multiple serious crimes. All apologies and good works cannot erase your crimes; therefore you must be punished. The fine for your crime is one million dollars or imprisonment, but you don't have two pennies to rub together. The judge is about to pass sentence when someone you don't even know steps in and pays the fine for you! The court accepts the money and declares that you are free to go. The law has been satisfied, your debt has been paid in full, and the stranger's sacrifice was a demonstration of his love for you. 

Can religion help?

This is VERY important... Religion can never satisfy God. Religion is man's attempt to make himself right with God, but any such attempt is futile because even man's best efforts are flawed and so are unacceptable to God. The Bible could not be clearer: all our righteous acts are like filthy rags. God demands perfection; religion fails to meet the demand. Religion can never remove sin. Your virtues can never cancel out your vices. Good deeds can nver remove bad ones. If a person gets right with God it is not by works, so that no one can boast. No religious efforts or experiences - christening, confirmation, baptism, holy communion,  churchgoing, prayers, gifts, sacrifices of time and effort, Bible reading or anything else- can cancel out a single sin.

Religion can never change man's sinful nature. A person's behavior is not the problem, only the symptom. The heart of man's problem is the problem of a man's heart, and by nature man's heart is corrupt and depraved. Going to church and taking part in religious ceremonies may make you feel good, but they cannot make you good. Some of the the religious activities mentioned above are obviously 'good' in themselves. For example, it is right to go the church, read the Bible and pray, because God tells us to do these things. But you dare not rely on them to make you right with God. Not only are they powerless to do so; trusting in them actually adds to your sin and to your condemnation.

So then...Is there an answer? Yes there is! - and God has provided it. The central message of the Bible is summed up in these words: 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).

Jesus is the only atonement that is acceptable before God.

That's what God did for you 2000 years ago by dying on the cross in your place. We saw earlier that a just and holy God must punish sin. But the Bible also tells us that God is love. While God hates sin He loves sinners and longs to forgive them. But how can a sinner be justly pardoned when God's law demands his spiritual and physical death? Only God could solve  that problem, and He did so in the person of Jesus Christ. God the Son became man by taking upon himself human nature. Although Jesus became fully man, He remained fully God.

He remained as completely God as if he had not become man; he became as completely man as if He were not God. Jesus Christ is therefore unique and the Bible confirms that in many ways. The Bible says that the God of the Universe became a man (Jesus Christ) born of a virgin (he had no human father but was conceived in a virgin's womb by the Holy Spirit) to fulfill prophecy, and suffered and died on the cross for your sins and mine so that we could be set free. Then He rose again from the dead and defeated death (1 Corn 15:20-26) showing that He has power over ALL things including death which is the "last enemy" (1 Corinthians 15:26) of God. His dying on the cross finally produced the effectual blood atonement that had been shrouded in mystery for all the ages, and His resurrection was the proof that God accepted it. Jesus' death therefore provided for us what the blood of bulls and goats could never accomplish: a full and acceptable atonement for sin. And His perfect righteousness gives us precisely what we need for our redemption: a complete covering of perfect righteousness equal to God's own divine perfection. So when you stand in judgment before God, He seeing the paying sacrifice of His son!!! It's as simple as this -- we broke the Law (sinned against God), and Jesus (who was perfect and sinless) was the only one who could and did pay our fine.(1 Peter 3:18)

"God demonstrated His own love for us in that while we were still sinners,

 Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, 

being made a curse for us." (Galatians 3:13)

Some say, "God will forgive", as if He can just wave a wand and forgive everyone. That doesn't satisfy God's Holiness, Righteousness and Justice. "The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against ALL ungodliness and unrighteousness of men." (Rom. 1:18) Sin had to be condemned, or else God would be a corrupt judge. Jesus paid the price in our place. God "made Him who knew no sin to become sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Cor. 5:21). 

Jesus calls sinners to repentance.

Do you see God's great love for you? Do you see your need for His forgiveness? Do what He commands and "Repent (confess and turn from, forsaking your sins.) Some people insist "repentance" is an old fashioned word that the world cannot understand. The Greek word for repentance throughout the New Testament is "metanoia," and it's literal meaning speaks of a change of mind __a reversal in one's thinking)...that your sins may be wiped out and times of refreshing may come from the Lord." (Act 3:19).

To repent means to confess sin and forsake it --to agree with God that it is wrong and to turn and go in the opposite direction. An old soldier once summed up repentance this way: "God said, Attention! About turn! Quick March!"

It is true that numerous Bible verses speak of the promise of salvation with no mention of repentance. These verses merely tell us to "believe" on Jesus Christ and we shall be saved (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9). However, the Bible makes it clear that God is holy and man is sinful, and that sin makes a separation between the two (Isaiah 59:1,2). Without repentance from sin, wicked men cannot have fellowship with a holy God. We are dead in our trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1) and until we forsake them through repentance, we cannot be made alive in Christ. The Scriptures speak of "repentance unto life" (Acts 11:18). We must turn from sin to the Savior. This is why Paul preached "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts. 20:21). Jesus said that He came to call "sinners to repentance" (Matthew 9:13). The first public word he preached was "repent" (Matthew 4:17). John the Baptist began his ministry the same way (Matthew 3:2). Jesus told His hearers twice that without repentance, they would perish (Luke 13:3,5). If belief is all that is necessary for salvation, than the logical conclusion is that one need never to repent. However, the Bible tells us that a false convert "believes" and yet is not saved (Luke 8:13); he remains a "worker of iniquity."

As Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost, he commanded his hearers to repent "for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). Without repentance there is no remission of sins; we are still under God's wrath. Peter further said, "Repent...and be converted, that you sins may be blotted out" (Acts 3:19). We cannot be converted, or have our sins blotted out, unless we repent. God Himself "commands all men everywhere [leaving no exceptions] to repent" (Acts 17:30). Scripture says that the Lord is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). Clearly, those who do not repent will perish. 

Jesus said that there is a great joy in heaven over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:7). If there is no repentance, there is no joy because there is no salvation.  You must turn away from sin and turn towards God. Desire to have NOTHING to do with sin, and surrender your life to the One who can save you.  Jesus died to set you free, and then he rose from death to be your Lord. Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. NO ONE comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)  If you will confess and forsake your sins (repent) and trust (in faith) in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, God will forgive you and you'll pass from death to life. (Ezek.18:21-22 / 2 Chron.7:14 / Luke 5:31-32 / Matt 4:17 )

Jesus saves us by grace, through repentance & faith.

What does it mean to "put your faith in Jesus Christ?" Well it is more than "belief." In today's world we are told to just believe. The Bible says that even the demons believe. (James 2:19) To put your faith in Jesus Christ is to personally trust in Jesus in the same way you'd trust in a parachute to save you if you had to jump 25,000 feet out of an airplane. You wouldn't just "believe" in the parachute; you would put it on!!!! In the same way, the Bible says, "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ..." (Romans 13:14) and you will be saved. There are millions of people who "believe" Jesus exists and that He is God...but they have not put on the Savior...they have not tasted and trusted in His living water...there is a BIG difference. And the difference will be obvious when you "jump" through the door of death. 

What will you do? Where do you stand before God?

Today, with all of your heart - turn away from sin, and surrender your life to Jesus Christ. Please don't put it off till later. You may die today and then it will be too late. The Bible warns, "In accordance with your hardness and your unrepentant heart you are storing up for yourself wrath in the day wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God." (Rom. 2:5) You may not yet have all the answers to your questions, but better to put on the parachute first and then ask questions, then to pass through the door unprepared, grasping for the parachute when its too late. Before your head hits your pillow tonight get right with the Lord.

Cry out to Him and ask for forgiveness of your sins and repent of them, and put your faith in Him (Jesus Christ) ALONE.

If you are someone who is still estranged from God, Christ urges you to acknowledge your guilt, repent, admit your own spiritual poverty, embrace your heavenly Father, and be reconciled to Him through faith.(2 Corinthians 5:20) Then God will transform you from the inside out. You will think and feel differently as you learn to trust and obey Him. God will give you new strength to live right and love Him above all else. If you do this the Bible says God will grant you the gift of everlasting life, and you will pass from life to death.  Today, if you hear his voice, don't harden your heart. The Lord will never turn a sinner away....cry out to Him in repentance for forgiveness of your sins!!! Confess your sins before God and offer yourself as a living sacrifice unto Him...ask Christ to save you from these sins and forever strive to turn from them and follow Christ in faith...If you are not sure how to pray, read and make it your own personal prayer to God.

Now what?

 Once you have received the gift of eternal life and have been made a new creation, you will want to grow in your knowledge of Jesus and your obedience to Him. Jesus' teaching about how to live for God can be summed up in three simple instructions. 

#1 Read the Bible. Jesus said, "Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me." (John 14:21). One way to show your love for God is to read the Bible and to live out your new life on the basis of its teaching. Reach the Bible daily to learn how to live a life that honors God and gives testimony to others that Jesus has made a difference in your life. 

#2 Pray. Communication with God through prayer keeps your focus on eternal things. If you are truly following Jesus, your desires will be for God's glory and for His kingdom, the church, Jesus promised, "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you" (John15:7). 

#3 Seek Christian Fellowship. Meeting regularly with Christian brothers and sister allows you to follow Jesus' example of love and to fulfill His command to "love one another...just as I have loved you" (John 13:34). Just as Jesus surrounded Himself daily with His disciples and followers, find a Bible believing church where you can meet with other Christians. There you will find joy, community of worship, and encouragement in the fellowship of God's people.

If you have accepted Christ as your Savior, you may be wondering, What happens if I sin after I'm saved? All Christians sin from time to time. But the good news is that Jesus' death paid for all of your sins, both past and future. If you humbly admit your sin to God, and repent (turn away from sin), the Bible promises that God will forgive you and cleanse you from all your sin. Pray for God's help to keep you from falling into sin again. Jesus assures us that "whoever come to me I will never cast out" (John 6:37). Your salvation is sure because Christ's sacrifice of Himself on the cross is greater than any sin. 

You might also wonder, What happens when I don't feel close to God? Am I still saved? When a person has accepted the gift of salvation. Jesus describes His relationship with them as being like the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:27-28). Salvation is not based on your feelings or works, but on the fact that God has welcomed you into His family through repentance and faith in Jesus. Nothing on earth or in heaven can break that bond--nothing.

If you feel far away from God, examine your life to see if there is unconfessed, unrepentant sin standing between you and God. Continue to read the Bible and pray regularly, filling your mind with God's truth and goodness. Talk with other Christian's and learn from their experiences. You will grow closer to God as your knowledge and experience of Him grows. Rest assured in the promise that on one can separate you from His love (Romans 8:35-39)

From now on seek to live in such a way that in every part of your life you declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light!

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