“ As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. ”
Why Jesus?
If you’re American like me, it’s probable that you’ve heard the name Jesus. You may have even heard something about him being a savior. And if you haven’t heard either of those things, I’m telling you now that there is a man, who really did walk the earth, named Jesus. And he did come to be a savior for all. What did he save us from you ask? He saved us from the judgment of God the Father. Because God is a just god he will judge everyone and punish them according to their sin. And that punishment is not just a grounding or a beating, but it’s a punishment of eternal suffering. This is pretty bad news because we all sin. Humans universally lie, lust, hate, slander, and engage in an ever lengthening list of sins. If you’ve done any of these things even one time God must find you guilty. There’s no just judge that would let you off with a defense of “but I only did it once” and God is no different in this.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. ”
So where’s the good news? God, in a final act of mercy towards a sinful people, sent his only son, Jesus, to die as a substitute for our sins. He’s a worthy substitute because he lived a blameless life. He did no wrong and yet we (God’s sinful creation) crucified him on a cross. He took that suffering and three days later was raised back to life so that he could stand with us before the judgment throne and take our guilty verdict. He can say to God “This is my brother/sister, put the blame on me, because I have already paid the penalty of death.” So you and I deserve death, but Christ has paid the penalty for it. You might say “Is that it, I don’t have to do anything?” In order for Jesus to stand before the judge and claim us, he has to know us.
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6”
How do we become known to Jesus?
“Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” John 6:28-29”
That’s it. We have to believe in the Christ that God sent, Jesus. But what does that mean, to “believe in the one he has sent”? The bible states these two things among many about belief:
Firstly
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. ”
But also
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?… But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”… Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds… …You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. ”
You can see that we are saved by grace through our faith in Christ. This is the good news of the gospel; to have faith in Jesus, his life, death, and resurrection. A faith that is proven by our works. Because God can see our whole heart, faith is not merely a confession with our lips, but it’s an unshaken belief that changes the way we live our lives and the works that we do are evidence of a change in the heart. If you’ve read this far you cannot say that you are ignorant of what God has done for you. I personally have believed in Christ, and not only do I have the assurance that I will be given eternal life on the day of judgment but in this life, I have found so much peace and good in having my ways corrected by God. His word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path, and he has the knowledge of the ordained ways of living and the wisdom of knowing how those are beneficial over sin in our lives. I can not lead myself because I always lead myself into errors and destructive things, but I can trust in God to lead me, a God who is rich in mercy for us. Many who hear the gospel will reject it in order to pursue themselves and what they think is best, but if you are reading this it’s a part of God reaching out to you in his mercy. Take heed. If you have questions earnestly seek answers from God and he will provide them. If you are not in the faith, the world has known no greater love than Christ willingly laying down his perfect life for us. You’ll find no other place where you will be loved unconditionally to the degree that someone who sees your entire heart would still pursue you and die for you.