THE PROBLEM
Here’s the deal; God is Holy
and righteous. Righteousness demands justice. Because of God's
righteousness, He cannot permit a sinner into Heaven. For example, if you
get caught speeding on the highway, you will get a ticket and there will be a
fine to pay. The law enforcement officer will not be interested in
excuses; you broke the law. Even if you didn't think you were speeding!!
The Bible is very clear that
there is a price to pay for sin... and the only payment God accepts is blood.
(That’s why the Old Testament is so full of animal sacrifices.) God
requires blood to pay for a person’s sins.
But what is sin? How do
you know if you are a sinner? God gave us the Ten Commandments to show us
want sin is, and therefore what will require payment. Here is a
quick test... Have you ever told a lie (regardless of how big or small)?
If you have then you are a liar! Have you ever stolen anything (regardless
of value)? If you have then you are a thief! Have you ever used
God's name as a curse? If you have then you are a blasphemer!
Have you always obeyed your parents?.... if not, you are guilty of
breaking God's law. Judge for yourself... will God find you innocent (and
accept you into Heaven) or guilty (and deny you entrance)?
Remember that whole deal in
the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve? By eating the fruit they broke the
law God had given them. They tried to hide their sin, but let’s just say
God noticed the fig leafs. They were sorry they had sinned, they offered
excuses and blame, but were still judged and found guilty. Make no
mistake, God loved both of them, but God's love does not overlook sin... what
kind of "good God" would allow liars, thieves, and murderers into Heaven?!?
Simply put, sin will be paid for (and the wage of sin is death)..
And so, God replaced their fig
leafs with animal skins, (not because God was concerned they would get cold, but
remember, blood has to be shed to cover the sin). This was the first of many
blood sacrifices to atone for sin. But there was a little problem with these
sacrifices. Bulls and goats were all imperfect and therefore their blood only a
temporary covered the sin... it couldn't pay for it. That is why
they had to keep sacrificing an animal every time they broke the law.
THE SOLUTION
God’s solution to this little
problem was simple. He would send His own Son into the world to be the sacrifice
once and for all. His Son was perfect (meeting all the requirements of a
sacrifice) and, as long as He came into the world through a virgin, He would not
be born under sin. Jesus could then offer HIS blood to pay for the sins of
all people (not just temporarily cover them up.)
So, it was all set, God sent
His Son into the world through the virgin (Mary). Jesus grew up fulfilling
the
prophecies (all of them) spoken about Him; and at the ripe old age of
thirty-something, He was crucified. He was buried (because He was dead…
not just sleeping… not pretending… DEAD) and rose from death three days later.
Remember our little test
earlier. The fact of the matter is that no one (who is honest with
themselves) can pass that test. The Bible teaches that everyone has sinned
and will fall short of the Glory of God (translate: you will not be going to
Heaven). So then, the only way to Heaven is to receive the gift God gave
us in the sacrifice of Jesus. By accepting the sacrifice, you are allowing
Jesus' blood to cover your sin instead of somehow trying to make your own way
(which will never be sufficient).
THE QUESTION
The question is - what
have you done with His gift? God paid a GREAT price for our salvation.
And how do you think God should respond
to those who have sinned? What about the people who nailed Jesus to the
cross… how do you think God will deal with them? Our God is a loving
God, slow to get angry and quick to show mercy, but let’s face it, if anyone has
a reason to fear God they do! Now consider this: If the blood of Jesus was shed for
everyone, then we all had a part in His death and a personal
responsibility for nailing Him to the cross.
God, out of love for us sent His only
Son to make a way for us to be with Him. He paid the ultimate price so
that we could be with Him in Heaven. How then do you think God will
respond to us if we choose to ignore His gift… double jeopardy… not only did we
have a part in killing His Son, but then we say "No Thanks" to His offer of
forgiveness.
THE RESPONSE
So, what will your response be
to this free gift that God has offered you? If eternity hangs in the
balance, can you afford to wait another day? Today is the day for
salvation, you are not promised tomorrow.
Click here to see the 5 simple steps to
salvation!
|