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. This is true 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... cannot overlook sin. What kind of "good God" would allow liars, thieves, and murderers into Heaven?!? Simply put, sin has a price and that price must be paid (as the Scriptures teach: "the wage of sin is death).
And so, in the case of Adam and Eve, 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 that would atone for sin. But there was a little problem with these sacrifices. Bulls and goats were all imperfect and therefore their blood was only a temporary solution for a much larger problem. That is why the Old Testament is so full of animal sacrifice; every time a command was broken, that sin required a sacrifice.
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... cannot overlook sin. What kind of "good God" would allow liars, thieves, and murderers into Heaven?!? Simply put, sin has a price and that price must be paid (as the Scriptures teach: "the wage of sin is death).
And so, in the case of Adam and Eve, 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 that would atone for sin. But there was a little problem with these sacrifices. Bulls and goats were all imperfect and therefore their blood was only a temporary solution for a much larger problem. That is why the Old Testament is so full of animal sacrifice; every time a command was broken, that sin required a sacrifice.
THE SOLUTION
God’s solution to this little problem was simple, but expensive: 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 Adam's sin. Jesus could then offer HIS blood to pay for the sins of all people (not just temporarily cover them up as the animal sacrifices did.)
So, it was all set, God sent His Son into the world through the virgin (Mary). Jesus grew up fulfilling the prophecies spoken about Him (not just some, but all of them); and then, at the ripe old age of thirty-something, He was crucified. He died and was buried, and then, according to numerous eye witnesses, rose from death three days later. (The importance of Jesus' burial cannot be overstated. You don't bury someone who is "asleep" or who is "making a statement"... Jesus was buried because He was DEAD). But the death and the grave weren't allowed to hold Him. See, the wage of sin is death, but what is the wage for righteousness? Sin had no claim on Him and therefore, neither did death.
Remember our little test earlier. The fact of the matter is that no one (who is really honest with themselves) can pass that test. The Bible teaches that everyone has sinned and that all fall short of the Glory of God (translation: you will not be going to Heaven on your own). So then, the only way to Heaven is to receive the gift God gave us in the sacrifice of His Son 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).
So, it was all set, God sent His Son into the world through the virgin (Mary). Jesus grew up fulfilling the prophecies spoken about Him (not just some, but all of them); and then, at the ripe old age of thirty-something, He was crucified. He died and was buried, and then, according to numerous eye witnesses, rose from death three days later. (The importance of Jesus' burial cannot be overstated. You don't bury someone who is "asleep" or who is "making a statement"... Jesus was buried because He was DEAD). But the death and the grave weren't allowed to hold Him. See, the wage of sin is death, but what is the wage for righteousness? Sin had no claim on Him and therefore, neither did death.
Remember our little test earlier. The fact of the matter is that no one (who is really honest with themselves) can pass that test. The Bible teaches that everyone has sinned and that all fall short of the Glory of God (translation: you will not be going to Heaven on your own). So then, the only way to Heaven is to receive the gift God gave us in the sacrifice of His Son 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
Really, the only question that needs asked is this: "What have you done with His gift"? A GREAT price was paid for our salvation.
A free gift is offered to any who would receive it -and free means free! After all, what could you even offer as payment if there was a price that could be paid? You have nothing to offer, so He pays the debt.
If this is true, then how do you think God should respond to those who have rejected this free gift? Consider for a moment those men who nailed Jesus to the cross… the actual men who held the nails and dropped the hammer... how do you think God will deal with them on that day? Our God is a loving God; the Bible says He is 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. Each and everyone of us holds 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… not only did we have a part in killing His Son, but then we say "No Thanks" to His offer of forgiveness.
A free gift is offered to any who would receive it -and free means free! After all, what could you even offer as payment if there was a price that could be paid? You have nothing to offer, so He pays the debt.
If this is true, then how do you think God should respond to those who have rejected this free gift? Consider for a moment those men who nailed Jesus to the cross… the actual men who held the nails and dropped the hammer... how do you think God will deal with them on that day? Our God is a loving God; the Bible says He is 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. Each and everyone of us holds 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… 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 learn more about salvation through Christ!