While humanity is filled with diversity there are two things that perfectly unify mankind. The first is that every single human being has sinned. (Romans 3:23) The second is that everyone will die one day and then be judged by the Almighty. (Hebrews 9:27) The sin committed by every person creates a separation between them and God (Isaiah 59:2). Sin is simply the prideful rejection of God’s person and will. This could look like a lie, murder, theft, or an all out rejection of God’s existence. In any case, sin – regardless of how we would rate its severity – separates us from the perfectly holy God. This separation results in spiritual death (Ephesians 2:1). This death is the irrevocable earnings of sin (Romans 6:23). Since God is the author of life (Acts 3:15), all life comes from Him (Acts 17:25). For spiritually dead mankind, God is the one being who can provide the opportunity for life; a new and abundant life free from bondage and effect of sin.
Without intervention from God, mankind is destined to be separated from their Creator because of their own sin. But God, who is rich in mercy and love, sent His only Son Jesus to endure the death we all earned (Romans 5:8, Ephesians 2:4). Jesus, the Son of God, was hung on a cross and was killed, though He had never sinned. (John 19). The first man to live perfectly died the death sinful man was destined for (Romans 5:8). Jesus took upon himself the sins of the world in this act to save mankind from the spiritual death that plagues us (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus’ death serves to atone for sin for those who would believe (Romans 3:25, 1 John 2:2).
But this isn’t the end of the story! Jesus’ dead body was placed in a tomb for burial(Matthew 27:57-60). Three days later He was raised from the dead by the power of God (Acts 2:32, Romans 6:4). The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus happened according to prophecy of the Old Testament and His resurrection was confirmed by over 500 eyewitnesses (1 Corinthians 15:3-8)! After this He ascended into Heaven and took His rightful place at the right hand of God the Father (Luke 24:51, Acts 2:33). In His death he paid the price for our sin (Colossians 1:14) and reconciled us to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). In His resurrection he conquered death (1 Corinthians 15:56-57). He ascended to heaven and now serves as intercessor between God and the redeemed (Romans 8:34).
Who was this work done for? God loved His creation so much that He sent His Son to reconcile man unto himself (John 3:16). Does this mean that everyone’s sins are forgiven? No. God has made it clear that there is only one way for our relationship with Him to be restored (1 Timothy 2:5). All those who would submit to the Lordship of Jesus and believe in their heart that God raised Him from the dead shall be saved (Romans 10:9). Jesus taught that He was the only way to the Father (John 14:6). Belief that Jesus is the Son of God and only way to reconciliation with God is accompanied by repentance from sin (Mark 1:15). Scripture is clear that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).
If you are reading this, God has given you the precious opportunity to hear His gospel. For sinful man to come before a holy God, the price for sin must be paid. Jesus is the one and only sacrifice that covers sin once and for all (Hebrews 10:12). God not only provided the perfect sacrifice to cover sin, but draws mankind to His Son Jesus to receive the salvation made available only through that sacrifice (John 6:44). If you hear the call to repentance and faith in Jesus for salvation today, respond in the faith God gives to those He calls. Confess your sins to Him. Submit yourself to Jesus Christ and make Him your Lord. The work God does in those who relinquish their lives to Him is called new birth.
This is what it means to be born again, those who are in Christ have been made a new creation in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17). The old self, spiritually dead, is made alive in Jesus (Ephesians 2:4-5). The believer is no longer an object of God’s wrath, but through Christ Jesus, they are given the right to be called to children of God (John 1:12-13). For anyone to see God, partake of His goodness or live in His eternal kingdom, they must be born again (John 3:3). Jesus said this: “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I told you that you must be born again.” – John 3:5-6
Are you ready to respond to God’s call to salvation through Jesus Christ? Is God calling you to be born again? Talk to God. Ask Him for forgiveness. Thank Him for His Son, Jesus. Confess Jesus as your Lord based on your belief that He is both God’s Son and the only atoning sacrifice for sin. The Bible tells us that whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13). If you’ve called upon Jesus to save you today, contact a Pastor or believing friend and tell them what God is doing in your life! Don’t have anyone to contact? Reach out to us at 1126ministries@gmail.com! We’d love to hear from you and pray for you! We thank God for you and hope this has been a blessing.
1126 Ministries 