“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)

 

It all started when God created the world, and created the first humans, Adam and Eve. (Genesis 1-2) He gave them work to do and dominion over the earth. The only stipulation was to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God said that they would die if they would eat it. Adam and Eve disobeyed and sinned against God by eating of that fruit. Their relationship with God was broken.

 

By this sin came into the world. Romans 5:12 (KJV) says, “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.” So we all face this problem of sin. What is sin? 1 John 3:4 says “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” Romans 3:23 says "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” There is no one who can claim they haven’t sinned. In fact if we keep all the law except for one point, it says that we are guilty of all. (James 2:10) What can we do?

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Romans 6:23 says “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Remember that God told Adam he would die if he disobeyed? Adam died spiritually (broken relationship with God) and physically. We have to die because of the sin we have committed. But praise God that He made a way for us to be made right and whole with God! God loves us so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to earth so that He could live a perfect life, then die for us. He took our place by dying on the cross. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

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What can we do to be saved from the eternal death that we deserve? Romans 10:9 says “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” We have the privilege of putting our trust in Jesus and the payment He made for our sins by shedding His blood on the cross. Romans 10:13 says it this way, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Oh what peace is given to the sinner who repents, believes in their heart, and confesses Jesus as their Savior and Lord! There is joy, there is peace, there is purpose, there is rest in Jesus. Will you believe and be saved today?

 

Once you have been saved, you will have been born again into the family of God. He gives us His Spirit who guides us in our new life in Christ. God has also given His Word, the Bible for us. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 says, “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

 

He does want us to join with other Believers. In the New Testament, we find different reasons to plug into a local church. God wants you to grow in your walk with Him. A local church can help you see areas you can grow in, and you can help others in their journey as well. Worshiping God, praying, hearing the Word taught and preached, and encouraging one another all happen when we meet together. Hebrews 10:24-25 says “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” We’d love to help you in your journey. To understand more fully the plan of salvation, start by reading the gospel of Matthew. We’d also love to take the time to explain it to you more in depth, and what it means once you’re saved. You can reach out to us by email or come on in for a service and ask for someone to help with this.