Did you know we are all sinners? God tells us in his word, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23 )
God clearly indicates that there is a penalty for our sin. “For the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23) In other words God tells us that we will go to hell for our sin. Some may feel that this is harsh or not fair. However it is we who have sinned not God. Do you realize that no one can earn their way to heaven on their own merit? A common misconception is that if we are good enough we will make it to heaven.
The cool part is that God made a provision for us in Christ Jesus who died on the cross as a penalty for our sins. “For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit.” (1 Peter 3:18)
Some may ask, “Is there another way to heaven?” Aren’t all gods or other religions the same? The Bible is clear on this point and the answer is no. In John 14:6 Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me”.
Now comes our part in God’s plan. “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10) Furthermore, the Bible says we must confess and repent of our sin (ask God for forgiveness and turn away from sin) becoming a new person. “For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.” (Cor 7:10) Do you ever feel overburdened with guilt and shame? Do you feel separated from God? Does your life seem meaningless? Are you afraid that your sin is too great for God to forgive? If so the Bible has the remedy. Simply believe in Jesus Christ as your savior, confess your sins, and have a repentant heart.
If you are a new believer in Christ then this is just the beginning. Find a strong Bible believing church. Read the Bible daily seeking to know God more. Pray often to God and finally surround yourself with mature believers.
