Many people merely talk about us enjoying freedom, but Christ did more than that -- yeah, did something about it.
“Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who GIVES LIFE has set you FREE from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:2
I was just talking with a man named Steve who just turned (repented of sin) and trusted Christ. What a great idea. There are none better.
Said to him.. way to go, Steve, on putting your faith in Jesus. I am so glad you want to follow Jesus Christ! The Bible tells us in Ephesians 2:8-9 that “It is by grace (God’s gift) we have been saved and not by works (human effort).”
People have all kinds of ideas about Jesus. But who is Jesus to you personally? I will be glad to answer your questions and help you know God better.
Steve, the Bible tells us “For there is not a just man on earth who does good And does not sin.” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 NKJV) We were created to have a relationship with God. Because of our sin, we are separated from that relationship. Even worse, our sin will cause us to be separated from God for all of eternity, in this life and the next. God says “I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike-the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus." (Acts 20:21 NLT) God says (Romans 6:23) "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”
John 3:36 says “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
The good news is Jesus is the way! “Jesus told us in John 14:6, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’” Jesus took our sin upon Himself. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” Jesus died in our place. In Romans 5:8 God says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” taking the punishment that we deserve. Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead, proving His victory over sin and death (Romans 6:4-5). Why did He do it? Jesus answered that question Himself: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
Jesus died so that we could live. Steve, if we place our faith in Jesus, admit we are sinners and be willing to repent (turn away) from our sins, trusting Jesus’ death as the payment for our sins, all of our sins are forgiven and washed away. We will know our true best friend and good shepherd. We will know that we will have life after we die-a resurrected life in heaven for eternity with Jesus! AMEN!
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
One more Steve. I also love this verse in James 1:12 (like in the Message here – I think it will encourage you) “Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.”
