The good news of Jesus Christ
If you died right now, do you know for sure that you would go to Heaven?
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
01
Recognize that we are sinners
Sin is the breaking of God’s law. His law is given to us in the Bible and includes commands against lying, stealing, murder, adultery, coveting, and every other act that opposes His holiness.
Can anyone keep God’s law perfectly?
“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23
What does sin do to us?
Jesus said, “Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” Every person is held in sin’s bondage and needs deliverance that we cannot provide for ourselves.
02
Realize that sin has a serious penalty
“For the wages of sin is death;” Romans 6:23
“The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Ezekiel 18:20
The penalty of sin is more than physical death. Scripture describes final judgment and the second death. A righteous God cannot ignore sin and must judge it.
“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” Revelation 20:14
03
Recognize that we need a sovereign Savior
How much does God love us?
“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.” John 3:16
Jesus Christ, God’s Son, died on the cross for the sins of the world. Isaiah wrote that He was wounded for our transgressions and that the punishment for our peace was laid upon Him.
Can good works pay our debt?
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.” Titus 3:5
Salvation is received by faith as the gift of God. We cannot earn Heaven or repay our own sin debt.
04
Repent and receive Jesus Christ through faith
“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.” Romans 10:9
Turn to Christ, believe the gospel, and call upon Him to save you. God is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13
Do you hear God calling?
Scripture urges us not to harden our hearts when we hear His voice. Christ promises to receive the person who opens the door to Him.
Talk with someone
You do not have to work through this alone.
If you would like someone to open the Bible with you, send Elmwood a message or call the church.