Man’s Problem
In a society filled with high technology and prosperity it
is hard to conceive of mankind having a problem. But these aspects of life are
external and the problem we have is internal. It is a sin problem. The Bible
says, "Therefore, just as through one man sin
entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men,
because all sinned" (Romans 5:12). Scripture
also teaches us that "All have sinned and fall
short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Sin
is a problem because it separates us from God.
The Penalty of Sin
The Bible says in Romans 6:23
that, “the wages of sin is
death”.
Since the scripture teaches that,
"There is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10)
then the debt of sin that we all have must in some way be
paid for if we are to be saved from our sin.
Man’s Inability
The Bible teaches us that man has no ability to save
Himself from sin. “For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all
our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; and all of us wither like a leaf,
and our iniquities (sin), like the wind, take us away. And there is no one who
calls on His name” (Isaiah 64:6-7a)
Since our sin brings spiritual death and eternal
separation from God and since we cannot save ourselves from this debt of sin,
then there has to be another way to be rescued from our sin. But does that way
exist? Yes!
God’s Provision
The Bible says that “the wages of sin is death but the
gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
God's provision is also seen in
Romans 5:8
which says, But God
demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ
died for us."
God has provided a way for us to be saved and that is
through Jesus Christ alone. Jesus said, " I am
the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through me"
(John 14:6).
But why did God make a way for us to be saved?
- God offers salvation because he loves us.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have
everlasting life" (John 3:16)
-God offers salvation by grace (undeserved favor).
"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves,
it is the Gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast"
(Ephesians 2:8-9)
Man’s Response
Since salvation offered by grace is God's gift, how does
one receive this gift of salvation?
-We must repent of our sin. “Repent ye therefore, and be
converted, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19).
Repentance is turning
away from our sin to God.
-Place our faith (trust) in Jesus to save us from our sin.
“By grace you are
saved through faith…” (Ephesians 2:8) Faith is
not just believing what Jesus did but completely trusting in what Jesus did to
save you from your sin.
-Surrender your life to Jesus as Lord
“If you shall confess with your mouth the
Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him up from the dead,
you shall be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with
the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9-10)
Surrendering your life to Jesus means giving Him total
control of every part of your life.
-Call upon Jesus for salvation.
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the
Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13)
Prayer for Salvation
Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner. I believe
You died and rose from the grave to offer me salvation from my sins. Here, now,
I repent my sins and I ask you to forgive me and save me from my sins. I
surrender my life you You, Lord Jesus, and I now receive You as my Savior and
Lord. Thanks You, Lord Jesus, for dying for me and saving me from my sins. In
your name I pray. Amen.
