With sickening heartbreak, God looked at His highest creation and saw the failure and rebellion that destroyed their close fellowship. Man’s sin had made a barrier between himself and a holy God.
What is sin? Sin is an inherited condition found in every person. Its root is pride and self-centeredness. This disposition results in actions called sins. These may result in rebellion, going astray, disobedience, missing the mark, or anything else contrary to the will and nature of God.
With love God had already planned our redemption, even before we sinned. Since the penalty for sin is death (Rom. 6:23), and all have sinned (Rom. 3:23), no one can pay his death penalty. God allowed His Son to become a human, live a perfect life, and then offer Himself as the Perfect Sacrifice for the sins of the whole world.
This is illustrated by the story of a just and honest judge. His own son was brought before him and charged with a violation of the law. “How do you plead?” “I am guilty.” Love would lead the judge to release the boy, but justice demanded a penalty. “The fine will be $1000.” “I don’t have it.” The judge rose from the bench, took off his robe, reached in his pocket and paid the fine. He then remounted the bench and declared, “Case closed.”
The Old Testament introduced animal sacrifices as sin offerings. God had said, “There is no remission without shedding of blood” (Heb. 9:22; Lev. 17:11). The animal could not cleanse man’s sin, but was a symbol of the blood that would be shed by God’s Perfect Sacrifice. Therefore, men gave animal sacrifices to show their faith until Jesus came.
The one who thinks he can gain God’s favor with good works, fails to understand God’s holiness and justice. “The soul that sins, it shall die” (Ezek. 18:4; John 8:24). If being good or doing good works could save us, then Jesus died in vain. Salvation is an undeserved gift. No one has ever deserved it or earned it.
My sins have been found out. I am guilty. I cannot pay my penalty. God, through His Son, has paid it for me. However, this gift is not mine until I reach out and take it. God has made all the provisions, but the choice is mine.
One must confess his sins, accept His sacrifice for his sins, and make Him the Lord of his life. Note that He is both Savior and Lord. We must accept Him not just as Savior, but as Savior and Lord.
Since what we believe determines how we act, my response to my beliefs has led me to make the decision to accept this wonderful gift of reconciliation, and to make Christ the Lord of my life. I now enjoy a peace in the midst of all circumstances, a purpose for my life, a hope for eternity, and His abiding Presence.