Discover God’s Sole Reason for Forgiving Man.
One of the most astounding things the Bible claims is the fact that there is nothing of merit that man can do to get to heaven. Man can only enter heaven claiming Jesus’ record as his own.
Now, for many this sounds very extreme and narrow minded. After all, people are generally good and do good things, I mean they are not child molesters or axe murderers. God should be pleased with them for their good works and allow them into heaven.
That sounds good until you read the Bible and discover what it claims. The Bible claims that you have to be perfect, that is to say that you never ever make a mistake in thought, action, or motive. (read more here)
If man can’t make it to heaven on his own, then how will he make it to heaven?
Through the perfect life and the conquering of death by Jesus. The Bible tells us that Jesus was perfect in His life on earth and through this perfect obedience to His Father “many are made righteous” (Romans 5:19 ESV)
Through His death “he bore our sins in the his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24 ESV)
Through His resurrection he conquered death which is the ultimate payment for our imperfection (sin). (Romans 3:23) The Bible says that Christ was put to death “for our trespasses (sin) and raised for our justification.” (Romans 4:25)
These are very tough words for many in this world, yet rightly understood they ought to be the most comforting.
Knowing that there is nothing you can do merit wise to gain entrance into heaven ought to take a tremedous pressure off your back.
Knowing for certainty that there is a plan to get you to heaven without you trying to figure it out through trial and error ought to give you assurance and peace.
Knowing that someone has already done what you could never do, then give it to you freely, without demanding money or work for it, is absolutely amazing. It’s amazing grace.
And it is available to those who seek it today.
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By David Zook, Pastor Morningside Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Phoenix, AZ.
Physical for the Christian Soul 