I understand your uncertainty. We certainly all commit sins.
When it really comes down to it, there's not a person here who retains a walk with the Lord 24/7. Did you know that even a lie condemns us to hell?
"For the wages of sin is death; ..."
Romans 6:23
"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
Revelation 21:8
Perhaps you haven't committed murder or sorcery, but have you ever lied?
I know that I have.
That's mighty humbling, isn't it?
According to the Bible, where do we deserve to go then?
That's right if you said hell.
The truth is that a long list of good works will never atone for even one sin.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
Ephesians 2
What is grace?
Grace is what God offers out of kindness, despite what we have done in sinning against Him.
What is the gift of God?
What He Himself paid for. We don't work for it or earn eternal life. Salvation from hell is a free gift already purchased by the one and only Savior. When someone offers anything else to try to pay for that gift, it's like saying that God didn't do enough. It's like saying that it's insufficient, so I must turn from all my sins and be obedient to the laws. It's like saying, that baptism, church membership, carrying that cross, or any other good work is that which helps save us.
No, the payment isn't our righteousness.
All our trust must be in the Savior because by grace are ye saved through faith.
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Yes, we deserve death in hell.
However, much we work carrying that heavy cross, or live what we think is a perfect life if obedience, look into a mirror. Who is there?
A sinner or the Savior?
A sinner can't save.
Here's a familiar verse.
"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."
Who did the giving for the gift?
God paid it already.
God gave His Only begotten Son.
The Son laid down His life for you.
We know He arose after 3 days.
I know you believe that.
There's also an important point that I should explain. Salvation is a gift that is based completely upon the purchased price of Jesus' suffering death for all of those sins, past , present, and future. When He arose on the third day, He took back His life. He offers that same life to all who turn completely from their own strength, and putting down of the sin nature and instead put ALL of that trust in Him alone. It's not about us holding onto Him, it's about Him saving and continuing to hold onto us. The Father will do that as well. If you are trusting works of your own strength, then you need to give up on that hopeless effort.
Do you see what I mean?
I will make that easy to do with this prayer my friend. Please tell the Lord this from your heart.
Dear Jesus,
I don't deserve your gift.
I can never do enough to pay for even one of my sins. I now realize that I can't add to what you have done, when You suffered on the cross for for all of my sins to save me from hell.
I believe that you alone paid for them all. Please save me and take me to heaven when I die. I now trust you alone to save me.
Thank you Jesus.
Amen
When it really comes down to it, there's not a person here who retains a walk with the Lord 24/7. Did you know that even a lie condemns us to hell?
"For the wages of sin is death; ..."
Romans 6:23
"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
Revelation 21:8
Perhaps you haven't committed murder or sorcery, but have you ever lied?
I know that I have.
That's mighty humbling, isn't it?
According to the Bible, where do we deserve to go then?
That's right if you said hell.
The truth is that a long list of good works will never atone for even one sin.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
Ephesians 2
What is grace?
Grace is what God offers out of kindness, despite what we have done in sinning against Him.
What is the gift of God?
What He Himself paid for. We don't work for it or earn eternal life. Salvation from hell is a free gift already purchased by the one and only Savior. When someone offers anything else to try to pay for that gift, it's like saying that God didn't do enough. It's like saying that it's insufficient, so I must turn from all my sins and be obedient to the laws. It's like saying, that baptism, church membership, carrying that cross, or any other good work is that which helps save us.
No, the payment isn't our righteousness.
All our trust must be in the Savior because by grace are ye saved through faith.
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Yes, we deserve death in hell.
However, much we work carrying that heavy cross, or live what we think is a perfect life if obedience, look into a mirror. Who is there?
A sinner or the Savior?
A sinner can't save.
Here's a familiar verse.
"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."
Who did the giving for the gift?
God paid it already.
God gave His Only begotten Son.
The Son laid down His life for you.
We know He arose after 3 days.
I know you believe that.
There's also an important point that I should explain. Salvation is a gift that is based completely upon the purchased price of Jesus' suffering death for all of those sins, past , present, and future. When He arose on the third day, He took back His life. He offers that same life to all who turn completely from their own strength, and putting down of the sin nature and instead put ALL of that trust in Him alone. It's not about us holding onto Him, it's about Him saving and continuing to hold onto us. The Father will do that as well. If you are trusting works of your own strength, then you need to give up on that hopeless effort.
Do you see what I mean?
I will make that easy to do with this prayer my friend. Please tell the Lord this from your heart.
Dear Jesus,
I don't deserve your gift.
I can never do enough to pay for even one of my sins. I now realize that I can't add to what you have done, when You suffered on the cross for for all of my sins to save me from hell.
I believe that you alone paid for them all. Please save me and take me to heaven when I die. I now trust you alone to save me.
Thank you Jesus.
Amen
Prov. 3:5&6
