What did Jesus do?
God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored.
ROMANS 8:29 (MSG)
Here’s a little context. The book of Genesis tells us that a long time ago, sin was introduced into the world for the first time. Adam and Eve, the first humans God ever created, were tempted to go against an instruction that God had given them. You’ve probably heard the term “sin” before, but it’s kind of a vague word. What exactly is sin, and why is it such a big deal? And, by the way, what does it have to do with Jesus? God told Adam and Eve not to do something, but they did it anyway — and that is exactly what sin is: going against what God wants for our lives and damaging our relationship with him. And that sin creates a barrier between us and God. The problem is that everyone sins. Romans 6:23 says, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (NLT). If you’ve ever wondered why most people in your life have let you down, it’s because no one is perfect.
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard
ROMANS 6:23 (NLT)
But God had a plan to restore our relationship with him once and for all. Even though we are naturally sinful, God made a way to reconnect us to himself — he sent his Son, Jesus, to live among us. But Jesus’ message about forgiveness and the kingdom of God made the religious leaders angry, so they sentenced him to death. As Jesus breathed his last breath on the cross, he proclaimed, “It is finished,” signifying that his mission was complete. When he died as the only human who has lived a perfect life, his blood paid the full price for our sin. Our debt was paid. There was nothing else we had to do! But Jesus’ death wasn’t the end of the story. Three days later, God raised his Son from the dead, a miracle that forever defeated death and the grave. The Bible says Jesus now stands at the right hand of God the Father, and one day, we can share in his eternal life in heaven. Because of Jesus, we can live in freedom from sin today. That doesn’t mean we’re perfect — but it means we’re on a daily journey toward becoming more and more like Jesus. He conquered death and rose from the dead, making himself the perfect sacrifice who now continually offers himself to anyone who needs him.
So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us?
ROMANS 8:32–34 (MSG)
How should I respond ?
Making the decision to commit your life to following Jesus is the best choice you could ever make. He loves you and wants what’s best for you. If you’re ready to make this decision today, click the button below, and we’ll show you what your next steps are!
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
ROMANS 10:9–10 (NIV)