Do you consider yourself to be a GOOD person?
I suppose it depends on your definition of “good.”
Surely you believe you’re good, especially when you compare yourself with Adolf Hitler, Jeffrey Dalmer, Saddam Hussein or the latest slug who hurt a little child. But the standard is much higher than you might think. For example, how many lies have you told in your life? Ever stolen anything? Ever been greedy? Ever looked at someone with lust? Have you ever taken God’s Name in vain? You know it’s wrong to murder, but did you know that even hating someone without a cause is the as same murder in God’s eyes? Has God always been first in every aspect of your life? These are a few of God’s laws. And if God is good, then He must punish people who break His laws. (Only an evil judge would let criminals go free.) If you’re honest, you’ll realize you’ve broken His laws. One day you’ll stand before Him on Judgment Day. He’ll find you guilty.
But is there any way out for me?
Yes there is! God crushed His Perfect Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross 2000 years ago. Christ was paying for your lying, greediness, lust - you name it (and mine too!). That’s why His crucifixion was so horrible. God treated Christ like you should have been treated so He can treat you like Christ should have been treated. It is by far the kindest and most loving thing anyone has ever done for you. Imagine yourself on trial and facing judgment for breaking the law; in your case, the penalty is punishment in a place called hell for eternity. However, at just the right time, Christ stepped up to the Judge and paid your fine for you. Then three days later, He rose from the dead proving that God, His Father, had accepted His sacrifice.
But how do I receive this payment…how do I escape His wrath?
In light of His sacrifice on the cross, you must be cut to your heart over your lust, your greed, your gossiping, or whatever other sins you’ve committed. Turn from those sins and place your trust in what He did for you on the Cross. Just tell Him you’re sorry for every lie, every lustful thought, every time you’ve put something before Him (money, yourself, etc.). Tell Him you don’t want anything to do with those sins again. Finally, tell Him you believe He died for you personally on the Cross and that you trust Him to save you from His wrath. (You’re transferring the trust you had in your own goodness over to Christ’s goodness.) When you do that, He promises to save you. He’ll give you a new heart with godly desires. And you’ll be one of His own children, headed to heaven after you die, instead of hell. This is why it’s called the Good News!
What should I do next?
Get a Bible and read it daily – it is like food for your soul. Find other Christians to hang out with and look for ways to share your new faith with others. Make sure you plug into a solid local church – one that teaches straight from the Bible, verse-by-verse, if possible. We’d love for you to visit us at Testament Bible Fellowship. Another excellent tool for finding a good church can be found at NineMarks. In any case, feel free to contact us with any questions or comments you may have.
May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you today!
