“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:”
Romans 3:10
There is a simple way to understand the separation of man from God, and the only way of redemption. However, there is a great necessity for one to recognize that apart from Christ, there is no hope.
First, one must understand that everyone has sinned. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). God examines man’s heart and our deeds. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). He says that not one of us have met sinless perfection. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10).
Man cannot appease God’s wrath by his own actions.
The good news is that Jesus paid the price for man’s sin. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Moreover, He paid the price with his own blood. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
One must ask, and Jesus will forgive anyone for sin and cleanse that one of that sinful heart. If one will repent. Repent means “to imply pious sorrow for unbelief and sin, and a turning from them to God and the gospel of Christ. To think differently; a change of mind demanding a change of action.” Repentance is a response between a sinful man and God. “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out …” (Acts 3:19). God then gives a brand new clean heart, and when He looks at us, God sees Jesus Christ. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1). We now have the ability to live a life pleasing to the Lord.
The first act of obedience is baptism. “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized …” (Acts 2:41). Baptism is a picture of dying to one’s old life and living a new life “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).
One must then live a life that pleases Him “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). “4b. … even so we also should walk in newness of life. 11. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:4b, 11). The more we learn about this new life, the more we will live like Jesus, which should cause other people to want this new life.
The Gospel message is very simple – one must just believe and receive when called. The invitation is available to anyone (whosoever) who will believe in Jesus. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). Jesus spent much of His ministry calling people to a time of decision – to believe in Him, or choose to reject Him. It is then a Christian’s job to tell others about this wonderful Good News!
Once there has been such a change in one’s heart and life, it is important to learn how to live this new life as a Christian. The New Testament is full of practical application to living a life pleasing to God. The best place to start is:
To know His Word:
- “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11).
- “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
- “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17. That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
To be like Him:
- “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:24).
Choose friends and associates wisely:
- “9. I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: 10. Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world” (1 Corinthians 5:9-10). Company with means to mix together; to mingle; have fellowship or keep company with. Fornicators means an impure or unclean person of whatever kind. Covetous means one who wants more or something that others have; a defrauder for gain. Extortioners means preying upon or seizing by violence; one who extorts. To do any of these things, one would have to go out into the world, with people of this world, to do them. Paul was warning the Christians to avoid, not company with, people like this.
- “14. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 16b. … as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:14, 16b-18). God wants Christians, God’s “sons and daughters”, to not keep company with the world.
Have you believed and received the gift of Salvation only available through Jesus?
Have you focused upon living a new life in Christ?