Sin is destructive and devastating.
It is the rejection of God’s authority; originating from pride, self-centredness and disobedience (as described in Genesis 3). The punishment for sin is death.
Through one man (Adam), sin entered the world — and death through it, spreading to all men because we all have sinned (Romans 5).
The effect is a broken relationship with God, separating us from Him — and rendering us spiritually lifeless. The natural world is also distorted by sin, including our societies that are impacted by injustice, violence and suffering.
While the consequence of sin is absolutely frightening (eternal punishment in hell), God offers forgiveness and salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ, who was crucified for our transgressions, died, was buried — and rose again to life.
By His blood, Jesus defeated death and restores us to the Father (the True and Living God — the Almighty).
God calls us to repentance (to turn away) from sin and to believe the Gospel (the Good News of Salvation) that is offered in His Son — by faith.
Romans 5:1 says that when we believe, we have been justified by faith and have peace with God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
In John 10, Jesus said “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture (life). The thief (Satan) comes only to steal, to kill and to destroy. I (Jesus) have come that they (anyone who would believe) may have life (eternal life), and that they may have it more abundantly.
Only Jesus can give us eternal life and save us from the consequence of sin and hell and eternal judgment.
God’s grace is powerful and by faith in Jesus Christ we have forgiveness of sin and peace with God that we — and the world entire — so desperately need.
Believe the Gospel — for today is the Day of Salvation.
David Czech
Evangelical Uniting Church, Kyabram, chaplain minister
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