Bible Basics: Knowing GodSample

Salvation and Faith

By Christopher Hyslop

Many people believe that ‘good’ people will go to heaven and ‘bad’ people will go to hell. We hope our good works will outweigh our sins and earn us a spot in heaven. This type of thinking is called moralism. The problem with moralism is that we put ourselves in the judgment seat, instead of God. God is perfectly holy and perfectly just. This means that in order for us to approach Him in His perfection, we need to meet His standard – and that’s impossible, because no human being can live a sinless life.

The good news is that God knew we wouldn’t be able to save ourselves, and so He provided another way. Jesus, God’s Son, came to Earth in human form. He lived a sinless life and died a sinner’s death, bearing the punishment that we sinners deserved. He was raised to life after three days, defeating death. He reigns in glory, and we will spend eternity with Him because He has forgiven us. Marvellously, we’re not just saved from sin, death, and hell; we’re saved for an incredible future in God’s presence and for the good purposes He’s prepared for us here on Earth. God has made us new creations: our old lives are gone! All we have to do is receive and accept God’s free gift of salvation.

As we wrap up this reading plan, spend some time thinking about the incredible truths we’ve uncovered together. The message of the Bible is the message of God’s pursuit of a relationship with humankind, His beloved creation. Even though we sinned and chose to reject God, He made a way for us to be saved from the sin that separated us from Him. More than that, He gave us the gift of His Holy Spirit to be with us and inside us. This gift of salvation is freely available to anyone who believes in their heart and declares with their mouth that Jesus is Lord, turning from their old ways and stepping into a new life with Him.

In closing, if you feel far away from God – unsure of your salvation – please consider praying this prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your great love for me. Please save me from my sins. I confess that I am nothing without You. I need Your grace and love right here, right now. Thank You that You sent Jesus, Your Son, to die on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins. Thank You that You want to draw me into Your lifegiving presence. Lord Jesus, I confess that You are my Lord and King. I submit my life to You and say, ‘Have Your way in me’. Holy Spirit, help me to daily follow Jesus my Lord. Help me to become more like Him and shine Your light to those around me. I pray this in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

This plan was adapted from the series, Bible Basics: Knowing God, on RightNow Media. To find out more, visit: https://app.rightnowmedia.org/join/shofar