by S.M. Ross

Created on: January 04, 2008

"You need to be saved...accept Jesus as your salvation..." Many have heard the drawl of a televangelist speaking those words, but how many really understand what they mean? Many wonder, saved from what? What does it mean to be saved? Their life is in order, their finances are stable and all is well. However, there is more to life than just our time here on earth. There is an afterlife in which you spend and eternity in Heaven with Jesus or Hell with those fallen angels and those that rejected Christ.

Many people feel a loving GOD wouldn't dare be so narrow, but He is holy, and holiness isn't predicated on humanity's good works or how wonderful we think we are. Even if we lived near perfect lives, sooner or later, that old man, better known as sin (Romans 6:6) would surface. It's just in our flawed sinful nature. Everyone is a sinner. Yes, even your sweet Aunt Edna is a sinner. EVERYONE is guilty of sin! The Bible says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of GOD." (Romans 3:23) Sin equals death. There is no way to make this politically correct. The greatest tragedy of today's culture is that EVERYTHING is okay and ANYONE can do it. I know some of you will be angry, but many of the things people say are okay are not okay. The Bible is very clear about how GOD views sin. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our LORD." (Romans 6:23)

GOD knew when He formed the world, we would tell lies. Yes, YOU have told at least one lie. He knew I would steal my dad's change as a kid to buy ice cream; He knew your co-workers would take extra office supplies for home. God is a just God, and so pays us our wages (see Romans 6:23). To satisfy His law of justice, He must have a payment for those sins. Jesus willingly took on each and every sin (2 Corinthians 5:21) EVER committed by ANYONE and was crucified on the cross so we wouldn't have to be. (Romans 5:8)

Another point that confuses people is they believe they are good people. So you don't murder, you help the homeless man on the street and watch your neighbor's kids for free-great, but that's not enough! Only identifying yourself with Jesus will save you. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9) It does seem incomprehensible that God would actually pour out His wrath and send people to Hell, but I must shatter your current belief system and let you know IT IS

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