The good news that we would like to share with you is found in the Bible in John 3:16! It says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

You see, from the first man and woman, Adam and Eve and on, the human race has been infected with a scourge called “sin.” The Bible makes that abundantly plain: “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned”[Romans 5:12]. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one. [Romans 3:10]. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God [Romans 3:23]. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” [1 John 1:8].

As a result of our sin, holy and just God must separate Himself from us and pass judgment upon us. “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear” [Isaiah 59:2]. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness” [Romans 1:18]. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” [Romans 6:23], etc. Did you notice in the last Bible verse that condemnation by God is something we have earned? Did you also notice that God is also willing to give us something better?

Because of His limitless loving character, God has created one plan to redeem sinful man and restore him to Himself. The cost was beyond measure ……. the substitute death of His only Son Jesus Christ, God in the flesh; but the gift is free to anyone who meets God’s conditions. There are only two inseparable and simultaneous requirements for God’s forgiveness. One must repent (turn from his sins toward God). Scriptures state, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy” [Proverbs 28:13]. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” [1 John 1:9]. “And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And He is the propitiation (atonement) for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” [1 John 2:1b-2]. And at the same time we must believe that Jesus died for our sins and was buried and rose again for our pardon, by placing our trust in God’s promise. ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” [Acts 16:30b-31a]. “He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” [John 3:18]. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me” [John 13:6]. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” [Acts 4:12]. “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” [John 1:12], etc.

Many think they can somehow earn their acceptability with God and attain heaven. But God says “IMPOSSIBLE!” “But without faith it is ‘impossible’ to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” [Hebrews 11:6]. “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags” [Isaiah 64:6a]. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior” [Titus 3:5-6]. “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].

However, when a person is saved or “born again,” his character and life will be changed. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” [2 Corinthians 5:17]. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” [Romans 12:1].

So there you have it, the good news of the gospel, God’s redemptive plan for man’s salvation. It is simple and clear enough for even a child to understand and believe. But admittedly, God’s infinite love for each of us is awesome and hard to fully comprehend. “But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened (made alive) us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus” [Ephesians 2:4-7].

The question each and everyone must ask himself is, “Have I repented and accepted Jesus Christ’s substitute death for me, trusting only in Him?” If you have not, why not do it now? Simply pray, telling God that you know you are a lost sinner, that you want to change, and that you will receive His Son Jesus, trusting Him as your Savior and Lord. Your eternal destiny depends on it. If you desire more information or help in making this decision, or in any other spiritual matter, please let us know. We would love to serve you.