Sunday, July 19, 2009

TITLE: THE BASICS – THE BIBLE: PART 3a


INTRODUCTION

In the past two devotionals we have studied about the Bible as: 1. the Word of God; and 2. as the ultimate power in the universe. Now we begin a discussion about the Bible as the road map to salvation (eternal life in heaven praising God). Without salvation, there is only damnation (eternal life in hell separated from God).

We begin this discussion by examining our situation as sinners.


SCRIPTURE

Focus Verse: Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

Additional Verses: Romans 3:10, Romans 6:23, John 3:3, John 14:6


DISCUSSION

After Adam yielded to the temptation of satan in the Garden of Eden (Genesis Chapter 3), a sin nature was passed to all his descendants (Romans 5:12). And as a result of the sin nature inherent in all of us, as Romans 3:23 tells us, we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. Simply stated, we are all sinners.

Sin is rebellion against God’s righteousness and truth. Anything that comes between you and God is sin. So now that we know we are all sinners, what does that mean? Romans 6:23a tells us that the wages of sin is death. However, this is not speaking of physical death. This scripture refers to the spiritual death we suffer as a result of our sin. Spiritual death is separation from God.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus Christ tells us that we cannot see the kingdom of heaven unless we are born again (John 3.3). Christ was speaking of a spiritual rebirth. Christ goes on to tell us in John 14:6 that He is the only way to the Father.

So here is the situation: we are all sinners; as the result of our sin we face spiritual death (eternal separation from God); and the only way to God is through Jesus Christ.

How do you obtain salvation? Why is Christ the only way to God the Father? For the answers to these questions, seek out a Bible believing Christian and ask them. Also, these questions will be answered in the next devotional posted to this site. And if you are really curious, read one of the most famous Bible verses, John 3:16.


PRAYER

Father, I pray that Your Holy Spirit will touch the heart of anyone that reads this devotional and has not found salvation and the hope of eternal life in Heaven. Amen.