Refuse to Retaliate

 

1 Peter 3:8-12 

SUBJECT: The Glory Inherent in Christian Suffering

THEME: Christ will turn our suffering and unfairness of today into triumph and glory for eternity because we are called to bless others.

INTRODUCTION: No doubt you have been treated unfairly by careless Christians, relatives, or unfortunately close friends. I am also sure it left you hurt, confused, disconcerted, and angry. No doubt a part of you wanted to get back at them…to make them feel what pains you felt! Perhaps you wondered how much longer you could endure the hardships you were facing…not sure if you could take anymore. It may be that you seriously wished that life was all over, and you were already with Jesus…never to suffer again. These are the real feelings and puzzles we grapple with…part of troubled hearts…. God has addressed these real issues to guide Believers’ actions.

Believers are to be like-minded, sympathetic, tenderhearted, and courteous, which means they are to be humble-minded, not trying to lord it over one another. This is to be the attitude and action of a believer among other believers.^[a]

The Lord Jesus expressed these same ideas about showing mercy and kindness instead of getting even or retaliating against those who wrong and abuse us.

Matthew 5:43-48, Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. ⁴⁴ But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; ⁴⁵ That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. ⁴⁶ For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? ⁴⁷ And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? ⁴⁸ Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Luke 6:27-33, But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, ²⁸ Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. ²⁹ And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also. ³⁰ Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. ³¹ And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. ³² For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. ³³ And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.

The key our Lord submitted was that of showing mercy and kindness to the most undeserving refusing to retaliate, but instead going the extra mile to act like we are govern by principles rooted in who we actually are from God’s vantage point. As a result, we bless and not curse, we give grace and not deserts, and we express kindness instead of retaliating. Such actions are consistent with our calling as Believers…people who are summoned to bless should bless everyone and anyone regardless of what happens to us. Peter also subscribes to this kind of thinking and behavior. 

Message:

BE SUBMISSIVE TO CHRIST AND BE GENEROUS TO FELLOW BELIEVERS (1Pet. 3:8-12). 1 Pet 3:8-9, Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

Peter has dealt thoroughly with various groups, Citizens, Servants, Wives, Husbands, and now he addresses them all as a group of Believers.

      A. SHARED OBEDIENCE REGARDING A SINGULAR ATTITUDE (ONENESS OF MIND) Vs 8

In the first two chapters Peter referred to “all kinds of trials” (1:6), accusations of “doing wrong” (2:12), “the ignorant talk of foolish men” (2:15), and “the pain of unjust suffering” (2:19). All these persecutions seem to have resulted from the natural reactions of a pagan society against Christians who faithfully obeyed Jesus Christ.

Peter then warned that a time of more severe persecution and suffering was close at hand. He cautioned Christians to keep clear consciences when facing injustice, to endure the inevitable suffering with Christlike courage.^[b]

We as believers will not see everything in the same fashion.  We won’t agree on everything, but we should have a singleness of heart and oneness of mind. We should remain focused on Christ! The best formula is contained in the well-known expression: “In Fundamentals, unity; in non- essentials, liberty; in everything, love.”

             1. Our minds should be focused on becoming more like Christ.

             2. Our minds should be focused on living holy, righteous, and pure lives.

             3. Our minds should be focused on bearing spiritual character and fruit.

             4. Our minds should be focused on carrying out the ministry and mission of Christ to the world.

      B.  SHARED OBEDIENCE REGARDING COMPASSION Vs 8

Literally, this means to suffer with and this admonition is especially appropriate when given to those undergoing persecution.  We as believers are to:

           1. Suffer with those who are suffering

           2. Weep with those who are weeping

           3. Rejoice with them who have been honored

           4. Understand the pressures of a leader when he leads

           5. Grieve with the sorrows of others.

Real compassion will build unity in a church! These are the things that REAL CHRISTIANS do for each other from the Heart.

      C. SHARED OBEDIENCE TO LOVE, TENDERNESS OF HEART AND COURTESY Vs 8

We as believers must develop a real sensitivity and genuine affection for each other.  We should be the kind of Christians that will deny ourselves for someone else benefit.  We should experience such real love and pity that we are moved to act, help, comfort, support and solace with all humility of heart.

Love as brothers. An unknown author writes:

Providence does not ask us whom we would like to be our brethren—that is settled for us; but we are bidden to love them, irrespective of our natural predilections and tastes. You say, “That is impossible!” But remember that true love does not necessarily originate in the emotions, but in the will; it consists not in feeling but in doing; not in sentiment, but in action; not in soft words, but in noble and unselfish deeds.

Tenderhearted means having a heart sensitive to the needs and feelings of others. It refuses to turn cold, callous, or cynical in spite of abuse.

Courteous—It seems so proper that courtesy should be taught as one of the Christian virtues. Essentially it means humbly thinking of others, putting others first, and saying and doing the gracious thing. Courtesy serves others before self, jumps at opportunities to assist, and expresses prompt appreciation for kindnesses received. It is never coarse, vulgar, or rude.^[c]

      D.  SHARED OBEDIENCE REGARDING BLESSING Vs 9-10

Mutual Christian submission is not characterized by backbiting but with blessing! We are not people with a spirit of retaliation towards those who do us evil; we instead look to be a blessing.  We do not fight with the weapons of hate and evil but with the weapons of love and righteousness.  We are not overcome with evil, we overcome evil with good!

              1.  The Lord Jesus Christ Taught This Concept.

Matt 5:39, But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Matt 5:45, That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Luke 6:35, But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

              2.  The Wisest Man that Ever Lived (King Solomon) Taught This Concept.

Prov 20:22, Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.

Ps 37:34, Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

Prov 24:29, Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.

It takes real faith to believe God through a situation where we are hurting and where we are being treated unfairly, but that is exactly what we are to do. This temptation is amplified by our feelings of fair play. The more justified we feel, the harder it is to refuse to get back at them. But we are not to have a retaliatory spirit; the Lord (His job alone) will make sure that every man gets what he deserves. Rom 12:19-21, Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.  20, Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21, Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

IN LIGHT OF THESE TRUTHS, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TODAY THAT ONLY A CHRISTIAN WOULD DO?

-That boss at work did not treat you right or fairly; do you want to get back at him or her for that obvious wrong?

-Your wife didn’t speak to you with the kindness and respect she should have; do you yell and scream back at her to show her failure?

-That Brother didn’t speak to you at church, so now you aren’t going to speak to him anymore. Is this Christian?

-That Sister hurt your feelings by saying something insensitive to you before others; are you going to make sure you hurt her somehow?

Peter is saying, “Grow up and stop acting like little children!” Your calling it to render a blessing!

Peter says that we are to refrain from constantly speaking evil of others. And we are to refrain from speaking “guile,” from being deceptive and not telling the truth.^[d]

        E.  SHARED OBEDIENCE TO PURSUE PEACE AND PRAYERFULNESS Vs 11-12

                1. We as Believers Are to Turn from Evil and Do Good.

‘eschew’ means to avoid evil or to turn away from evil.   Vs 11

                        (a) We should Turn from the evil of Fornication     1 Cor 6:16.

                        (b) We should turn from the evil love for Money    1Tim. 6:9-11

                        (c) We should turn from the evil of Youthful Lust     2Tim. 2:22

                        (d) We should turn from the evil of Retaliation      1 Pet. 3:9

                2.   We as Believers Are to Pursue Peace.  Vs 11

‘seek’ and ‘ensue’ means to chase after or press after peace.  We are not to wait on it to happen we are to get after it and pursue it.

                         (a) The pursuit of peace is a central theme in the Christian life. Peace with God, Peace with self, and Peace with others. Our Mission is also a mission of peace to the world.

                         (b) The pursuit of peace is the responsibility of the believer when we have offended someone or when someone has offended us. Matt 18:15, Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. Also Luke 17:3-4,

IF GOD FORGAVE US THEN WE ARE TO FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER!  WE DO NOT HOLD GRUDGES OR HARBOR HATRED AND WE DO NOT WORK DECEIT AGAINST EACH OTHER!  GIVE THE GIFT OF FORGIVENESS! Matt 6:14-15, For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15, But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

               3.  God Will Hear the Prayer of Them That Do Good.   Vs 12

Ps 34:15, The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

Isa 65:24, And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.                                 

               4.  God Will Not Hear the Prayers of Them That Do Evil.   vs 12

Ps 66:18, If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

We who belong to Christ and are possessed by Him should bring blessing wherever we go and through whatever we do. To be sure, we live in a world in which we are often confronted by evil. Our natural response is to do evil to those who do evil to us. But Peter reminds us of the basis of Christian ethics and lifestyle: we should not render evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, we should do good to those who do evil. In fact, bringing blessing to others is a part of our Christian calling (v. 9).^[e]

CONCLUSION: 

Clearly, these “figures emphasize God’s watchful oversight and careful attention to His people’s needs (cf. 2:25).”^[f]

Beloved, we must disconnect ourselves from any notion of getting even, fighting fire with fire, retaliating, having our pound of flesh, or reacting in kind! This is a worldly approach to unfair treatments, and it destroyed everyone who is involved in some manner and to some degree. We must respond to unfair conditions in love and generosity in doing so we commend the kingdom of God and fulfill our calling as Blessers!

News like this will help us smile through the tears when life hurts the most because we subscribe to a higher and greater purpose! Certainly, we are sacrificed in the process…we are reduced for the time being…we endure shame to our person. But there is something more important than the world’s definition of our pride, dignity, and worth. There will come, no doubt, a day when the Sum of Our Suffering will equal Glory!  Life and many circumstances may be unfair for the moment, and we will endure difficulties, false accusations, mistreatments, unfair results, and hardships. But great will be the reward of the saint that stays true to the Lord through the hard stuff. 

We must therefore conduct ourselves as brothers with compassion and sensitivity one towards the other. We must seek peace and prayerfulness for each other and all men refusing to resort to a spirit of retaliation. Look further to the words and example of our Lord and follow closely in His steps--for He leads to glory with Him.

We must continue to follow God’s instructions for the grieving saints. God will one day vindicate our faith before this wicked generation just as He did with Noah in his day.

When dreams seem to fade in this life, we will still have the hope of the next life with Christ!

---

^[a] J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary, electronic ed., vol. 5 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997), 699.

^[b] Roger M. Raymer, “1 Peter,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 849.

^[c] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 2269–2270.

^[d] J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary, electronic ed., vol. 5 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997), 700.

^[e] Paul A. Cedar and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, James / 1 & 2 Peter / Jude, vol. 34, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1984), 161–162.

^[f] Roger M. Raymer, “1 Peter,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 850.

Asking for Supernatural Help

 

MATTHEW 7:7-12

 

THEME:  When we reject a fake righteousness, it will enable us to reject a false system of judgment also.

RELEVANCE:  The Lord wants us to exercise wise judgment regarding ourselves, other people, and the Lord himself.

INTRODUCTION: “They have a right to censure that have a heart to help.” -- William Penn

1. This is a final illustration of Pharisee’s practices pertaining to judging. The Pharisees were then judging Christ and finding Him to be inadequate. He was not offering the kind of kingdom they anticipated or asking for the kind of righteousness they were exhibiting. So, they rejected Him. Jesus therefore warned them against hypocritical judging.

2. The scribes and Pharisees were guilty of exercising a false judgment about themselves, other people, and even the Lord. Their false righteousness helped to encourage this false judgment. This explains why our Lord closed this important sermon with a discussion of judgment. In it He discussed four different aspects of judgment: discernment, dynamics, discretion, and discipline.

MESSAGE: 

I.               Dynamics: Ask God for the Ability to Judge Righteously (Matt. 7:7-12).

God gives us the dynamic resources we need to live and treat people fairly and wisely. Why did our Lord discuss prayer at this point in His message? These verses seem to be an interruption, but they are not. You and I are human and fallible; we make mistakes. Only God can judge perfectly. Therefore, we must pray and seek His wisdom and direction. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5).

Young King Solomon knew that he lacked the needed wisdom to judge Israel, so he prayed to God; and the Lord graciously answered (1 Kings 3:3ff). If we are to have spiritual discernment, we must keep on asking God, keep on seeking His will, keep on knocking at the door that leads to greater ministry. God meets the needs of His children.

a.    The Command is to Keep Asking, Seeking, and Knocking (Matt. 7:7).

                                                    i.     Righteous Discernment Requires Supernatural Help.

a.      If we think that we can live out the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount by our own strength, we have failed to realize the supernatural character of the life to which the Savior calls us. The wisdom or power for such a life must be given to us from above. 

b.     How to treat the lost people of this world is a great challenge facing a child of God.

                                                                                                                i.     Every day we rub shoulders with princes and paupers, gentlemen and scoundrels, true and false professors.

                                                                                                              ii.     Some folk need our friendship and help, and we need them, and we ought to pull them to our hearts.

                                                                                                            iii.     Others are rascals and will bring great harm or even destroy us, and we need to push them from us.

                                                                                                            iv.     How are we to know? To ask, seek, and knock definitely is the Christian’s answer to this problem.  

c.      You would be surprised at how many times I have been fooled by people.

                                                                                                                i.     I tend to have a more trusting than suspicious nature. Sometimes this is a great benefit, but other times it can get me into trouble.

                                                                                                              ii.     Isn’t it interesting that Peter, in the early church, knew Ananias and Sapphira were lying (Acts 5:1–11)? I can’t always tell when someone is lying. This is why it is important to make discernment a matter of prayer. 

d.     When you meet new friends, do you ever ask God to make it clear to you how to treat them? I have found out that it is a good idea to do this. 

                                                  ii.     Righteous Discernment Requires Persistent Prayer.

a.      So here we have an invitation to ask and keep on asking; to seek and keep on seeking; to knock and keep on knocking.

b.     Wisdom and power for the Christian life will be given to every believer who earnestly and persistently prays for it.

                                                                                                                i.     “Ask with confidence and humility. Seek with care and application. Knock with earnestness and perseverance.”  ---Adam Clarke's Commentary 

                                                                                                              ii.     “Jesus encourages his followers to ask, seek, and knock, that their deficiencies may be met from the divine supply. The three imperatives … suggest not only perserverance but frequent prayer for any and all needs.” ---The Wycliffe Bible Commentary

b.    The Promise is God Will Give You All You Need to Live With Discernment (Matt. 7:8).

                                                    i.     Be Assured of God’s Answer to Your Requests.

a.      When the conditions for prayer are met, the Christian can have utter confidence that God will hear and answer. This assurance is based on the character of God, our Father.

b.     “Ask God, and he'll answer! Believers should never hesitate to seek God's richest blessings (7:7-8), for God's generosity toward his children far exceeds our human understanding of generosity (7:9-11).” ---Harold Willmington

                                                  ii.     Be Sure You Honor God’s Conditions for Prayer.

a.      Taken out of context, verses 7 and 8 might seem like a blank check for believers, i.e., we can get anything we ask for. But this is simply not true.

b.     The verses must be understood in their immediate context and in light of the whole Bible’s teaching on prayer.

c.      Therefore, what seems like unqualified promises here are actually restricted by other passages.

                                                                                                                i.     For example, from Psalm 66:18 we learn that the person praying must have no unconfessed sin in his life.

1.     Psalm 66:18, If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: 

                                                                                                              ii.     The Christian must pray in faith (Jas. 1:6–8).

1.     James 1:6-8, But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. [7] For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. [8] A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

                                                                                                            iii.     And in conformity with the will of God (1 Jn. 5:14).

1.     1 John 5:14, And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

                                                                                                            iv.     Prayer must be offered persistently (Luke 18:1–8).

1.     Does prayer ever feel as though you are talking to an empty room when nobody's listening? Do you wonder if your requests are an exercise in auto-suggestion? Is prayer a waste of time because God has more important things to do?

2.     Jesus used the ‘how much more’ argument to demonstrate that God is not indifferent or inattentive. Do not attribute those qualities to him. God hears your prayers eagerly and compassionately. God acts on your behalf and for your best. God cares about you personally.

3.     When you pray, remember God's promise to hear your prayer.  If an unjust judge will respond to constant pressure, how much more will a great and loving God respond to his people? We know he loves us; we can believe he will hear our cries for help. We can trust that one day God will bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night. We know as we persist in prayer (Luke 18:1) as we seek to be obedient in this sinful world, can know that God will not keep putting us off. It may seem for a time that our cries go unheard. But one day, God will see that we get justice, and quickly. 

                                                                                                              v.     And prayer must be offered sincerely (Heb. 10:22a).

1.     Hebrews 10:22, Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

c.     The Reason is God Delights in Giving Beneficial Resources to His Praying People (Matt.7: 9-11).

                                                    i.     On the Human Level.

a.      We know that if a son asks for bread, his father will not give him a stone. Neither would he give him a serpent if he had asked for a fish.

b.     An earthly father would neither deceive his hungry son nor give him anything that might inflict pain or be harmful to him.

c.      His natural love and desire to provide for his own would guide him to meet the needs of his child.

                                                  ii.     On the Divine Level.

a.      The Lord argues us to realize that if human parents reward their children’s requests with what is best for them, how much more will our Father who is in heaven do so.

b.     Beloved, God is not a deadbeat dad! He provides for his children!

d.    The Principle is to Treat People With Love and Kindness in Matters of Judging (Matt. 7:12).

                                                    i.     Imitate Your Heavenly Father by Showing Kindness to Others.

a.      The immediate connection of verse 12 with the preceding seems to be this: since our Father is a giver of good things to us, we should imitate Him in showing kindness to others.

                                                  ii.     Test Your Actions By Following the “Golden Rule.”

a.      The way to test whether an action is beneficial to others is whether we would want to receive it ourselves.

                                                                                                                i.     The “Golden Rule” point to the fact that Christianity is not simply a matter of abstinence from sin; it is positive goodness.

                                                                                                              ii.     It may be easy to refrain from harming others, but it is much more difficult to take the initiative in doing something good for them.  The Golden Rule is the foundation of active goodness and mercy -- the kind of love God shows to us every day.      

b.     This is Our Moral Duty to Others.

                                                                                                                i.     That which is pleasing to your self is likely to be pleasing to others.

1.     This is recognized as a good assumption to start with; but it is not always appropriate. Perhaps it would if the “pleasing” was not a matter of self-indulgence. Clearly we should try to please others.

2.     The standard to begin with is what would be pleasing to us; but this will be adjusted as we get to know them better.

                                                                                                              ii.     That which is right for your self is likely to be right for others. But we make at least two mistakes with this.

1.     We claim rights and privileges which we are not prepared to give equally to others. 

2.     We give ourselves freedoms and liberties which we consistently deny to others. This is completely unfair.

3.     My rights should also be afforded to my spouse or brother equally; and my freedoms and liberties are my brother's due also.

4.     What is good for the goose is also good for the gander!  Fair treatment to all regardless of position, station, race, or gender.

                                                                                                            iii.     That which we expect from others we may reasonably expect others to claim from us.

1.     This may appear to fail in recognizing the various relations of classes in society.

2.     But it is based on what is the true equality of mankind. Equality of ability, place, opportunity, education, influence, even of character, there can never be.

3.     But equality in service, mutual service, there can be. The master serves the servant; the servant serves the master. Then Christ's Law clearly applies.

4.     The service I seek is the service I should give. 

                                                iii.     Live in Love to Be Obedient to What the Word Requires (Matt. 7:12).

a.      Not only does this rule describe briefly the behavior expected of Jesus' followers, it also sums up the Law and the Prophets.

                                                                                                                i.     This principle by Jesus is a summary of the moral teachings of the Word. The righteousness demanded by the OT is fulfilled in converted believers who thus walk according to the Spirit (Rom. 8:4). If this verse were universally obeyed, it would transform all areas of international relationships, national politics, family life, and church life.

                                                                                                              ii.     This guiding principle is one of the most misunderstood statements in the Bible. This statement is not the sum total of Christian truth, nor is it God’s plan of redemption. We should no more build our theology on the Golden Rule than we should build our astronomy on “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” 

b.     This great truth is a principle that ought to govern our attitudes toward others.

                                                                                                                i.     It only applies to believers, and it must be practiced in every area of life. The person who practices the Golden Rule refuses to say or do anything that would harm himself or others. If our judging of others is not governed by this principle, we will become proud and critical, and our own spiritual character will degenerate.

                                                                                                              ii.     Practicing the Golden Rule releases the love of God in our lives and enables us to help others, even those who want to hurt us. 

c.      But remember that practicing the Golden Rule means paying a price.

                                                                                                                i.     If we want God’s best for ourselves and others, but others resist God’s will, then they will oppose us.

                                                                                                              ii.     We are salt, and salt stings the open wound. We are light, and light exposes dirt.

 CONCLUSION:

When we reject phony righteousness, we become able to eliminate false systems or sanctimonious standards of judgment also. Our Lord invites us to exercise wise, loving, sensitive, compassionate discernment towards ourselves and other people. Will you accept his generous invitation?

How shall we test our profession of faith? By popularity? No, for there are many on the broad road to destruction. And there are many who are depending on words, saying “Lord, Lord”—but this is no assurance of salvation. Even religious activities in a church organization are no assurance. 

So then...the Cross points to the fact that Jesus is the Savior! As the little chorus goes, “He paid a debt He did not owe, we owed a debt we could not pay.” We have one hope: Salvation through Jesus Christ. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as our Substitute, Redemption, and Forgiveness of sin.

This is exactly what Paul outlines in Romans 10:9-10, writing, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10, For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” We must believe that the Son of God died for our sins, was buried, and God raise Him up again the third day for our justification. It is crucial that we place our faith in Jesus Christ and His Gospel! This is the power of God that saves us (Rom. 1:14-17).

Christ’s suffering at Calvary was God providing payment for our sins. At Calvary sin was paid for in full. Now sinners can be saved—born again to enter a relationship with God. We cannot save ourselves no matter how good, sincere, or diligent we are. Being born again means we become a part of a new family; God is our Father who shares with us His very own divine nature.

Turn then from your unbelief, rejection of God, freestyle living, and self-willfulness and trust Christ the Savior. Turn from your wicked ways and turn to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord today. He promised to save whoever will repent and believe on Him (John 3; Rom. 10:8-13). He is God, who came to earth and became a man to die in our place for our sins. Because of that, we can know God and be with Him forever. How wonderful!