Behold, The Lamb of God

JOHN 1:29, 36

Theme: Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, provided the sacrificial substitutionary death that appeased God’s wrath against sin and sinners making our salvation possible. 

Introduction:

Remember, God is not only loving and merciful, but He is also holy, just, and perfect. How can God forgive us without our dying for sin? (See Romans 3:23.) Evidently, Jesus came to deal decisively with our sin problem. W. MacDonald, a Bible scholar and commentator, points out what sin is stating,

Sin is any thought, word, or deed that falls short of God’s standard of holiness and perfection. It is a missing of the mark, a coming short of the target. An Indian whose arrow fell short of its target was heard to say, “Oh, I sinned.” In his language, the same word was used to express sinning and falling short of the target.^[1]

Sinful is an accurate description of every human being since we do not measure up to the perfection of God. Yes, we actually come far short of it because of our sinful thoughts, words, and deeds. The good news is that Jesus paid the penalty in our stead and as our substitute. Recall that Romans 3:23, says “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; ²⁴ Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus”^[2] Then the divine sentence upon sin is rehearsed in Hebrews 9:22, stating “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.”^[3]

Twice in John chapter 1, John the Baptist calls Jesus the Lamb of God—“Behold the Lamb of God” (vs. 29 & 36). What was John saying? Though Scripture reveals the Lord Jesus as the Lamb who will bring fantastic judgment in the future (Rev. 5:6, 12; 7:17), the reference here indicates Christ substitutionary sacrifice for sin. Jesus is the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (Jn. 1:29). Yes, our Lord’s death has far reaching implications for not only Israel, but you and me also…and the entire world. 1John 2:2, says, “And he [Jesus Christ] is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” ^[4]  Just as the need for salvation is universal/worldwide, the provision of God in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, is likewise equally available to all who will repent believing the Gospel.

The Scriptures predicted this ministry of Jesus Christ hundreds of years before when Isaiah said in chapter 53:7, “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, Yet he opened not his mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, So he openeth not his mouth.”^[5] As fascinating as it may seem, God foretold the ministry of Jesus as the Lamb of God—it is one of the greatest anticipations of the Old Testament eras.

Now note what The Bible Knowledge Commentary says concerning Isaiah 53:7,

In verse 7 the quiet, gentle nature of sheep is stressed. Seeing many sheep sheared for their wool or killed as sacrifices, Israelites were well aware of the submissive nature of sheep. Jesus, as the Lamb of God (John 1:29), quietly submitted to His death. He did not try to stop those who opposed Him; He remained silent rather than defend Himself (Matt. 26:63a; 27:14; 1 Peter 2:23). He was willingly led to death because He knew it would benefit those who would believe.^[6]

Let us explore the Old and New Testaments to discover the wealth of meaning John the Baptist involved when he called the Lord Jesus the “Lamb of God.” Let us “behold” this Lamb as John commanded.

THE WORK OF THE SON OF GOD AS THE LAMB—THE SIN-BEARER

The sacrificial substitutionary death of Jesus Christ appeased God’s wrath against sin and sinners making our salvation possible.  Let us recall just a few thoughts from the previous article entitled, The Lamb of God:

Fact: Jesus Christ Is both the Son of God and the Lamb of God. In the Bible, Jesus is referred to by many different names. Each name signifies a particular office or responsibility that He has, and illustrates the functions of that office.

As the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ Was Offered as a Sacrifice by God just as an Israelite would Offer a Lamb in the Old Testament.

John the Baptist was Sent by God to Declare that Jesus is the Christ that Israel had been Waiting for, and that He was also the "Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world" (Jn. 1:29).

Now with that recap in mind, consider Jesus, our Lord, as God’s substitutionary payment for our sin. Our only legitimate Sin-Bearer. Please pause with me to “Behold the Lamb of God.”

JESUS, THE ANTICIPATED SUBSTITUTE FOR OUR SINS (Jn. 1:29, 36)

As the Lamb of God, Jesus came to bear the sin of the whole world that we, through His blood, might have everlasting life. When Jesus died on the cross, He paid the penalty for every sin that was ever committed (2 Cor. 5:21).

2 Cor. 5:21, For he [The Father] hath made him [Jesus] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.^[7]

So, the Lord Jesus (as God’s perfect and pure Lamb) willingly and voluntarily took our sins upon Himself and suffered the consequences of our sin as if he was actually responsible for our failures. Beloved, this was the Father’s grand plan all along. W. MacDonald adds,

How can He [God] receive guilty sinners who come to Him in repentance and faith? The answer is that the Lord Jesus has effectively dealt with the whole problem of our sins, so now we can be reconciled to God.In other words, God made Christ to be sin for us—Christ who knew no sin—that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.^[8]

Dr. W. Wiersbe, pastor and prolific commentator, expands noting,

The Person who reconciles us to God is Jesus Christ, and the place where He reconciles us is His cross.

Another key idea in this section is imputation. This is a word borrowed from banking; it simply means “to put to one’s account.” When you deposit money in the bank, the computer (or the clerk) puts that amount to your account, or to your credit. When Jesus died on the cross, all of our sins were imputed to Him—put to His account. He was treated by God as though He had actually committed those sins.The result? All of those sins have been paid for and God no longer holds them against us, because we have trusted Christ as our Saviour. But even more: God has put to our account the very righteousness of Christ! “For He hath made Him [Christ] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor. 5:21).^[9]

Now follow me as I recount the Biblical history and progressive revelation of this idea and notion of a substitutionary sacrifice for sinners.

      1. The Principal Lamb—a Picture of Atonement

When Adam and Eve sinned, God made them coats of skin for clothing (Gen 3:21). Their sin had opened their eyes to the fact they were naked. They had lost their original innocence and had become unrighteous before God. Blood had to be shed to cover their nakedness. An innocent animal was sacrificed because of their sinful actions.

It is evident from reading the very next chapter (Gen. 4) that the animal sacrificed was very likely a lamb. God had commanded that both Cain and Abel bring a sacrifice, and God had respect to Abel's offering only because it was "of the firstlings of his flock" (Gen. 4:4).

This was a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ as a lamb because He would voluntarily die in order to cover or atone for humanity’s sins. This is exactly the Scriptures describe the work of Christ in

Rom 5:10-11, For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. ¹¹ And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.^[10]

MacDonald observed,

The entrance of sin had brought estrangement, alienation, and enmity between man and God. By putting away sin, which had caused the alienation, the Lord Jesus restored those who believe on Him to a state of harmony with God. ^[11]

The term “atonement” here means at-one-ment; the act of making two estranged parties one or at harmony. Christ’s sacrifice so thoroughly covered our sin debt, that God and repentant sinners can be reconciled.

       2. The Provided Lamb—a Picture of Substitution

In Genesis 22:1-13, the account is given of Abraham when he is told to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. Just as Abraham is about to plunge his knife into Isaac, the angel of the Lord stopped him and told him not to injure his son. As Abraham looked up, he saw a ram caught in a thicket and offered it instead of his son.

In the same manner, Jesus is our substitute. Substitute means one life given in the stead of another. He paid the penalty for our sin as our substitute.

Isaiah 53:6, All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Matthew 20:28, Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

1 Tim. 2:6, Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

1 Peter 2:24, Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

1 Peter 3:18, For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

1 Cor. 5:7, Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

  

Substitute as used here means, that something happened to Christ, it need not happen to us.  Christ died for our sins; we need not die for them if we accept His sacrifice.

       3. The Passover Lamb—a Picture of the Cross

The first time that Israel observed the Passover was during the terrible plagues that the Lord sent against Egypt when Pharaoh would not allow the children of Israel to leave Egypt (Ex. 12).

At that time God told Moses and Aaron to tell every head of the household to take a lamb and kill it. They were to sprinkle its blood on the doorposts (the top and sides of the door frame) of their house. On a given night, the Lord was to pass through the land of Egypt, and in every house that did not have the blood applied to the doorposts, God would kill the firstborn of the household.

The shedding of Christ's blood on the cross, and us applying it to our hearts by faith has the same effect as the blood of the Passover Lamb. It assures safety to those who have applied it, but judgment to those who have not.

Col 1:20, And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

The Believer in Jesus Christ is therefore safe from all the wrath of God!

Exod 12:13, And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

1Thes 1:10, And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

1Thes 5:9-10,  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

        4. The Perpetual Lamb—a Picture of Sacrifice

In Exodus 29:38-42, the Lord institutes a daily burnt offering. The offerings consisted of two lambs, one to be offered in the morning, and one to be offered in the evening. This was to be a continual or daily sacrifice, and it typifies that Christ was made an offering and a sacrifice unto God (Eph. 5:2).

Ephes. 5:2, And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Heb 10:11-12, And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:12, But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; (Also 1Cor. 5:7)

        5. The Precious Lamb—a Picture of Christ

In a great prophetic portion of Scripture in Isa. 53, a description is given of Jesus Christ who would sacrifice Himself as an offering for sin. How precious this Lamb, the Lord Jesus truly is! No one else could do this for us but Him. He willingly and freely gave Himself on our behalf. Note what Isaiah 53:10-12 says,

  Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief:

When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin,

He shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days,

And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

¹¹          He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied:

By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many;

For he shall bear their iniquities.

¹²          Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great,

And he shall divide the spoil with the strong;

Because he hath poured out his soul unto death:

And he was numbered with the transgressors;

And he bare the sin of many,

And made intercession for the transgressors.^[12]

Beloved, it is with great wonder and awe that we behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world! What love is this! What excellent mercy towards us sinners! What joy and thanksgiving Christ sacrifice deserves! How incredible that God remains just and becomes the justifier of those who believe the Gospel! Beloved, God was pleased and satisfied with Christ’s great offering and sacrifice for our sins! No more sacrifices are required. Jesus said, it is finished! Truly all that is necessary for us to be saved has been graciously provided for us. Our part is to repent, believe, and receive it. When studying these and other related passages, it is not hard to understand why John the Baptist referred to Jesus as “The Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world” (see also Rev. 5:6 and I Pet. 1:19).  It is so important to pause periodically to behold this Lamb.

Conclusion:

Yes, for centuries godly Jews had anticipated the “Lamb” provided by God; the Lamb who would effectively deal with sin and its guilt. Finally, John stands on the banks of the Jordan declaring he had arrived. Behold, the Lamb of God! John was prompting his original audiences to realize that the long promised substitutionary sacrifice for sins had finally come! No more waiting and anticipating. The Lamb of God is here right now. See there he is—Jesus the Christ!

Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and He fulfilled His office as the Lamb of God. He died for our sins exactly as the Scriptures foretold He would and in full concert with his own predictions. John the Baptist introduced the Lord Jesus as the “Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” We can believe the testimony of God, John the Baptist, and many others!

Two thousand years ago Jesus paid for my sins fully, and in August of 1990, I actually humbled myself before God acknowledging my sinfulness and need for Jesus Christ. I realized I needed God’s forgiveness and salvation and cried out to Him for mercy and grace. God forgave me because of my trust in Jesus Christ as my Lamb who took responsibility for my sins. So, the Lord Jesus is not only God’s provided Lamb, but he is also the Lamb for me. Yes, Jesus is my Lamb. What about you?

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^[1] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1688). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[2] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Ro 3:23–24). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[3] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Heb 9:22). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[4] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., 1 Jn 2:2). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[5] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Is 53:7). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[6] Martin, J. A. (1985). Isaiah. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 1108). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[7] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., 2 Co 5:21). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[8] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1842). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[9] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 649). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[10] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Ro 5:10–11). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[11] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1697). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[12] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Is 53:10–12). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

The Perfect Sacrifice

Many believers reflect on the death of the Lord Jesus several times during the course of a week for numerous reasons. Others perhaps think about Him offering up Himself to God weekly during church services or when it is mentioned in a sermon. No doubt there are people who consider Christ’s redemptive sacrificial death once or twice a year during the religious holidays. Then finally, there are many who never give Christ’s sacrifice a second thought.

To ponder His sacrifice recalling His suffering undoubtedly moves one at the very core. Such serious mediations give birth to the most profound gratitude. This automatically ignites a sense of obligation to live for the Christ who died for all. One can never repay Him for His sacrifice; to even attempt to do so would deeply insult a gracious God. At the same time one should never take His Cross for granted. Certainly it is a truly healthy exercise to meditate on the significance of Calvary.

The consideration in this essay is the perfection of His sacrifice. It fulfilled and completed all that Aaron’s priesthood and the tabernacle anticipated under the old covenant and thoroughly satisfied the Father’s will regarding the full atonement for sin and the sanctification of believers. Now believers enjoy complete access to God through the “new and living way” offered at Calvary’s altar.

CHRIST IS THE PERFECT SACRIFICE FOR HEAVEN

William Newell (Hebrews Verse by Verse) noted that the focus is on Christ as high priest and not as Redeemer and so the emphasis is on cleansing the conscience of dead works to serve the living God (9:14). In Hebrews 9:10-15, one can see how the value of Christ’s sacrifice was presented in Heaven, it secured eternal redemption for sinners, and it cleanses the conscience to prepare believers for service to God.  The Lord Jesus’ sacrifice also dedicated and initiated the New Testament affording an eternal inheritance to believers.

Again it is obvious in Hebrews 9:22-28, that Christ’s sacrifice facilitated the dedication of the New Testament. Jesus’ perfect sacrifice literally provided purification for sin in Heaven itself, and it afforded Christ access into the presence of God on behalf of Christians. Newell observed that cleansing was required in Heaven because, “the record of man’s sin existed in Heaven. But when the great Sin-Bearer entered…into Heaven…sin had been put away from God’s sight through the value and power of the infinite sacrifice of Himself.” It was the sacrifice of Christ Himself once and for all that actually put away the sins of many and no more sacrifices are necessary. This perfect Sacrifice satisfied Heaven’s holiness and justice!

CHRIST IS THE PERFECT SACRIFICE FOR SINS

Hebrews 10:1-4, tells of the inadequacies of OT sacrifices under the law. These only foreshadowed the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ; those annual offerings could not cleanse the conscience they could only remind Israel of their sinfulness. The words “make …. perfect” (10:1) means “to bring to a state of completeness.” The ceremonial law could not actually save the believer. Its work was always short of completeness. To “make… perfect” does not mean sinless perfection, but that definitive removal of guilt that makes free access to God possible for worshipers trusting in the sufficiency of the Cross. Animal sacrifices were entirely unable to take away sins, but Christ’s was totally able to.

This sacrifice is why God the Word became a human being. Hebrews 10:5-10, reports that the body and incarnation of Christ enabled Him to satisfy the Father’s will as the perfect sacrifice. His offering enabled Him to replace the old sacrificial system with the actual execution of God’s will—the sanctification of sinners once and for ever. The perfection of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ was not for show or charming. Humanly speaking, His death was a brutal execution. Divinely speaking, Calvary was a sacrifice for sin, an offering that satisfied God’s justice and at the same time expressed His passionate love and mercy for all. Everyone would certainly be destroyed if God were only just and not also merciful (see Rom. 3:21–25). Though the perfect death of Jesus was pleasing to God, it was still unpleasant and terrifying. Yet, He willingly, freely, and completely gave Himself to this Cross without any reluctance or hesitation.

Then in contrast to the OT priests and the voluminous offerings, Christ offered one sacrifice that actually dealt with sin and perfected salvation for believers (Hebrews 10:11-18). Thus Calvary affords believers the New Covenant promises of the indwelling Spirit of truth, the complete forgiveness of sins, and it stands as the final sacrifice forever.

Accordingly Christians have been “perfected” and are being “sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14). They are set apart for God—“them that are sanctified” (see 10:29). The “sanctified” are all true believers having been set apart to God from the world. The blood of Jesus Christ secures their sanctification (being both purified and related directly to God for His work (see Eph. 2:11–22)).  

Christians are also set apart before God. They have been “perfected” in a twofold sense. First, they have a perfect standing before God the Father in all the acceptability of His beloved Son. Thus their status in God’s presence is “perfect” (Heb. 11:40; 12:23). They approach God with the full approval secured through Christ’s Cross (Heb. 10:19-22). Secondly, they possess a perfect conscience regarding the guilt and penalty of sin. They are confident that the price has been paid in full and that God will not demand payment a second time. Christ’s offering is the perfect sacrifice for sin.

CHRIST IS THE PERFECT SACRIFICE TO ACCESS GOD

Because of Christ’s sacrifice and priesthood believers can enter directly into God’s Presence freely (Hebrews 10:19-25). Note what Newell (pg. 344) said, “It is into the presence of God, as God, that believers are invited to come with boldness.” This is the phenomenal entrance into God’s throne room Christ’s blood secured!

This access and His high priestly ministry afford confidence to approach an all holy God. In fact all believers are priests who may boldly enter into the Heavenly Holy of Holies! Christ’s death (Matt. 27:51) gave believers the needed access and route to God. The priesthood of Christ affords every believer the assurance of thorough cleansing. It likewise stirs them to be steadfast in professing Christ, to motivate others to love and service, and to be faithful to Christ and His church in anticipation of His return. Christ’s Cross motivates the believer to holiness, love, service, faithfulness, sacrificial labors, and hope in a coming Lord. 

“Let us draw near” (10:22) then. Access to His Majesty is the believer’s blood-bought privilege. How wonderful beyond all words that they are invited to have audience, not with this world’s celebrities, but with the Sovereign of the universe! Their approach should be with utter sincerity having a genuine heart for God. They are to draw near with total confidence in the promises of God convinced they will have a gracious reception into His presence. Rejoice in the fresh and revitalizing realities of the New Covenant!

So the Sacrifice of Christ purged sin, and dedicated the New Testament while fulfilling the Old.  The New Covenant provides eternal redemption, thorough forgiveness of sin, and the anticipation of Christ’s return with full salvation. Believers have no need of any other religious system or supplements to Christ’s service in order to have a clear—guilt free— conscience with God.

The Sacrifice of Christ took away sin forever and sanctified every believer—this is the very will of God. Now believers enjoy a status before God that can only be described as “perfect.” They may confidently approach God through the blood of Christ knowing they are fully accepted!  

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

 

We must believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ in order to be saved by God’s amazing grace. Since we all are sinners by our thoughts, motives, and actions we need God’s forgiveness. If we are honest, we all would have to admit that often we do not live up to our own expectations. It stands to reason then, that we certainly do not live up to the impeccable requirements of a perfectly holy God! One thing we all correctly confess is that “nobody is perfect.” Sinfulness in each of us is why we are so painfully imperfect. We need to be saved by Jesus Christ because of our sinfulness.

Who is Jesus Christ? He is the Son of God and God the Son—the mighty Creator and able Sustainer of the entire expansive and massive universe. He became a man that He may fulfill God’s redemption plan to become the Sacrifice for the sins of all humanity. Jesus is the only Person to ever live a perfectly sinless life, and this demonstrated that He alone could make the perfectly sinless Sacrifice payment for all sins. He did this to save us from our sins. What does "save" mean? It means that upon faith in Christ and His Sacrifice, God forgives our sins, adopts us as His children, places His Spirit within us, reserves a place for us in Heaven, and grants us eternal life all for free. To be saved also means to be rescued from the eternal penalty of sin, which is everlasting conscious suffering in a literal Hell. This is why God became a man. What is the Gospel? The Gospel is the fact that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and on the third day He arose from the dead demonstrating that He was indeed God, and that He had satisfied all requirements of payment for our sins. His suffering, bloodshed, and death on Calvary's cross are the full payment for our sin, and God completely accepted Christ's payment on our behalf. Yes, Christ paid our sin debt in full!

What is meant by “believe”? To believe is to place our trust/full confidence in Jesus Christ who died in our place taking the responsibility for our sins upon Himself. To believe is to fully acknowledge that Jesus Christ is God, and the only means of establishing a relationship with God. In addition, believing is accepting the truth that Jesus Christ literally, physically, and supernaturally rose from the dead. God saves us graciously when we believe Him--what the Bible records concerning Christ. What is grace? Grace is God freely giving us salvation and forgiveness without us deserving it or earning it through our works, efforts, religious rituals, or attempts to please God. Salvation is to be received as a free gift offered by a gracious God who loves us enough to take our punishment for sin upon Himself. Now read carefully the following Bible passage because it reveals specifically how we can place our faith in Jesus Christ and receive the gift of eternal life.

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9, 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.11, For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12, For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13, For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 17, So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Rom 10:8-13, 17)

This passage reveals that upon acknowledging that Jesus Christ is God and Lord, we trust with all our hearts that He died to pay for our sins and that God was so pleased with Christ’s Sacrifice that He raised Jesus from the dead. Presently, the living resurrected Lord Jesus is waiting to save (rescue from the eternal consequences of sin in Hell) anyone who will turn to God while believing the Gospel. Anyone who calls upon God in repentant prayer asking for forgiveness—to be saved—is guaranteed by God that He will respond and rescue them from the guilt and offenses they have amassed against Him. We can believe this and act on God’s Word by crying out to Him for mercy on us as sinners who have lived to date in rebellion against Him. God, for Jesus’ sake, will have mercy and save us if we do so!

Again faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the ONLY WAY to enter into a Relationship with GOD. There is absolutely no other means or ways for us to be saved. Read carefully the following verses because they communicate this vital truth to us most convincingly.

• ·        Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)
• ·        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)
• ·        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. (John 3:16)
• ·        Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:21)

Salvation is through Christ Jesus alone. It does not matter how hard we work, sincere we are, how much we serve, how long we have been a part of some church or religious organization, or how hard we try; we cannot secure our own salvation. God can save anyone who truly turns to Him regardless of how sinful, wicked, rebellious, and offensive our lives have been to Him. We must repent (have a change of mind and heart leading to a change of direction) and come to God through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the full and complete payment for our awful sins.  Sin is vile rebellion against a righteous and perfectly holy God. It includes our thoughts, desires, and deeds! Yes, every human being, without any exceptions, stands utterly guilty before God until we receive His forgiveness.

Turn from sin and its devastating eternal consequences unto Jesus Christ to save you. Ask Him in faith to save you immediately. Turn from your past of unbelief and rejection of God's salvation and use your faith to embrace Jesus Christ fully as your Lord and Savior. In faith cry out to God and ask Him to forgive you for your sin; ask Him to give you eternal life because you accept Jesus Christ. God will save anyone who comes to Him on His terms. This is His solemn promise to you. Turn to God through faith in Christ today!