We’re often confronted with big questions about purpose, morality, and what happens beyond this life. The following truths provide hope, clarity, and assurance as they address these universal concerns.
The Human Condition
Across cultures and throughout history, there’s a shared understanding that behaviors like stealing, lying, and harboring jealousy are morally wrong. If we were to standardize the attributes of a good person, these behaviors would certainly be excluded. Yet, if we examine ourselves honestly—our actions, thoughts, and motives—we might see that we have all fallen short at some point in our lives.
Take a moment to reflect on the following questions:
In your lifetime—from early childhood until now—have you ever:
- Taken something that wasn’t yours, even something small? This might include taking someone’s pen, copying someone’s work, or not intending to return something borrowed.
- Lied about something, regardless of its perceived importance? For example, exaggerating a story, telling a “little white lie,” sharing unverified news, gossiping, or even lying by omission.
- Felt jealousy over someone’s qualities, relationships, achievements, possessions, or experiences?
If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, it reveals an issue common to all of us: imperfection. None of us measure up perfectly to even our own standards, let alone a divine standard.
A Perfect Standard
There is, however, a divine standard revealed by the one true God—the Creator and sustainer of the universe. Known as God’s Law, the Ten Commandments reflect His perfect holiness and provide a guide to right living. This absolute moral standard serves as a mirror, showing us how far we fall from God’s perfection and revealing our need for His mercy.
Now, consider these questions:
In your lifetime, have you ever:
- Used expressions like “Oh my God!” casually?
- Fostered lustful thoughts about someone attractive?
If you answered “yes” to these, you’ve already broken several of the Ten Commandments. Violating even one commandment at any point signifies a breach of God’s law—regardless of how slight it may seem. This imperfection we all share is called sin, and it ultimately separates us from God. This is why the Bible says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
The Law Upheld
Because a human judge is just, he must punish crimes. Bound by the law, a judge delivers verdicts based on evidence, without bias or leniency. His judgment must remain fair and impartial, regardless of personal feelings. Serious offenses, such as theft, murder, or assault, demand a just response, while even minor infractions carry consequences. Overlooking crimes would undermine the integrity of the justice system.
We expect and respect justice in our human courts; similarly, God’s justice is part of His nature.
God, being just, must punish evil, and sin is no exception. In His holiness and goodness, He upholds His perfect moral law. Every sin, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is a violation of that law. If God were to overlook sin, He would compromise His holiness and goodness. His goodness necessitates that He cannot tolerate evil, and thus, justice is a reflection of His perfect character. To allow injustice would imply a flaw in His nature.
Abounding Mercy
Sin brings about consequences both in this life and the next. Death and judgment are inevitable. The ultimate consequence of sin is eternal separation from God, His sustaining power, and life-giving presence—in a hopeless place of everlasting suffering.
We cannot escape this fate through our own efforts or works. Just as a criminal cannot pay off a fine with good deeds, we cannot make ourselves right with God by simply being good—we are too corrupted by sin. We all need a solution beyond ourselves.
Here’s the good news: while God is perfectly just and must punish sin, He is also incredibly merciful. In His immense love, God provided a way for us to be forgiven. He bridged the gap between Himself and humanity by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to take on the punishment for our sins—offering us a way to be reconciled to Him.
This is the essence of the Gospel: the depth of God’s love and His provision for our redemption (John 3:16).
Justice Satisfied
Jesus Christ, being fully man without ever ceasing to be fully God, lived a sinless life and died on the cross, making a complete and sufficient atonement for our sins through His shed blood. He rose bodily from the dead on the third day, ascended to heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father as our Intercessor. Through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God’s justice is fully satisfied.
This sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the foundation of what the Bible calls “salvation”—God’s free gift of eternal life.
A Conditional Gift
However, this gift requires a response: you must choose to accept it. Those who choose not to will face the ultimate consequence of sin. To receive the gift of salvation, you must repent and place your faith in Jesus Christ.
Repentance is more than feeling remorse for wrongs. It is a profound acknowledgment of your sinfulness before a holy God, and a sincere commitment to turn from sinful living. True repentance also means renouncing any dependence on your own efforts, good deeds, or religious practices to earn forgiveness. It is a heart transformation that redirects you from your own path to God’s way, recognizing that only He can save you through Jesus Christ.
Saving faith goes beyond mere intellectual knowledge of God. Even demons believe in God, but that belief does not save them. Instead, saving faith is an active, personal trust in Jesus Christ as the only source of salvation, relying entirely on His sacrificial death and resurrection as the basis for your forgiveness, rather than your own efforts.
The Bible promises, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).
The Urgency of Decision
Consider this: a googolplex is the largest recognized mathematical number—a 1 followed by a googol of zeros. A googol itself is 1 followed by 100 zeros. It’s an unfathomably large number, far greater than the total number of particles in the observable universe. Yet, even a googolplex of years doesn’t compare to eternity. Eternity has no end—it continues on forever, beyond anything we can fully grasp.
The reality of eternity is pressing, and each moment on this earth is fleeting. The consequences of the decisions we make here will last forever. If you were to die today, do you know where you would spend eternity? Everything can change in an instant—then there is only before and after.
Invitation to Respond
Jesus is the only way to God (John 14:6), and He is offering you forgiveness and eternal life right now. The decision you make today is the most important one you’ll ever make. It will change everything—your future, your purpose, and your eternity.
You can receive God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ by going to Him in prayer right where you are. Take a moment to reflect, then pray the following prayer out loud with sincerity:
Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner in need of Your grace. I believe You died for my sins according to the Scriptures, that You were buried, and that You rose again on the third day. I turn from my sin and place my trust in You alone for salvation. I confess You as my Lord, and I believe in my heart that God raised You from the dead. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life through Your sacrifice. Help me to follow You and live in obedience to Your will. In Your name, I pray. Amen.
If you have placed your trust in Jesus Christ, you have received God’s gracious gift of eternal life. You are now a child of God (John 1:12) and your sins are forgiven.
A Resolute Knowing
How can you know for sure that you are saved? The Bible gives us this assurance: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). This is based on God’s promises, not on our feelings or efforts. The Holy Spirit now dwells within you, confirming that you are His child (Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:16). This inner witness is a profound assurance of salvation. You can also know you are saved by the transformation that begins to happen in your life. The Bible promises that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The more you grow in your relationship with Jesus, the more His character will be reflected in your life.
What’s Next?
- Bible Study—Start reading the Bible, beginning with the book of John. Aim to read a chapter each day to build familiarity with Scripture. If you don’t have Bible, you can download one here. The NIV is a good translation to start with.
- Prayer—Set aside dedicated time each day to pray. Prayer is your direct communication with God, and it is vital for developing a personal and intimate relationship with Him.
- Worship—Find a church that honors Jesus Christ and teaches the Bible faithfully. Attend regularly to glorify God, receive spiritual nourishment, and grow in your faith alongside other believers.
- Baptism—Be baptized as a public declaration of your faith, symbolizing your new life in Christ and unity with other believers. Speak with a local church or fellow believer to take this step.
- Community—Build relationships with other believers by joining a Bible study group or participating in church activities. This creates mutual accountability, encouragement, and support in your faith journey.
- Witness—Live in a way that reflects your new faith, and share the good news of salvation with others.
Remember, your journey doesn’t end here. The Holy Spirit will empower you, guide you, and equip you to live a life that reflects God’s love and grace.