The Gospel Message

Our world is divided on so many things. More than ever it seems we find things that separate us from one another and from God. People have a tendency to divide themselves into groups – good and bad people. But, did you know that according to God’s Word, we have an even greater problem than the things that divide us? We all have a common problem and that is separation from God because of sin. The Bible refers to it as being lost. Regardless of which group you place yourself in, God says that every person that has ever lived is a sinner, and any sin separates us from God. That includes you and me.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

That is me, you, everybody! It takes one sin to make a sinner. Just one. We are all guilty before God. Unfortunately, the Bible also says:

 “the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23)

Did you notice that it says, “wages?” Sin is paid for with death. Unless we respond to what the Scripture says, the death that pays for our sins will be our own. This death is eternal separation from God in hell.

Are you thinking that you should make things right in your life before you come to Jesus? Many people feel that way, but that’s not what God says! There is Good News!

“But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!” (Romans 5:8)

According to man’s rules, people should be punished or rewarded according to how good they are, and it might be hard for you to understand how Jesus could love you when other people don’t seem to. But I have great news for you! Jesus DOES love you! More than you can ever imagine! And there’s nothing you can do to make Him stop!

He has paid the debt you owe for sin. Jesus Christ died on a cross to pay the debt on your behalf. They buried Him in a tomb, but three days later He appeared alive to demonstrate that He alone had the power over death. What you owed in wages was replaced with a gift to you.

God says that you can’t make yourself right with God by being a better person. God wants to save you JUST BECAUSE HE LOVES YOU!

“He saved us, not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy.” (Titus 3:5)

It’s God’s grace that allows you to come to Him – not your efforts to “clean up your life” or work your way to Heaven. You can’t earn it. It’s a free gift.

“For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift – not from works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

For you to come to God, your sin must be paid for. God’s gift to you is His Son, Jesus, who paid the debt for you.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

Jesus paid the price for your sin and mine by giving His life on Calvary’s cross. God brought Jesus back from the dead and paved the way for you to have a personal relationship with Him through Jesus.

What must I do to be saved? That is the question. It was asked a long time ago of two of Jesus’s followers. The answer they gave then is the same answer all men need today.

“Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved…” (Acts 16:31)

In Romans, the Apostle Paul wrote:
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10 NIV)

God says that if you believe in His Son, Jesus, you can live forever with Him in glory.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV)

Do you recognize you are a sinner?

Do you want forgiveness for your sins?

Do you believe Jesus died on the cross for you and rose again?

Are you willing to surrender your life to Christ?

Are you ready to accept the gift of eternal life that Jesus is offering you right now?

If it is your sincere desire to ask Jesus to come into your heart as your personal Lord and Savior, then talk to God from your heart:

Here’s a Suggested Prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I have sinned against You. I know that I am a sinner and do not
deserve eternal life. I want forgiveness for my sins. I believe You died and
rose from the grave to purchase a place in Heaven for me. Jesus, come into my
life, take control of my life, forgive my sins, and save me. I am now placing my
trust in You alone for my salvation, and I accept your free gift of eternal life.
This I ask in Jesus’s name. Amen.”

If you have trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, please let us know. We want to celebrate with you and rejoice in what God has done in your life and help you grow spiritually.

If you aren’t ready yet and have questions or concerns you would like help with, please call or write and let us know. We’re here to help you understand the love that Jesus is offering you for free, no matter who or where you are.

Email us at dom@tnvalleybaptistassociation.org or call (423) 775-6192.

*Bible verse citations are Holman Christian Standard Bible version unless otherwise noted.