Have you ever wondered if the Bible is really relevant today?
As a Morrison church pastor, Bible questions are regularly posed to me. I enjoy receiving them, and it is always a blessing to provide answers to modern difficulties from the Bible. The Gospel is one of my favorite topics, and it is the greatest biblical theme.
Man’s Condition
The Bible teaches that all men are by nature and by choice both sinful and lost. Even though man was the direct creation of God (Genesis 1:27), made in His image and likeness, he chose to sin and disobey the revealed will of his creator (Genesis 3:6). Adam thus became the father of a fallen race, which is now universally sinful both in nature and in practice (Psalm 51:5).
While the creator had intended for mankind to freely fellowship with him in sinless union, man is now alienated from the life and family of God. As a result of our sinful actions we “fall short” of his glory (Romans 3:23). Consequently, we face his righteous judgment and wrath. Within ourselves we have no possible means of salvation (Galatians 3:11).
God’s Salvation
The Gospel is indeed “good news” for all of mankind! The Bible teaches salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8, 9). This salvation is the free gift of God, for it is “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us,” as Titus 3:5 instructs.
The saving grace of God is received only by personal faith in his son, Jesus Christ, who gave his life as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. Believers exchange their sinful past for His perfect righteousness, receive the gift of eternal life, and are adopted into the family of God (John 1:12). This salvation also means deliverance from all condemnation (Romans 8:1) as well as eternal security in God’s love and care (John 10:27, 28).
As believers in Christ every spiritual resource needed for life and godliness is available to us (Philippians 1:6). Those who accept the gift of salvation through faith receive not only eternal life, but also the opportunity to live their lives for the savior’s glory. This redemption affects the whole of man, and apart from Christ there is no possible salvation.
