By Lisa Wilmore
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I am so grateful that God removed the punishment of our sins through His Son, Jesus Christ. If it had not been for Jesus dying and rising from the dead, we would have been charged “Guilty”-justifiably so. The price of sin is death, but “Jesus paid it all and all to Him we owe”. As a matter of fact, we were born and shaped in iniquity; therefore, it is impossible for us, as human beings, not to sin. Scripture reminds us that “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
Notably, animals were sacrificed in the Old Testament; however, the blood of the animals could not accomplish what Jesus’ blood accomplished. Take a minute and thank Him for His Blood. Think about it; He purchased our freedom with His life. His dying and then rising on the third day brought us back into relationship with God. Yes! We have access to God through Jesus Christ. “Without Him, we have no hope at all.” This hope, through Jesus our Savior, gives us another chance.
Amazingly, Salvation is for all who “Confess with their mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead” (Romans 10:9). It does not matter what our past, present or future sins may be, persons are saved the moment that they confess with their mouth and believe in their heart that Jesus is the Savior. Isn’t that “Good News?!”
Equally important, we must be found, as Jesus was when He was twelve years old-about our Father’s business. God’s desire is that no one is lost. Paul stipulates in the book of Timothy, “God will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4 KJV).
Dear hearts, it is our responsibility to share the “Hope” found in Jesus with those who have no hope. If He had not died for our sins, “We would have no hope at all”. So, as you go through your daily lives, share the love of Jesus Christ. Even when it appears that no one is listening, share Him. When you are traveling through the storms of life, encourage yourself by sharing Him with others. Jesus is our hope. Give others hope.
Do you remember the blind beggar man noted in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 18:35)? “Beggars had little hope of escaping their degrading way of life. But this blind beggar took hope in Jesus” (LAP Commentary). “Without Jesus we have no hope at all!”
