Have You Been Forgiven?

"He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be the judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that through his name everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins.”  Acts 10:42-43

The Bible teaches that one day Jesus is going to judge the living and the dead.  That means everyone.  That means you and me.  Jesus will sit on His great white throne (Rev 20:11-15), and He will judge every act, including every hidden thing (Eccl 12:14).  He will judge every careless word we speak, and even our secrets (Mt 12:36-37; Rm 2:16).  In other words, God is going to hold you accountable for everything you've ever done. 

Then Jesus will separate the sheep from the goats (Mt 25:31-41).  The goats will be cast into hell -- the eternal fire.  And the sheep will be welcomed into heaven. 

Question:  Who are the sheep? 

Answer:  The sheep are those who believe in Jesus.  "Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sin."  Let me point out three things:

     1) "Everyone."  The offer of forgiveness is extended to everyone.  God wants everyone to be forgiven.  That includes you, no matter who are or what you have done! 

     2) "Believes."  Forgiveness is given to those who believe in Jesus Christ.  Belief is the only condition.  Not good works.  Not religiosity.  Not ritualism.  Not the sacraments.  Belief in Jesus Christ.  Faith.  Trust.  Relying upon Jesus Christ alone for salvation.  Putting all your faith in Jesus as God's payment for your sins. 

     3) "Forgiveness of sins."  Those who believe will be forgiven.  God will not hold your sins against you.  You will not be punished for your sins.  You will not have to pay for your sins in purgatory.  You will be forgiven.  Your debt will be canceled.  You will not experience any condemnation for your sins (Rm 8:1). 

Question:  Who are the goats?

Answer:  If the sheep are the believers, then the goats are the unbelievers.  The goats are those who reject Jesus Christ.  This includes the atheist who denies the existence of God; the idolater who worships a false god; the prideful man who trusts in his good works; and the religious man who trusts in his rituals and sacraments.

Today, please make sure that you are a sheep and not a goat.  Put your faith in Jesus Christ.  Do not delay.  Today could be your last chance. 

Question:  What does it mean to believe in Jesus? 

Answer:  To believe in Jesus for salvation you must...

     A) Admit that you are a sinner in need of a Savior.  Admit that you deserve hell, and that you cannot save yourself. 

     B) Believe in Jesus as God's payment for your sins. 

     C) Call on Jesus to be your Lord and Savior. 

If you would like to know more about how to put your faith in Jesus for salvation, please reach out to me.  I would love to help!