Beth Chai Ministries

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Why do we need SALVATION?

Problem #1: Separation from God

Sin Alienates Us from God Genesis 2:17; 3:8 - Adam and Eve's sin separated them from God. They could no longer bear to be in His presence, but sought to avoid Him. Isaiah 59:1,2 - Our sins and iniquities separate us from God, so He will not hear us. Ephesians 2:12 - People in sin (v1-3) are separated from Christ and without God in the world. Forgiveness Restores Our Relationship to God Romans 5:6-10 - Though sin deserves punishment, God loves us so much He sent His Son to bear our punishment so we could be saved. Ephesians 2:13,17-19 - Though we were separated and far from God, we can be made nigh by the blood of Christ and have access to the Father. Colossians 1:21-23 - Our evil works make us enemies alienated from God, but through Jesus' death we can be reconciled (made friends again). Surely the serious consequences of sin should lead us to see our need for forgiveness. Having obtained forgiveness, we should continue to live faithfully so we can continue in God's fellowship.

Problem #2: Alienation between Loved Ones

Sin Is a Barrier Between Loved Ones. Husbands and wives may be alienated by mistreatment, adultery, or alcoholism. There may be bitterness, quarreling, and even divorce. Parents and children may have conflict. Parents may be unloving, abusive, stubborn, or selfish. Or like the prodigal son, children may rebel or become involved in immoral conduct (Luke 15:11-13). Children in a family may be alienated because of jealousy, selfishness, deceit, or hatred. Alienation may also occur in the church or between friends. There may be religious error, lying, slander, jealousy, pride, racial prejudice, stubbornness, etc. (James 3:14-18; Gal. 2:11-14; Rom. 16:17). Sin can cause all these tragedies between people who should love one another.

Forgiveness Reunites Loved Ones. In these cases, we must seek to obtain forgiveness, not just from God, but also from the people we offended. And those who have been wronged, must be willing to forgive. Luke 15:18,21 - The prodigal son confessed he had sinned both against heaven and his father. Matthew 5:23,24 - We must seek reconciliation with those we have wronged. Luke 17:3,4 - People who sin against others should express repentance. If they do, others must willingly forgive them. [Matthew 6:12,14,15] Have you made your life right with those you have wronged? When people repent, do you forgive like you want God to forgive you?

Problem #3: Loss of Self-Respect

Sin Makes Us Feel Worthless and Defeated Sin alienates us, not only from God and from our fellow-man, but also from ourselves. Job 42:6 - Job abhorred himself for his sin. When we fully face the consequences of our deeds, we think, "How could I do such a thing?" Matthew 26:33-35,69-75 - Peter affirmed he would die rather than deny Jesus. Yet before the night was over, he denied Jesus three times with cursing and swearing! Such conduct gives one a sense of utter failure. Sin makes people miserable. Forgiveness Restores Our Sense of Worth. 1 Timothy 1:12-16 - Paul had been "the chief of sinners," because he opposed Christ and persecuted Christians. Yet he was forgiven and became one of Jesus' most effective servants. The apostle Peter, when he had repented of denying Jesus, preached the first gospel sermons both to Jews and to Gentiles (Acts 2 & 10). Surely his disappointment in his sins was overcome by forgiveness and faithful service to Christ. Matthew 20:25-28 - God does not view us as great because we have authority, fame, power, pleasure, or possessions. Rather we are great because we faithfully serve God and our fellow-man. Like a child who breaks a precious possession, we may ruin our lives by sin. Yet God can give us a new beginning - "newness of life" (Rom. 6:4). Do you want this blessing? If you once had it, are you continuing to serve God faithfully?

REASONS 4 THROUGH 6 NEXT WEEK