How to be Made Right with God

I love this chapter so much. First Paul talks about how humans act. Most of us wouldn't give our lives for anyone, even if they were good. We certainly wouldn't give our lives for bad people, or people that hate us. But that is exactly what Jesus did. He gave His life on the cross for you and for me. I know most of us wouldn't say that we've ever really hated God, but when we sin, it's pretty much spitting in His face.

Sin was first introduced into the world through Adam and Eve, and the consequence was death. Since then, everyone who has ever lived has sinned, and therefore suffers death as well (I know there are a couple of people who were taken to heaven and didn't die, can anyone name them?). But physical death isn't the only thing that we have to worry about. In fact, it is spiritual death that is much scarier, because it results in being separated from God forever. When Jesus came, He lived a perfect life and died for all the things we've done wrong, He made it possible for us to gain forgiveness. He made it possible for us to escape death, not physical death, but spiritual death. Only now do we have the chance to spend eternity with God.

I know that leads to several interesting questions, was His death retroactive? What about the people who died before He came? They had to follow the law and make the sacrifices, but Jesus' death changed everything for everyone! I'm glad that God makes the call of who has eternal life, but I'm also glad that I can be sure of my standing with Him because now my standing with Him has everything to do with Jesus' perfection!

So how are we made right with God? Through faith in Jesus and the sacrifice that He made. We believe, repent (or turn away from) the wrong things we have done, confess His name in front of others, are baptized, and live our lives for Him. Simple...but not easy.

Enjoy the Journey