Knowing God

What does the Bible teach about God? It teaches that God is our Creator who made the world and the universe. He is the One who created man and woman in His image. It also teaches that the Lord is holy, completely separate from sin and evil: “There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee…” (1 Samuel 2:2). “Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:3).

But every person born into this world is a sinner and is separated from God because of his sin.“Wherefore, as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Rom. 5:12). “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). Everyone stands guilty of disobeying God’s Word, such as the Ten Commandments (i.e. taking the Lord’s name in vain, dishonoring parents, committing adultery, lying, stealing, etc.). You must admit you are a sinner and that no amount of good works or religion can change that. Admit it to yourself and admit it to God.

And because you are a sinner, you are condemned to judgment for all eternity.“For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23). “…and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:15). There is nothing you can do to save yourself from the judgment you deserve. You cannot be good enough: “…there is none that doeth good, no, not one” (Rom. 3:12). You cannot be saved by keeping the law, joining a church, or being baptized: “…by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified” (Gal. 2:16). You are helpless. You cannot save yourself.

But there is GOOD NEWS! In spite of your sin, God loves you and has done everything necessary for your salvation. “For when we were yet without strength (helpless), in due time Christ died for the ungodly” (Rom. 5:6).“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit” (1 Peter 3:18).

Just believing intellectually that you are a sinner, that God loves you and that Christ died for you is not enough. You must apply this to yourself personally by repenting and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as your own Savior. Repentance is “a change of mind” brought to your heart by the Holy Spirit through God’s Word. It causes you to turn from your sins, dead religion and works to trust Christ alone. “…except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12).

Right now, you can enter into a personal relationship with God! “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Rom. 10:13). Right now, tell God that you are a lost sinner and now turn from your sin to trust (depend upon) the Lord Jesus Christ to save you. “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:15). “He that believeth on him (Christ) is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already…” (John 3:18).