The Truth About Salvation

This is the most important subject one can focus on in all of life, because the results will determine that person's destiny for all eternity. Most people have what I call an invisible set of scales. On one side of the scale they put what they perceive is the bad things they've done, the other side, the good, hoping that they will end up with having done more good, thereby being allowed into heaven. Let's look at it.
Many believe we enter this world with the scales even, if you were. We've done neither good or bad. However, the Bible tells us we are all born into this world with what is called a sin nature. We sin, because it's our nature. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me. (Psalms 51:5) This does not mean our mother was sinning when she conceived us. It means we all receive a sin nature at conception.
The theological term for this is the Natural Depravity of Man. All men (and women) sin, there being no exceptions. ... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23) ...There is none who does good, No, not one. (Psalms 14:3) Some call their bad behavior faults, failures, bad habits, etc., but the Bible calls it sin.
Some think doing 'bad things', i.e., telling lies, being rude to someone, cheating, etc. causes weights to be deposited on the 'sin side' of the scales in our lives. However, one does not see this as a problem because of what is illustrated in the next diagram.
Although most people will admit their 'faults', even if they don't call them sins, it is not a big issue with them. They most of the time believe they are basically good people. And, their usual good behavior will outweigh the bad, causing, if you will, the scales to fall in their favor.
Some would not be sure as to where they stand in regard to their scales. They will at least hope their good deeds will cause the scale to balance out evenly in their favor.
.... for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. (Galatians 2:16) What that means is that no one will ever be in right standing with God by being good. Not by being religious, not by being a good and faithful husband/wife, good parent, good employee, you name it. One can faithfully go worship their religion for a lifetime, and give all their money to the poor, and it will do nothing regarding their relationship with God. Scripture tells us a man without Christ is dead in his trespasses and sins. That means, because of his sin, that he is spiritually dead. He cannot respond to God any more than a man in a cemetery can carry on a conversation with us.
The issue is not what we do or don't do. The issue is, what we are going to do about our sin. Because we cannot remove our sin, and because God cannot accept us because of our sin, we are the most miserable of creatures. That means we will be eternally separated from God ... we have no hope.
And then comes Jesus. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17) ... Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15)
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23) Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to earth, lived a sinless life, and died on the cross in our place, for our sin. He shed His blood in atonement for our sins, past, present, and future. Those who put their trust in Him for having paid for their sins on the cross can find forgiveness for their sins, and gain eternal life. They become spiritually alive and can for the first time fellowship with God, and He with them. Jesus is the only one who can save us. Jesus said ..., "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6) Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) No other person, no other 'religion' can save a man. Only faith in Jesus Christ as one's personal Lord and Savior can save. Jesus did for us what sin and good works could ever do.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) Only Jesus can forgive sins. No man, regardless of his office, can do that. The Bible tells us Jesus took on our sin for us and became sin.
For He made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21) Through His death on the cross, Jesus paid the penalty for our sin, thereby giving those who trust in His finished work on the cross a pardon, and thereby receive eternal life.
In receiving Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, He will not only forgive you of all your sins, but will remember them do more. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sin and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." (Hebrews 8:12) Then He adds, "Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." (Hebrews 10:17)
Not only will God forget our sin, the Bible tells us He will 'cast them into the sea'. He will again have compassion on us, And will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins Into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:19) At salvation, one can gain a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, talk with Him, and know His peace and joy, and fellowship with him for all eternity. If you have a question you would like addressed regarding salvation in regard to what was covered above, send us an e-mail linked below. director@orrministries.com