Mankind's Problem: Sin
Man chose to sin against God rather than serve Him. The Bible says...

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." (1 John 3:4)

We sin by doing what God has commanded us not to do or by not doing what God has told us to do.

Sin's Penalty: Death

The Bible says...

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

When man chose to disobey God, the result was death. The basic meaning of death is separation. The Bible teaches that there are three types of death, or separation, that result from sin.

Spiritual death separates a person from the life of God (Ephesians 2:1).

Physical death separates a person's soul from his or her body (Hebrews 9:27).

Eternal death separates a person, body, soul, and spirit, from God forever in Hell (Revelation 20:15).

Then how can we ever have eternal life?

Throughout man's history, man has tried to earn his own redemption by good works, religion, money and morality. When, however, are our good works good enough to satisfy the holy demands of a perfect God. The Bible says...

"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Proverbs 14:12)

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy He saved us." (Titus 3:5)

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Christ's Payment: Our Sinless Substitute

Jesus Christ, God's sinless Son, was sent by the Father to pay the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross in our place. The Bible says...

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God." (1 Peter 3:18)

Then how do we cross the bridge to eternal life?

Our Pardon: Turn and Trust

How do we cross the bridge to eternal life? We must repent of our sin and receive Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)

In order to receive Jesus Christ as Lord, you must repent of your sins and put your trust in Jesus Christ alone as the only certainty of eternal life. The Bible says...

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." (Acts 16:31)

"Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

God's Promise: Eternal Life

Jesus said...

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24)

This verse has one promise with three parts.

The person who believes:
1.Has eternal life.
2.Does not come into judgment
3.Has passed out of death into life.