WHY WE NEED A SAVIOUR!

       Salvation [Part 1 - You need a Saviour!]

In our previous study called ORIGIN OF EVIL, we learnt that when sin entered the world, every creature suffered the consequences of sin, even nature itself. And ever since, there has been a degradation in the nature of man, and we know that this was not God’s original plan: “...An enemy hath done this.” – Matthew 13:28. Now in this series we are going to see how God makes a way for humanity to escape the terrible consequences of sin, the power of sin and eternal death as we know that “sin...bringeth forth death.” – James 1:15.

1    What is sin?

“Whosoever committeth sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” – 1 John 3:4.

Note: This is the only definition of sin in God’s word. Bible does contain several examples of sin, e.g. “All unrighteousness is sin...” – 1 John 5:17; “...whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” – Romans 14:23; knowing good and not doing it is sin (see James 4:17), etc. but our only definition of sin is “the transgression of the law.” In the Garden of Eden, man was given a law which said that he must not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and when he disobeyed that law, he sinned against His Marker.

2    How does sin affect a new born baby?

“Behold, I was shaped in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.” – Psalm 51:5.

Note: We are not born with a record of sin, but we are all born with a sinful nature; a nature inclined to sinning. Even though we are born with the inclination to sin, we ourselves choose to sin. We all know that lying and swearing is wrong but we do it either way. This is because we are more inclined to do that which is wrong than to do that which is right before the eyes of God. And by repeating sin we become more and more evil.” Read Isaiah 48:8. Every descendant of Adam is born with a sinful nature (nature bent toward sin). “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” – Romans 5:12. This is why the Bible says we are “by nature the children of wrath.” – Ephesians 2:3.

This is MAN’S CONDITION AS A RESULT OF SIN which entered the world:

(a)    He is born in sin – Psalm 51:5.

(b)   His understanding is darkened – Ephesians 4:18.

(c)    His heart is full of evil – Jeremiah 17:9.

(d)   He is spiritually dead – Colossians 2:13.

(e)   His conscience is defiled – Titus 1:15.

3    Can a man change his situation by himself?

“Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? Then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.” – Jeremiah 13:23.
"A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit."- Matthew 7:18

Note: Mankind needs an external help in order for him to change his sinful nature. This implies that WE ALL NEED A SAVIOUR because we are not able to fix ourselves. Every human being needs salvation. SALVATION means to being saved from the penalty, power, and presence of sin. While salvation is a free gift as we will see in the future studies, yet an individual has a choice to accept this gift. So it is in the hands of an individual to accept to be saved from sin, it’s consequences, and its power.
"....The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." - Luke 18:27

4    Is there hope for me?

Answer: “For to him that is joined to all the living there is HOPE: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.” – Ecclesiastes 9:4.

Note: For as a long as we are alive, there is hope that God can still reach us and transform us. We should make things right with God while there’s still an opportunity. This is why the Scripture says, “Seek ye the LORD while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near.” – Isaiah 55:6. Read Jeremiah 29:13. This verse [Isaiah 55:6] suggest that there is going to be a time when God’s mercy won’t be found, and for this reason we are to seek Him while we still have a chance to do so. Read 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:3,4. Are you willing to seek the Lord with all your heart? I hope your answer is yes. May the Lord bless!