But why would a loving God condemn anyone to hell? Because we have all sinned against Him and have broken His law. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). It is a fact that most people's consciences tell them not to kill, or steal. Our laws also state that it is wrong to do these things. No one protests when our police officers throw people into jail because they have committed these horrible crimes. Why? Because you know that those who do evil things must be punished.
Let's talk about another example: What kind of judge would sentence a murderer to prison? A mighty good one would! If a judge were to set criminals free without the punishment specified in the law, that judge would be unjust and would have to be dismissed from the bench. In the same way, a mighty good and holy God would also condemn a sinner or a person to hell that chooses to remain separated from Him in their sins. If He didn't, He would not be a righteous and just God.
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When you stand before God one day at His judgment seat, on what basis do you think that you will have a right to enter heaven and avoid the torments of hell? God says absolutely none by your own standards! Romans 3:10 says, "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one".
Sin separates mankind from God. What is sin anyway? Take a look at God's standard of righteousness. Judge yourself to see if you have broken any of His laws and separated yourself from Him.
Let's test ourselves on God's Ten Commandments: ( Exodus 20)
1). Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Have you always obeyed God's word and put it ahead of your own wants? Do you even know what it says? Have you always put God first in every area of your life? Have you always loved Him with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength? If you answer no to any of these, you have broken God's 1st commandment.
2). Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image. Have you ever put a material thing that you enjoy ahead of God? Did you ever cling to your own beliefs about God rather than the ones that are revealed in the Bible? If so, you are an idolater - you have broken God's 2nd commandment.
3). Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain. Have you ever used God's name as a swear word? If so, you have broken God's 3rd commandment.
4). Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Have you always kept the sabbath holy? If not, you are a sabbath-breaker - you have broken God's 4th commandment.
5). Honour thy father and thy mother. Have you ever disobeyed or spoken evil of your parents? Have you ever been rebellious against them in any way, even as a child or a teenager? If so, you are rebellious and disobedient - you have broken God's 5th Commandment.
6). Thou shalt not kill. The Bible says that if we hate someone, we commit murder in our hearts. Have you ever hated someone or had evil thoughts toward another person? If so, you are a murderer at heart - you have broken God's 6th commandment. (Matthew 5:21-22)
7). Thou shalt not commit adultery. This means to have a faithful marriage. If not, you are an adulterer - you have broken God's 7th commandment. (Matthew 5:27-28)
8). Thou shalt not steal. Have you ever taken anything that didn't belong to you, no matter how small in value? If so, you are a thief - you have broken God's 8th commandment.
9). Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Have you ever told a lie, a fib, white lie, or half truth about someone else? Have you ever spoken anything about anyone knowing that it was not completely and totally true? If so, you are a liar - you have broken God's 9th commandment.
10). Thou shalt not covet. Have you ever desired to have something that someone else has? If so, you are covetous - you have broken God's 10th commandment.
Everyone that has ever lived (except the Lord Jesus Christ) has broken at least one of these commandments. Most of us have probably broken most of them. Breaking only one of God's commandments only one time is all it takes to separate yourself from God and be destined to hell!
When you - a murderer, a thief, a liar - stand before the righteous Judge of all the universe, how could He not require that justice be satisfied by exacting the due penalty for your sins in the fires of hell?
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| Even though God's own creation had disobeyed Him, He still loved us so much that He gave the ultimate sacrifice so we could be forgiven of our sins."But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). | |
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This is why Jesus had to die on the cross. He became our substitute, so we could be forgiven. He took the penalty for our sins, so that we could be FREE! When Christ shed His blood on the cross, He redeemed all those who would come to Him so they could be freed from the curse of sin. The debt of sin has been paid in full by Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God! When you believe in Jesus Christ and invite Him into your life, He washes away every sin you have ever committed. |
God is holy and cannot allow anyone with sin into heaven. That is why we need the righteousness of Christ to cover us. This must be done by believing in Jesus Christ and by accepting Him as your Savior and submitting to Him as the Lord of your life. Making Jesus your Savior means that you believe that Jesus died so you could be forgiven. Making Jesus your Lord means that you put Him first in your life. Your submitting to His authority allows Him to begin making necessary changes in your life. This is by far the most important decision you can ever make in this lifetime because Jesus Christ is the only way you can go to heaven and avoid hell.
Yes, the penalty of hell is more horrible than the human mind can fathom. But God in His awesome love and grace towards his creation has provided this gift of salvation. This gift of eternal life in heaven is free for the asking! God has made his plan of salvation so simple, even a child can understand it. So you are without excuse!
| "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life ..." |  |
The Bible says in Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him(Jesus) from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. To learn more about the Lord Jesus Christ read Who is Jesus or to receive Jesus Christ into your life right now just say a simple prayer like the one below meaning it with all your heart:
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Dear Lord God. I come to You a sinner and I humbly repent. I believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and I believe You raised Him from the dead. Come into my life Jesus and be my Lord and Savior. I receive You, Lord Jesus to change and take control of my life that I may live for You from this day forth and from now on. Thank You Lord for saving me and cleansing me with Your precious blood. In Jesus name, Amen. |
If you have called on
the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and have said that prayer or
a prayer similar to it, and have believed it with all your heart,
you will be saved! Words mean nothing without belief. If we truly
believe we will let Christ change us and we will rejoice to live
for Him each and every day.
3 very
important steps to take as a new Christian seeking to grow in
the Lord:
1). Read the Bible daily (a good place
to start is in the New Testament with the Gospel of John).
2). Pray daily.
3). Find a Bible-believing church that preaches the Gospel
of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Pray that God will lead you to the right one. Fellowshipping with
other believers is a very important step to growth in Christ.
4). Be Baptized
Learn more about your new life in Jesus Christ
Go Back
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