February 24, 2007
Newsletter Archives

Many people believe that because their behavior is better than some others they will have a place in heaven when they die.
The Lord Jesus told a parable to set such people straight. He spoke of two men who went into the temple to pray: a Pharisee and a publican. The Pharisee prayed, “God I thank thee, that I am not as other men are: extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican” Luke 18:11. This Pharisee – and many others – trusted “…..in themselves that they were righteous…” Luke 18:9.
But the Bible teaches that we are all the same. Concerning our sinful nature and our relationship with God, it states: “For there is no difference, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23. This is why we all need the Lord Jesus to save us.
We might look on others and consider that they would certainly benefit from becoming a Christian. But we do not see ourselves as lost and needing a Savior. The fact remains that the whole world is in a lost state. And we, personally, are in a lost condition. This is why the Lord Jesus told Nicodemus that “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son….”John 3:16. The Lord Jesus came for the world because we are a world of sinners. Accordingly we all need to be saved.
The apostle Paul reminded the Christians in Rome that “There is none righteous, no not one” Romans 3:10. This is a real starting point for an entrance to heaven: acknowledging that we are lost – not our neighbor next door or some disagreeable relative. We, ourselves, need salvation.
We need to get this point clear and then respond like the prison guard in the Bible who asked, “What must I do to be saved?” Acts 16:30.

Russ Nesbit