“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift
of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our
Lord.” Romans 6:23
Sin kills. Let’s get that out on the table. Sin
kills. Sin destroys lives. It begins its
destructive forces within our spirit: “For I
am conscious of my rebellion, and my sin is
ever before me.” Psalm 51:3
We realize we have let ourselves down and
the weight of our mistake is heavy on our
hearts. This disappointment in self becomes
a burden too hard to bear. Our self-esteem
suffers from the wounds of sin.
The first result of sin is its effects on us
personally. We soon recognize it also has its
effects on all our relationships. We have let
others down who have placed their faith in
us. The guilt we feel becomes too much to
bear and we seek ways to relieve the pain.
But all of them fall short of their shallow
promises and we become more and more
disillusioned. Hope fades into despair.
Sometimes it is in our desperation that we
finally turn to God when nothing else works.
It is He to whom we should have turned to
first. In Him we find the relief we’ve been
looking for. “If we confess our sins, He is
faithful and righteous to forgive our sin and
cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:9
Sin and its effects on our lives is why God
sent Jesus. Only His self-sacrifice could pay
the penalty for our sin. By placing our faith
in what He accomplished on the cross, our
sin can be forgiven completely. In Him we
have total righteousness before God. But
that is not all. Our Lord provides much
more. Through our relationship with Christ,
we are given eternal life. Sin we know but
what do we know of eternal life?
Can we even fathom this gift? It is more
than simply life forever. Jesus explained it
this way: “This is eternal life; that they
know You, the only true God, and the one
you have sent – Jesus Christ.” John 17:3
The gift of eternal life is knowing God. This
is more than head knowledge, knowing
about God. Our Lord is speaking of an
intimate knowing, a close relationship, a
deep personal connection like no other. Life
with God begins here but in heaven will be
greater than anything we’ve ever
experienced. Here we have an awareness of
God’s presence, power, and provision. In
heaven’s eternity we will experience
firsthand a presence, a power, a love, and
intimacy beyond our comprehension. The
Apostle Paul explained it this way: “Now I
know in part, but then I will know fully, as I
am fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12
The gift of eternal life begins the moment
we accept Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord. I
don’t want you to miss this precious gift!
Don’t wait, Ask, and you shall receive…
…Bro. Sherman
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