Whoever Believes

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. ~ John 3:16

Many followers of Jesus would say this verse sums up the Christian faith.  My salvation is rooted in God’s love for me, and my acceptance of what Jesus did on the cross for me.  Period.  Back in the Old Testament there were lavish sacrificial offerings being made all the time to atone for people’s sins yet nothing could ever completely satisfy our need for forgiveness, and God had only one plan that would redeem us to Him.  This is the foundation of the Chistian faith:  that God loves us so much that He came to earth in human flesh and died for us on the cross as the final sacrifice that could cover our sins and redeem us back to our Creator.  I am wanted, and YOU are wanted so much by God that He was willing to have part of himself, His son, beat and horrifically murdered.  I can’t fathom giving up one of my sons to be murdered for the betterment of the human race hoping everyone would accept this gift.  No way!  The story doesn’t stop there!  After His brutal death, Christians believe He rose on the third day and ascended to heaven; He essentially beat death, and the grave.  The Christian who holds Jesus’ life and resurrection as true, and who accepts Him as their Lord and Savior will one day have an eternal home with Him.  Just as with all mankind before us, we will all pass away one day and for those of us who are Jesus followers, we will be with Him for all eternity instead of the alternative known as hell.  We need Jesus.  I need Jesus.  I was created by the Creator of the world to bring HIm praise and glory, and I have failed many times.  Hard.  I need Him to rescue me.  I believe wholeheartedly in the bible, the crucifixion and the resurrection of my Savior not only for the hope He brings me here on earth, but also so that I could live in eternity with Him. ~ Amen