Jesus says, not Simon

The Holy Scriptures remind us that our transgressions have already been seen from the beginning of times in Genesis, and they are still actual in for example, Romans 3:10. God sees and knows it all and He wants to warn us of our sinful inclinations and the danger it brings within for our body and our souls, so that we may be on alert through repentance and honouring God with our everyday lives. Therefore, all that we are seen and living throughout times are to be fulfilled so that we will exalt God, our creator in heaven and glorify His name for being righteous and honest to us about our life in the flesh.

It is written that we are sinners because we have inherited the sinful nature of the first human beings. But sin was not meant to be part of men’s nature nor of God’s creation. God separated the dark (Satan/evil) from the light (Jesus/good) from the beginning of times. (Genesis 1:4). He wanted us to be eternally happy in exceeding greatness in His presence. But sin came to us in the most terrible form and has produced destruction and death (Romans 6:23a). And because of disobedience to God (the original sin – Genesis chapter 3), we are not fit to dwell in the presence of God. But being out of the presence of God is such a great danger that Cain declared His life destroyed and meaningless without it (Genesis 4:14).

However, God’s love exceeds our transgressions. He knows our sinful condition and therefore He is always ready to receive and bless a repented heart. Cain recognized that he sinned against God and had lost the privilege of dwelling in God’s presence, under God’s care and love, and God blessed Cain placing His mark of mercy and protection upon him (Genesis 4:15). What a beautiful God and creator we have!

And just like God’s mercy upon Cain, God has always gotten a plan of salvation for humankind. John 3:16 tells us that for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. So, though the wage of sin is death, the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (6:23).

But despite that Jesus came to tell and offer us the good news of salvation, He is rejected and killed. Nevertheless, this too was revealed beforehand to the prophets. Isaiah taught that the Saviour would be despised and rejected, smitten, and afflicted; that He would carry our sorrows; and that He would be wounded for our transgressions. Well, heaven and earth will pass away, but Jesus/God’s words will never pass away (Matthew 24:35).

Still if God’s word says (in Romans 3:23 for example) that every humankind has sinned, and come short of the glory of God, how then can we be saved? Well, Jesus is the way, the truth and the light declares the Holy Scriptures. Nevertheless, Jesus’ gospel is a very difficult and troublesome message for the flesh and for the world. It is impossible for us to live up to all the requirements and tasks that will lead us to salvation. In fact, in Matthew 19:25-26 we read and agreed with the disciples when they heard the Gospel, and were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved? But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Salvation is not possible without Christ Jesus since all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18). Therefore, whoever wants to be saved from eternal condemnation needs to switch the game from ‘’Simon says’’/’’the world says’’ to ‘’Jesus says’’. And therefore, we need to believe in Jesus to be saved (means also, do as Jesus says, when the Holy Spirit says, not as we please or when we feel to, because we do not have the strength to do good on our own). In Romans 10:9-10 you can see and read that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

Finally, pray and live in communion with God through the strength given to us with the resurrection of Jesus. Because thanks be to Jesus, we can obey God and defeat sin and eternal death. Jesus will never leave us half-way in our sins to die if we choose to do as he says in due time. Do not rush. His timing and plans are perfect. He will send us His Holy Spirit to guide us and make us bold to condemn our fleshy-life-style, and enable us to live in the presence of God. Our task is only to believe in Jesus and be joyful for the great news of salvation.

Glory is to God in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen!