“He then brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.’”  Acts 16:30&31 (NIV84)

It is worth touching upon these verses again. There are many world religions. Sometimes people find themselves confused as to which religion is right. Others might say that they are all ways of moving toward God. A question of value might be, is there anything about any one world religion that sets it apart from all the rest? All major world religions have in common the idea that mankind is separated from God. Because of disobedience or ignorance, mankind lives with the problem of a broken relationship with God. Another thing these world religions have in common is that they suggest a solution to the problem. Each offers a solution or plan as to how the gap between God and man can be bridged.

And it is here, at the solution, that Christianity provides a bridge that is uniquely different from that of all other world religions. All other world religions find the solution in mankind. They point to religious obedience, moral character, ascetic lifestyles, ritual practices, education and enlightenment. All these religions point to people and say, “You have to get right with God!” They tell us that if we work hard enough, we might be able to bridge the gap between ourselves and God. Note: it is up to us to get it done. Christianity alone offers a uniquely different solution. Yes, Christianity readily admits that there is a chasm between God and mankind, but it offers the idea that God is the one who has offered and has become the solution. Christianity states that, no matter how people might try, we cannot bridge the gap. Christianity alone teaches that God loves us so much that He sent His own Son (Jesus) into the world to bear upon Himself everything that separates us from God. The death and resurrection of Jesus bridges the gap and makes us right with God. Peter said, “Christ died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit (1 Peter 3:18).

So, what must I do to be saved? Believe that Jesus accomplished what I could not. We need to simply believe that God is the solution to our problem and that He offers that solution to us in Jesus Christ.

Peace!

Pastor Tom

www.firmlyrooted.church