Freedom in Jesus
God’s Plan of Salvation
In Genesis 1:1, we read that God has always existed, and that He is the Creator of all things. As the story of Scripture unfolds, we learn that God created all that is for His own glory. This is especially true of mankind, which, according to Genesis 1:26 and 27, God made in His own image. The rebellion of Adam and Eve had far-reaching consequences; the image of God in humanity was marred by sin. Since then, all people are born separated from God and deserve eternal condemnation for their sin.
Because of his great love for us, God the Father made a way for people to be forgiven of their sin and reconciled to a right relationship to Him. The way is Jesus, God’s Son. The Son of God has always existed in perfect community with the Father, but became human and lived a sinless life on earth. Jesus is the perfect representative of the Father and carried out His earthly ministry calling on people to repent from sin and follow Him. Christ died a terrible death to pay the penalty of humanity’s sin, and resurrected three days later, conquering sin and death. We are forgiven of that sin though faith in Him. We are not saved by any work of our own, but by the grace of God.
In Christ, we are brought from spiritual death to spiritual life and the image of God in us is restored. We become adopted into God’s family and are granted citizenship in God’s kingdom. This salvation rescues us from the eternal consequences of our sin, and gives life new meaning for God’s children. Jesus is the only name by which people can be saved, but the good news is that this salvation is a free gift offered to all who would call upon His name.
Upon our salvation, we are also commissioned into God’s mission to redeem the world back to a right relationship with Himself. Our work is to make disciples of all people, and to represent God well by living in Christian community (the church). Those who belong to Christ will remain His forever and will one day be present with Him for eternity.
God is calling you to Himself. Pray and give your life to Him today!