Living Hope

“Blessed be the God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ, who

according to His abundant mercy

has begotten us again to a living

hope through the resurrection of

Jesus Christ from the dead.”

     1 Peter 1:3 (NKJV)

As we get ready to celebrate the joyous resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, I read some disturbing news.  “Only 46 percent of self-identified British Christians believe Jesus died on the cross to save them from their sins, a new poll has found” (from a 4/15/19 article in Christian Today).  It's likely there are similar numbers among U.S. Christians.  How can someone profess to be a Christian if they don’t believe this central tenet of the faith?  I'm afraid this shows how people can be lost and not even know it.  That’s the state I was in. 

Jesus died to pay the penalty for all sinners, but we have to accept that gift personally in order to receive the promise of eternal life.  I didn't realize that even though I spent most of my growing up and adult years in mainline churches, and thought I was saved; yet my heart was not converted.  If we think we're basically good people in ourselves, we have no need for a Savior.  But when the Lord graciously opened my eyes, I saw my sinful self and the punishment that I deserved.  Then I could truly appreciate that Jesus died as payment for my sins!  By grace, through faith, He became my Savior and I was born again, hallelujah!

Do you believe Jesus died for your sins?  Have you trusted in Christ and Christ alone for your salvation?  Do you believe that Jesus was raised from the dead and is alive today?  Have you been born again?  If so, rejoice in the blessed and living hope that we have through the resurrection of Jesus Christ!  If not, please don’t delay---accept this wonderful gift today so you too can know that your sins are forgiven and you are heaven-bound!