God's Simple Plan

This is without question the most important page on this website. I hope that you will read the following verses of scripture and consider them carefully.

I have always heard that two things in life are certain, death and taxes.

There is a lot of truth in that old adage. No matter how much we wish it weren’t true, we are all going to die. And just like taxes, we will have to pay for the increase of our life's choices. The Bible tells us all about how this will happen.

>Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.

We all know that our physical body will eventually pass from life into death. As unfortunate as it is, death just cannot be escaped. This is not the only thing that we have in common. The Bible teaches that every person has done wrong. The Bible refers to this as sin.

>Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

This verse teaches that all of us have sinned. If we are honest we will admit that we have, at some point in our life, done something wrong. Have you ever:

· Told a lie
· Taken anything that did not belong to you
· Said a curse word
· Hated anyone

This short list of sins would be enough to cause the majority to be guilty before God. Even if you don’t fall into this category you are still unrighteous in God’s eyes.

>Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

According to this verse, even the very best that we can do is still considered unrighteous before God. This is what the Bible means when it says that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”.

Because we are all sinners, we must pay for the increase of those sins. Just like taxes, it is a debt that we cannot escape from. Many will try, but in the end the one with authority will catch up to those who have broken the law. Here is what the Bible teaches about paying for our sins.

>Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The first part of this verse tells us that the wages (payment) for our sin is death. The death that is being spoken of is not our physical death, but rather a spiritual death, or separation, from God.

>Isaiah 59:1 Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

>Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

God hears all, sees all and knows all. Everything that you have done wrong, no matter how small it may seem, is known by Him. Because of your sin (iniquities), you have separated yourself from God so that He will not hear you. No matter how hard you try, there is no possible way for you to make your way back to God.

The good news is that God is not satisfied to let us die in our sins. He wants for everyone to be in right fellowship with Himself.

>2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

He does not wish for anyone to perish. What has He done to prevent you from being eternally separated from Him?

>Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

He knew that you would never be able to make your way back to Him, so with great love and mercy He sent the only One capable of paying for your sins. That word commendeth simply means showed. God showed His love for you in that while you were still a sinner Christ died for you. Even though you did not really deserve it, Christ took all of your sins and paid the penalty for you. This payment alone allows for your entry into God’s presence.

Remember the verse that we looked at a moment ago.

>Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

We know that our sins caused us to be separated from God, but God gave us a gift so that we might be reconciled back to Him. That gift is eternal life and it comes only through Jesus Christ.

If someone gives you a gift, then all you must do a receive the gift to make it yours. This is exactly what God has done for you. He has given you a gift, but it can’t become yours until you receive it. How can you do that?

The first step is for you to repent of those bad things that you have done.

>Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

To repent just means that you would turn away from the bad things that you do and begin to live for God. True repentance shows that you are serious about the decision that you have made to give your life to God.

Next you must put your faith in Jesus Christ. Here is what the Bible teaches about how man is to be saved.

>Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

>Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

>Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Will you believe what the Bible teaches about Jesus Christ? What exactly does the Bible teach?

· That He was born of a virgin
· That He was God in the flesh
· That He lived a perfect and sinless life
· That He died as the perfect sacrifice for your sins
· That He was buried
· That He rose from the dead after three days
· That He now sits at the right hand of His Father in heaven
· That He alone is able to save you

If you believe these things with all of your heart and will pray and ask Jesus to become your Saviour then the Bible says that you will be saved.

Should you decide that you cannot trust the Lord, the Bible tells of your fate.

>Mark 3:29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.

Contrary to what others teach, this is the only sin that the Bible says can not be forgiven. To blaspheme the Holy Spirit is to deny His prompting to accept Jesus as your Saviour.

Instead of eternal life you will receive eternal damnation. Instead of eternal joy, you shall receive eternal misery. The life that you live here on earth will be the best thing that you have to look forward to. What exactly does it mean to reside in eternal damnation?

>Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

For all of eternity you will have chosen to live within the lake of fire. Forever on you will be in torment. Nothing good will ever come your way again.

Remember this will not be because God wanted for you to go there, but instead, because you chose to ignore His gift. He has done everything that He can to secure your home in heaven, but the final choice lies with you.

What will you do?

If you have trusted Christ as your Saviour we would love to hear from you. Please contact me so we may rejoice with you in your decision.

If you have any questions regarding what you have read please feel free to contact me so we may clarify any misunderstandings.

Pastor, Russell Brinkley

07414 594559