More than 700 years before the birth of Jesus, Isaiah prophesied of His coming.  Isaiah also tells us of who He is and why His birth is important.  Who is Jesus?  He is Immanuel, “God with us” (Is 7:14); the child born of a virgin who would “save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). 

Sin.  A simple definition is this; sin is the things we think, say, and do that God tells us in the Bible that we shouldn’t think, say, or do.  The Bible reveals the truth of sin in our lives for within it we find His Commandments: the Law of God (Exodus 20:3-17).  And we know that we have disobeyed them.  All of us have lied, lusted, stolen, and failed to honor and worship God among other things.  We have sinned and fallen short of His glory (Romans 3:23), leaving us guilty and liable to God’s judgment (Hebrews 9:27).  If we are judged by God for our sin, we will be found guilty.  The sentence?  Eternity in hell.  Hell is a place of punishment and separation from God.  Hell is a place without hope.

But today, hope is available.  Why? “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given. . .”  In His infinite love and mercy, God sent His Son to take the punishment for your sin upon Himself that you could have the opportunity to be forgiven and restored to God!  “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation [the appeasement for God’s anger at sin that we might receive mercy] for our sins.” (1 John 4:10).  Isaiah prophesies (Isaiah 53:5-12):

• Jesus was crucified [punished] for our sins.
• He died and was buried.
• Jesus rose from the grave!
• He came to make you right with God, to save you.

And it is the death burial and resurrection of Jesus that provide for our salvation, our way back to God!  “For He [God] made Him [Jesus] who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Cor 5:21).

Because of Jesus’ sacrifice for us, we can be forgiven by God, have a right-standing before Him, and have a relationship with Him.  And we can also receive a gift from God: eternal life (Romans 6:23)!  Eternal life is God with us now, and us with God later.  God will be with us to help us have the best life on this earth.  And we will go to be with God in heaven when we die (John 14:2-3).  He has promised this to all who will repent and believe.

 To repent means to have a change of heart and mind regarding God and sin.  It is the realization that God is right, accompanied with a genuine desire to be forgiven by Him for breaking His Law.  What are we to believe?  That God sent His Son to provide the way for you to be forgiven and receive eternal life if you will receive Jesus as your Lord, the One in charge of your life. 

Regarding repentance and belief the Bible states:

“Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out. . .” (Acts 3:19)

“. . .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.”   (Romans 10:9–10)

“. . .”Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.””  (Romans 10:13)

God’s salvation is available to you today if you have never received it.  Is today the day for you to repent and believe, receiving forgiveness and eternal life by receiving Jesus as your Lord?  If so, let Jesus know you want to commit your life to Him. 

Jesus,

I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness.  I believe that You died for my sin that I might be forgiven.  I believe that You rose from the dead that I might have hope.  Please forgive me Lord.  I ask You to take charge of my life: to be my Lord.  Please come into my life and my heart and teach me how to live for You.  Thank You for loving me Lord.  Thank You for saving me. 

Amen

If you prayed the prayer above, or one similar, please contact us using the link below.  We would consider it a privilege to help you move forward as a follower of the Lord Jesus.

We pray that you will truly celebrate the advent of hope this Christmas by worshipping the Lord Jesus with others.  If you have questions regarding what you have read, please contact us.  We would appreciate the opportunity to answer any question we can that you may have.

May God Bless you and Merry Christmas!