This Love Story

God's Design

When God created heaven and earth, it was perfect. There was no sin, no strife, no hatred, no jealousy, and no fear. Just sheer perfection. Hard to imagine, isn’t it?

Then Adam and Eve sinned. Sin changed the destiny of all humanity. Suddenly man’s perfect and whole relationship with God took on separation and brokenness.

Brokenness

So, What Is Sin?

Sin is rebellion against God and his original design and plan for us. It stems from an evil and corrupted heart. These actions say that we can do things better without God. Ultimately sin broke our perfect, whole communion with God.

Have I Ever Sinned?

The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23,

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

This means that everyone ever created by God has sinned. We have all missed the mark and need forgiveness.

So What Is The Solution? Can I Ever Be Free From My Sin?

Yes! This is the Good News of the Gospel. Because God loves us, he created a solution or way out for us: the death of his Son, Jesus Christ, on a cross as full payment for our sins.

Why Did Jesus Have to Die Such A Horrible Death?

This is a tricky question. People have grappled with it forever. A cruel death in Roman times seems harsh. But Jesus, sinless and perfect, willingly took on death because his Father, God, set this (death on a cross) as the criteria to erase sin. Jesus can forgive us because he died and rose from the grave in victory over sin and death.

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. – 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Gospel

What Happens to Our Sins When We Acknowledge Them?

We are set free from the bondage of sin! 1 John 1:9 says,

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

And Then What?

When we confess our sins and believe in Jesus as our Savior, a process begins. For the first time in our lives, we start to experience and understand God’s peace. Our sins are forgiven, and this brings restoration to our relationship with God. We begin to experience the love God has for us as we walk in obedience to who God created us to be and the plans he has for our life.

Do You Want To Be Saved From Your Sins?

It’s a simple but necessary question. If you believe in your heart that God died to take away your sins and that you want to live a life free from guilt, tell him.

What is your response?

Yes, I want to know Jesus today.

A Prayer is One Way to Express Your Faith and Belief in God

God, I’m sorry I’ve been living my life as though I could do it better apart from you. I want to turn away from my past. I want to fully know and experience life as your follower.

Please forgive me and show me how to live a life that honors you. I ask you to come into my life and rule my heart. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.