[Faith-talk] FW: IBGN~NEWSLETTER~ Why Do We Need Salvation? (Part 1)

[Eric Calhoun]

Original Message: 
From: "BishopMax" <BishopMax at charter.net>
To: undisclosed-recipients
Subject: IBGN~NEWSLETTER~ Why Do We Need Salvation? (Part 1)
Date: 
Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:07:09 -0400 (Eastern Daylight Time)

Why Do We Need Salvation and Forgiveness of Sins by the Blood of Jesus?


What are the consequences of sin and why do people need forgiveness by
the
blood of Jesus Christ? Can the gospel overcome guilt, fear, alienation,
and
eternal punishment? Does it offer salvation, joy, hope, and eternal life?
Have you investigated the Bible teaching about the death of Jesus? Have
you
allowed Him to change your life and give you hope and meaning in life?

Introduction:

Sometimes we fail to see our need for items that would really benefit us
if
we had them. Or we may lose our appreciation for an item when we have it.


The purpose of this study is to help us appreciate more fully a gift that
all of us need but sometimes fail to appreciate. This gift is the
forgiveness of sins. To help us appreciate forgiveness, let us consider
the
consequences of sin. Many people unnecessarily face guilt, fear,
alienation,
and eternal punishment. Please study with us how these problems can be
solved by forgiveness through the blood of Jesus Christ according to the
gospel, resulting in joy, hope, salvation, and eternal life. 

Problem #1: Separation from God

Sin Alienates Us from God.

Genesis 2:17; 3:8 - Adam and Eve's sin separated them from God. They
could
no longer bear to be in His presence, but sought to avoid Him. 

Isaiah 59:1,2 - Our sins and iniquities separate us from God, so He will
not
hear us. 

Ephesians 2:12 - People in sin (v1-3) are separated from Christ and
without
God in the world. 

Forgiveness Restores Our Relationship to God.

Romans 5:6-10 - Though sin deserves punishment, God loves us so much He
sent
His Son to bear our punishment so we could be saved. 

Ephesians 2:13,17-19 - Though we were separated and far from God, we can
be
made nigh by the blood of Christ and have access to the Father. 

Colossians 1:21-23 - Our evil works make us enemies alienated from God,
but
through Jesus' death we can be reconciled (made friends again). 

Surely the serious consequences of sin should lead us to see our need for
forgiveness. Having obtained forgiveness, we should continue to live
faithfully so we can continue in God's fellowship. 

Problem #2: Alienation between Loved Ones

Sin Is a Barrier Between Loved Ones.

Husbands and wives may be alienated by mistreatment, adultery, or
alcoholism
 There may be bitterness, quarreling, and even divorce. 

Parents and children may have conflict. Parents may be unloving, abusive,
stubborn, or selfish. Or like the prodigal son, children may rebel or
become
involved in immoral conduct (Luke 15:11-13). 

Children in a family may be alienated because of jealousy, selfishness,
deceit, or hatred. 

Alienation may also occur in the church or between friends. There may be
religious error, lying, slander, jealousy, pride, racial prejudice,
stubbornness, etc. (James 3:14-18; Gal. 2:11-14; Rom. 16:17). 

Sin can cause all these tragedies between people who should love one
another
 

Forgiveness Reunites Loved Ones.

In these cases, we must seek to obtain forgiveness, not just from God,
but
also from the people we offended. And those who have been wronged, must
be
willing to forgive. 

Luke 15:18,21 - The prodigal son confessed he had sinned both against
heaven
and his father. 

Matthew 5:23,24 - We must seek reconciliation with those we have wronged.


Luke 17:3,4 - People who sin against others should express repentance. If
they do, others must willingly forgive them. [Matthew 6:12,14,15] 

Have you made your life right with those you have wronged? When people
repent, do you forgive like you want God to forgive you?