• Sin is a condition of humanity that affects all people. The most serious consequence of sin is that people are separated from God

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23

• Because imperfect people cannot be good enough to be reconciled to a perfect God, God took the necessary actions to restore our relationship,

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world … All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. … For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.  Ephesians 2:1-2a, 3-5, 8-9

• To believe in Jesus as our Savior means that we accept him as God’s only way to be rescued from our sinful condition and to be made right with God,

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:1-6).

• To believe in Jesus as our Lord means that we commit to living the servant life he modeled,

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

• As Savior he instantly restores our relationship with God. As Lord he invites us on a life long journey of growth and obedience.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:9-10

• To receive the promise of eternal life,

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17