Do we need a passport to travel? The answer is yes. A passport is the only acceptable document that will allow us to enter any country in the world. A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that permits the bearer to cross international borders. It typically includes a person’s name, place, date of birth, photo, signature, sex, and our CITIZENSHIP.
When we become a Christian we receive a new passport, “…many live as ENEMIES of the cross of Christ. Their mind is set on earthly things. But OUR CITIZENSHIP IS IN HEAVEN. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 3:18-20)
How do we become a citizen of Heaven? God so loves us, but because we have rebelled against Him in sin, we need to be FORGIVEN. We cannot earn or deserve that forgiveness, so God set His Son Jesus to live a perfect life and EARN FORGIVENESS FOR US by sacrificing Himself for all of our sins. Now, Jesus offers forgiveness TO EACH OF US, but we must confess our sins and accept Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. “…for ALL HAVE SINNED and come short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23)
“If we claim to be without sin, WE DECEIVE OURSELVES and the truth is not in us. IF WE CONFESS OUR SINS (remember all have sinned), JESUS IS FAITHFUL AND JUST AND WILL FORGIVE US OUR SINS and PURIFY US from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8-9) What happens to us if we do not ask for forgiveness? “…SIN’S PAYMENT IS DEATH (thanatos: separation from God FOREVER), but God’s gracious GIFT IS ETERNAL LIFE in Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
It is presented like this in the Old Testament, “Let the wicked change their ways and BANISH THE VERY THOUGHT of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that He may have mercy on them. Yes, TURN TO GOD (we repent, turn away from sin and turn to God) for HE WILL FORGIVE GENEROUSLY.” (Isaiah 55:7) That may causes us to proclaim, “Where is another God like You, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of His special people? You will NOT STAY ANGRY with Your people forever, because You delight in showing UNFAILING LOVE. Once again You will have compassion on us. You will TRAMPLE OUR SINS under Your feet and throw them into THE DEPTHS OF THE OCEAN!” (Micah 7:18-19)
SO, ANYTIME YOU SIN, REPENT AND ASK FOR FORGIVENESS. BECAUSE, ANYTIME YOU SIN THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH.
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham