Pastor Andi Blanton shares this question based on the questions our Wednesday night kids have been having about Jesus, Easter, and the sacrifice Jesus made for our sins.
This can be difficult for kids (and even adults) to understand. Read more to find out what the Bible has to say about this…
- Sin is anything that goes against God’s instructions for how we should live with Him and with others.
Jesus was asked, “what is the greatest commandment of all?”
Jesus replied, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love him with all your mind.’ (Deuteronomy 6:5)38 This is the first and most important commandment.39 And the second is like it. ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ (Leviticus 19:18)40 Everything that is written in the Law and the Prophets is based on these two commandments. Matthew 22:35–40
When we do not put God first in our lives or we do not love others, treating them as we would like to be treated, we sin. For example, lying, cheating, stealing are sins because we are hurting another person with our actions.
- Sin separates us from God. The Bible says that all have sinned.
Everyone has sinned. No one measures up to God’s glory. Romans 3:23
- Jesus Christ is the only human being who has NEVER sinned.
There were many priests in Levi’s family line. Death kept them from continuing in office.24 But Jesus lives forever. So he always holds the office of priest.25 People now come to God through him. And he is able to save them completely and for all time. Jesus lives forever. He prays for them. A high priest like that really meets our need. He is holy, pure and without blame. He isn’t like other people. He does not sin. He is lifted high above the heavens. Hebrews 7:23-26
- The Bible also says that the punishment for sin is death and eternal separation from God.
When you sin, the pay you get is death. But God gives you the gift of eternal life. That’s because of what Christ Jesus our Lord has done. Romans 6:23
This verse also says that God offers us a gift of eternal (forever) life with Him, because Jesus Christ died in our place.
- Jesus did not deserve death on the cross because He NEVER sinned. He willingly suffered and died for OUR sins! God loved us so much that He sent Jesus to earth to pay the price for our sin!
God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life. John 3:16
This is like getting in trouble in school for cheating on a test. The teacher points out what you’ve done wrong, but instead of sending you to the Principal’s office, you teacher goes to the Principal’s office in your place and you never pay the price for what you did wrong! Wouldn’t you like to have a teacher like that?
Would you like to experience Eternal Life today?
A – Admit to God that you have sinned.
B – Believe that Jesus suffered and died in YOUR place.
C – Confess your sins to God, ask for forgiveness. Ask Jesus to come and live in your heart forever.
Tell someone about your decision and find a church with Christians who can mentor you in your New Life.
When anyone lives in Christ, thenewcreationhas come. The old is gone! Thenewis here! 2 Corinthians 5:17