In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1 John 4:9-10)

Whether today finds you hopeful or hurting, confident or shaky, encouraged or doubtful, let’s pause and ground ourselves in the gospel. Because God loves us, he sent Jesus to be the sacrifice that would restore our relationship with Him. If you do not know who Jesus Christ is and how you can have peace with God, please continue reading. The Scriptures teach that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory (perfection and holiness) of God (Romans 3:23). This means we are all sinners and have broken the laws of a righteous and Holy God. We stand condemned and are justly worthy of condemnation to hell because of our actions and rebellion against Him. All of us have at some point gone our own sinful way in life. Thankfully, God has not left us without hope…Jesus said: “he has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” (Luke 4:18) Jesus also said: “ I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) Christ was sent by God the Father to pay for the sins of those would would trust in him to redeem and unite a people to Himself. Who are these redeemed people?The Scriptures teach that they are anyone who hears Christ’s voice and believes in Him and His finished work on he cross for salvation. Specifically, Scripture says: “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. (Romans 10:9-10). It is our hope for you that you repent and believe in Jesus Christ, the One who gave you life, and that you find your calling in the Kingdom of God. 'In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.' (1 John 4:9-10)If you believe in Jesus, the debt of your sin has been paid on the cross, once and for all (John 3:16-18; Colossians. 2:14; Hebrews 10:11-14). You can come to Jesus, our “great high priest” (Hebrews 4:14) and “advocate with the Father” (1 John 2:1), for forgiveness. Only through Christ’s death (not your own effort,) you are justified - made right with God (see Romans 5:18). You’re set free from sin’s power, and God’s work of sanctification begins (see Romans 6:22-23).