By Benjamin H. Liles
Since August 20, 2015 I have found a newness of life. I believe it means that my heart and mind accepted the free gift of what Jesus Christ did at the cross on my behalf. Some people will say something like, "Well, that's what works for you." The thing of it is I want others to have or even desire this same in their life. We all have a hole due to what sin has done in our lives. I wasn't better than anyone for sure. I know I sinned greatly in God's eyes.
The good news is that surely if God can forgive this sinner, He can forgive anyone of their sins. A lot of people make the excuse that "God can never forgive me for my sins, which are many." Yes, you're partially right, but the truth is if you hold on to sin in your life you really won't take what God offers through Jesus Christ. He didn't just die on the cross for me. He put Himself on that cross for everyone. How can I say that?
Jesus tells Nicodemus, a Pharisee, "Whoever believes in him (meaning Jesus Christ) may have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:15, 16, ESV). Peter records almost this exact verse in his epistle: "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).
The only way any one person can keep from being with God is to do the same thing as the rich young ruler who came to Jesus. Jesus says to him, "“If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property" (Matthew 19:21, 22, NASB).
If we hold on to those things we think we own (like sin) then we can't do what Jesus desires us to do. But like I once said before and it's a true statement, even if over used: "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink." All I can do is preach the gospel of Christ, the decision is up to you to accept or reject this truth.
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