TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Many people think they can earn their way to heaven through good deeds or religious practices. However, the Bible teaches us that salvation comes only through God’s plan, not human effort. As Romans 3:23 tells us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This fundamental truth shows why we need salvation in the first place – every person has sinned against God and faces eternal separation from Him.

God knew we could not save ourselves, so He sent His Son Jesus Christ to Earth as the perfect solution. Jesus lived a life without sin and willingly died on the cross to pay for humanity’s wrongdoing. This sacrifice was not just another religious ritual – it was God Himself taking the punishment we deserved. The proof of God’s acceptance of this sacrifice came when Jesus rose from the dead, showing He had power over both sin and death.

The amazing thing about God’s salvation plan is how simple it is to receive. God doesn’t ask us to do something, but simply to accept Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins. As taught in Acts 16:31, when someone asked how to be saved, the answer was straightforward: “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” This free gift of salvation is available to anyone who chooses to accept it, leading to forgiveness of sins and eternal life with God.