What do the power locks on my 96 Nissan Sentra, the kind lady checking my receipt at the Costco exit, and the security guard pacing the hall at a Colorado church all have in common?

Each is evidence of an undeniable truth. The truth is this: We live in a radically sinful world. A world beset by evil and wickedness on every side.

The power locks on my car acknowledge the reality that someone may be tempted to open my car door and take whatever valuable may be inside.

The presence of the kind lady at Costco is an acknowledgement that there are some people in this world who would attempt to leave a store with good they didn't pay for.

The security guard at the Colorado church is a stunning reminder that we live in a world where a deranged gunman might open fire on unsuspecting and innocent people.

Right now we're in the midst of a heated political season. Across the country, millions of people are projecting their hopes upon a single candidate, someone who they think will be elected and solve all of our country's many ills. Some even think certain candidates can change the world.

We’ll be told - time and again - that this next election is the most important in our lifetime. That the fate of civilization teeters on this very choice.

But, in light of what we know as believers, is that really true?

What Jesus Offers

I would submit to you that what happened this past weekend over 2,000 years ago is far more important than what the voters will decide in November.

Jesus entered a world very similar to ours. The Jewish people had long pined for a Messiah. Someone who could rescue them out of their terrible bondage and oppression by Rome.

And for a while, Jesus seemed to be that guy, didn't He? He talked of establishing a Kingdom. He even appointed 12 disciples. He did miracles.

People were enthused. They laid down their coats and their palm branches for Him.

But soon, they were disappointed. Jesus wasn’t offering political solutions. He wasn’t promising revolution. He didn’t come to rule.

Instead, Jesus came to strike at the root of the problems of the day. It’s the same root of the same problems we face in America and around the world today.

Mankind is in sin. In Ephesians, we’re told that sin has left us dead. Jesus came to bring us life. Eternal life.

The true solution to the problems then and now is not a new government program. It's not a 12-step recovery manual. It's not a lifestyle change.

Jesus is the solution. His death, burial, and resurrection on Easter give us the hope of eternal life. He assumed all of the sins of mankind — sin which is at the heart of every evil that has ever been perpetuated among mankind — and took this upon Himself. In exchange, Jesus offers His righteousness. It’s a free gift, we’re told in Ephesians 2:8-9.

By believing in this free gift, we’re not only assured eternal life in Heaven, but we’re endowed with the Holy Spirit, who remakes us, redeems us, and restores us to our original purpose in creation — to glorify God. Redeemed sinners now have the power to live above sin.