In Touch - Nov. 11, 2010

November 11

The Wages of Sin

Romans 6:21-23

Romans 6:21-23God sent His Son to take your punishment by dying in your place. Unless believers understand this provision, they will doubt their salvation. We can't be good enough to earn heaven. Man is born with a corrupted nature; therefore, we will at times sin, no matter how hard we try not to. The Bible compares our attempts at righteous deeds to filthy rags (Isa. 64:6).

On its own, mankind has but one option with regard to sin: to die in it and spend eternity separated from God. But the Father so loved the world that He chose to punish His Son in our place (John 3:16). It was a severe price to pay. Holy God cannot look upon the filth of sin, so when Jesus became sin for all mankind, the Father had to turn away (2 Cor. 5:21). The physical suffering of crucifixion was terrible, but nothing compared to Jesus' wrenching horror when the Father turned His back. The devastated Messiah cried out, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Mark 15:34).

Throughout eternity past, the Father and Son had never been separated. Jesus accepted this ultimate punishment so we wouldn't have to. When Paul said that the wages of sin was death, he was referring
to eternal separation from God (Rom. 6:23). We are saved and live forever with the Lord because of what Jesus has done.

The Savior took our place and accepted humanity's punishment for sin. He and the Father have done the hard work of salvation so we can reap the benefits and rewards of faith. If you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and He died for your sins, then you are saved.  

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.

Watch Online Videos of Dr. Charles Stanley and In Touch Ministries at LightSource.com
and
Listen to Dr. Charles Stanley Online Broadcasts at OnePlace.com.

Join Dr. Charles Stanley and In Touch Ministries as we intercede for our great nation. It is immensely important for believers to seriously consider where we are as a nation and understand the dangerous spiritual tide that is engulfing us. By clicking "Yes!" you are making the commitment to pray for our nation. In response to this pledge, we will be sending you a weekly e-mail to help you in this important endeavor. Each e-mail will include Scripture and prayer points to help unite us as a body of believers. There will be one e-mail per  week for the 140 days, beginning July 5th.

Please click here to join this nationwide prayer effort. 

Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. © 2009 All Rights Reserved.