“as it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee” Mark 1:2
The above verse refers to John the Baptist who Jesus referred to as the greatest of men born among women. John was the one who was to “pave the way” for the Lord’s coming, and prophesied of in the Old Testament. (Isaiah 40:3 Malachi 3:1)
In the very same way that John prepared the way for Christ, Christ our Lord prepared the “way” for us.
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6
John called out and rebuked those who sinned, calling all to repentance that they may live. In the face of much persecution (he was ultimately beheaded), he persevered and continued to preach the truth to the people. John also stated “who” Jesus was, correctly identifying Him as the Lamb of God who takes away sin.
Jesus taught on the “way” to God, and was also heavily persecuted for such teaching. He of course also endured; tempted by Satan himself, all the taunting, the insults, the pretenders, the wannabes, the users, being betrayed, and then was scourged and crucified.
Because of Jesus, we know the “way” and through His death, our eternal destination is promised and secured – to those that love Him, repenting of our sins.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” Romans 6:23
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 not of works, lest any man should boast.“ Ephesians 2:8-9
The Lord has allowed as many days as are needed to bring all who are willing – into His Kingdom (2 Peter 3:9); the close of days is however drawing near, and the time to believe is now.
“…The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” Mark
1:15
There is only One God, and only one way to Him – Jesus. There is no other, and there is no better “offer.”
We come to God repenting (being sorry for, and turning away from our wrongdoing) and believing that He is God alone – believing that Jesus alone can save us. Our works will not save us, nothing we do will ever save us, period.
We repent, we believe, and God in effect says – ok, I forgive you for all that you have done wrong. I (God) have paid for your wrongdoing, the debt is forgiven, and I have wiped the slate clean for you. I (God) have purchased a new beginning for you, a new life.
Jesus therefore through His sacrifice, opens the door for us into His Kingdom, and invites us in as honored guests – which Kingdom we would have been denied access to because of our sin (wrongdoing).
Before accepting Christ, we were God’s enemies, no different then Satan. After we accept Christ as Lord and Savior, we accept His free gift of salvation and we are accepted into His Kingdom forever more.
Who else offers this? No one, no other so-called god(s) offers what our God does. We do wrong, committing sins – lying, stealing, gossiping, being mean to others, cheating on our spouse, abusing others physically and emotionally, murder, and so many more. God sets all these aside, refusing to “see, or acknowledge” these sins anymore. We are freed from the penalty of sin, because God Himself, in the form of Jesus paid the required price for us – so that we do not have to.
The day to accept the free gift of God is today.
What’s the catch, there is always a catch. Yes, there is a catch actually. One must be sorry for their sins and be determined to turn away from them. One must also believe in Jesus and His finished work on the cross – the payment for our sin that we may be free. Believing that Jesus is alive and seated at the side of the Father, interceding for us always. Come to Christ and be set free.
