Today, I would like to spend a little time talking about escaping death. However, we are not talking about escaping physical death. We are talking about something far more important: escaping spiritual death and receiving the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Ever since Adam and Eve committed the first sin in the Garden of Eden, sin has been a part of the human race. Because of sin, death entered the world, and every one of us has been affected by it. Romans 6:23 tells us: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
God is holy and righteous, and His standard is perfection. Unfortunately, none of us can live a completely sinless life. We have all fallen short of God’s glory. Romans 3:23 says: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
There is only one who ever lived a completely sinless life, and that was God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Yet, in His great love and wisdom, God provided a way for us to escape the penalty of sin. He made a way for us to receive forgiveness and the promise of eternal life. Let’s take a closer look at God’s plan.
The Scapegoat: A Picture of God’s Plan
In Leviticus 16, God gave the people of Israel instructions concerning the Day of Atonement. Two goats were presented before the Lord. One was sacrificed as a sin offering, while the other was used as a scapegoat. The scapegoat provided a picture of the removal of the people’s sins.
Leviticus 16:8-10 describes the instructions given to Aaron concerning these two goats. Later in the chapter, we find these words: “And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness.” Leviticus 16:22
What a powerful picture! The sins of the people were symbolically placed upon the scapegoat, which was then sent away into the wilderness. This ceremony reminded the Israelites that sin was serious and that God had provided a way for their sins to be dealt with.
However, these sacrifices were not the final answer to the problem of sin. They pointed forward to something greater: the perfect sacrifice that God would one day provide through His Son, Jesus Christ.
What Is Your Scapegoat Today?
People are always looking for ways to escape the problems, pressures, and disappointments of life. Some turn to money, drugs, alcohol, gambling, or sexual relationships, hoping these things will bring comfort or help them forget their troubles.
Others try to escape their guilt by blaming someone else for their problems. And then some others believe that being a good person, attending church, giving money, or doing good deeds will somehow make them right with God.
But my friend, these things cannot remove your sins or give you eternal life. They may offer temporary relief, but they cannot solve your greatest problem: your need for forgiveness and salvation. There is only one Savior who can deliver us from the penalty of sin, and His name is Jesus Christ.
Jesus did not come into this world to give us another temporary escape. He came to save us from our sins. He willingly went to the cross and gave His life as the perfect sacrifice for us.
In first Peter it says: “who his own self, bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” — 1 Peter 2:24 Jesus took upon Himself the punishment that our sins deserved. He died, was buried, and rose again on the third day. Through His death and resurrection, He made the way for us to be reconciled to God.
Unlike the scapegoat in the Old Testament, Jesus was not simply a symbol. He is our living Savior! He gave Himself willingly for us, and He lives today. Hebrews 10:12 reminds us: “But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;”
The sacrifice of Jesus Christ was sufficient. We do not need to add our good works to His finished work on the cross. Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
How Can You Escape Eternal Death?
So, let me ask you a personal question: Who or what are you trusting to save you? Are you trusting in your money, your good deeds, your church attendance, or your own efforts? Or have you placed your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ?
There is only one way to the Father. Jesus said in John 14:6: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
My friend, you do not have to live in uncertainty about your eternal future. God has made His promise clear in His Word. Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again so that we could receive forgiveness and everlasting life.
If you have never trusted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, why not take a moment to consider what He has done for you? Turn to Him in faith, acknowledge your sin, and trust Him to save you. No one is promised tomorrow, and the most important decision you will ever make concerns your relationship with God.
First John 1:9 gives us this wonderful promise: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” God is not asking you to earn your salvation. He is calling you to trust His Son.
You can pray to God in your own words, confessing your sins and placing your faith in Jesus Christ. Remember, it is not the words of a prayer that save you; it is Jesus Christ who saves. Salvation comes through God’s grace by faith in Him. Please do not put off this decision. The things of this world will pass away, but God’s promise of eternal life stands forever.
My Closing Thoughts… God has provided the way. Jesus Christ has paid the price. The question is, have you trusted Him?
My hope is that these words have stirred your heart and given you something to think about. If you would like me to pray with you or share a comment, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentpromises.com.
May God bless you and guide you as you seek His truth.
Bob
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I do not claim to be an expert, nor am I writing on behalf of any religious organization. I am simply sharing my thoughts and observations as someone who believes in and trusts the Lord Jesus Christ. If you want answers to life’s most important questions, open your Bible and read it for yourself. Ask God to help you understand His Word and apply its truth to your life. When we have questions about life, death, sin, forgiveness, and eternity, we need to turn to the one source that provides the truth: the Word of God, the Bible. It is our roadmap for life, showing us who God is, why we need a Savior, and how we can have eternal life through Jesus Christ.
I will leave you with one of the most beautiful promises in all of Scripture: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16
