Ever since the fall, when Adam and Eve first sinned, our default status when we are born is that of a sinner. To sin is to fall short of God's perfect standards or go against His ways. Romans 3:23 says: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." None of us is righteous on our own (Romans 3:10–12). There are consequences for sin and there is also provision made for our salvation.
What does being born sinful mean for us? Well, it first of all means that we are spiritually dead, ruled by sin rather than ruled by God. Jesus said that everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin (John 8:34). When we are enslaved to sin, we are condemned to eternal damnation as punishment for our sins, because God's wrath is what we deserve (Hebrews 9:27; Ephesians 2:3). Our sin puts us in direct opposition to God: "For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God" (Romans 8:7–8). We are enslaved to sin and condemned to eternal damnation by God; we need someone to rescue us—a Savior.
God made provision for our salvation by sending His one and only Son, Jesus Christ to the earth (John 3:16). Jesus lived a perfect life with no sin. He was crucified, bearing the weight of the entire world's sins upon Himself. He was raised from the dead three days later (Mark 15—16). When Jesus was crucified, He took the punishment for our sins so that we wouldn't have to (2 Corinthians 17–21). Jesus' sacrifice made it possible for us to be forgiven and to be children of God: "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12). In His grace and mercy, God has made a way for us to be saved; all we must do is turn to Him (called repentance) and receive that grace by faith (Ephesians 2:8–9).
When we place our faith in Jesus and His sacrifice for us, we are saved (Acts 16:31; Ephesians 2:8–9). Jesus is the only way to God: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Before salvation we are spiritually dead, and through Jesus we become spiritually alive. This is called being born again (John 3:3–15). Instead of being condemned, we are forgiven: "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned" (John 3:17–18). There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). This is the miracle of salvation!
If you have not been saved in Jesus Christ and would like to be, please look at our article "What is the Truth about salvation?" for more information.
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