The Creation
God created Adam and Eve in His image and in His likeness. They were created both physically and spiritually alive. Being spiritually alive meant that their souls were in union with God. Living in a dependent relationship with their Heavenly Father, they were commanded to rule over the birds of the sky, the beasts of the field, and the fish of the sea. They were loved, accepted, secure, and significant.
The Fall
However, acting independently of God, they chose to disobey Him. Their choice to sin separated them from God. They immediately felt fearful, anxious, depressed, and insecure. Because Eve was deceived by Satan and because Adam sinned, all humankind is born physically alive, but spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1). Since all have sinned (see Romans 3:23), those who remain separated from God will continue to struggle with personal and spiritual conflicts. Satan became the rebel holder of authority, and the god of this world. Jesus Himself referred to Satan as the ruler of this world, and the Apostle John wrote that the whole world lies within the power of the evil one (see 1 John 5:19).
Jesus, Our Redeemer
Jesus came to undo the works of Satan (see 1 John 3:8), and take upon Himself the sins of the world, and sin’s results: death, disease, and poverty . By dying for our sins, Jesus removed the barrier which existed between God and those He created in His image. The resurrection of Christ brought new life to those who put their trust in Him. Every born-again believer’s soul is again in union with God and that is most often communicated in the New Testament with the phrases “in Christ,” or “in Him.” The Apostle Paul taught that anyone who is in Christ is a new creation (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). The Apostle John wrote, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name (see John 1:12), as well as, “See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are” (see 1 John 3:1).
Salvation by Faith
No amount of effort on our part can save us, and neither can any religious activity, no matter how well intentioned. We are saved by faith, that is, by what we choose to believe. All which remains for us to do is put our trust in the finished work of Christ.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourself, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
If you have never surrendered to Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you can do so right now. God knows the thoughts and intentions of your heart, so all you have to do is put your trust in God alone. You can express your decision in prayer as follows:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. I admit I have sinned and cannot save myself. I believe that Jesus came to give me abundant and eternal life. By faith I now choose to receive You into my life as Savior. I surrender to You as absolute Ruler over my life. May the power of Your indwelling Holy Spirit transform me into the person You created me to be. I pray You would lead me to a knowledge of the Truth so I can experience my freedom in Christ and be transformed by the renewing of my mind. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.
