Imagine that you have received a call from your doctor a couple of days after biopsying an unusual cyst.  On the phone the doctor explains that the cyst is cancerous, stage 4, but he believes it is operable.  Of course, that is bad news, but it is not the worst news that you could have gotten.  So you agree to the suggested surgery and you show up for your scheduled appointment.  In the recovery room the doctor explains, “I’m pleased to tell you that I got it all!”  Now, that is good news!  Why? Because what would have been terminal proved to be curable.

Sin Left Untreated Is Terminal

Can I tell you that’s the way it is with sin in your life and mine?  According to the Bible we are all sinners.  For example, the Bible says that “There is none righteous no not even one” Romans 3:10.  The Bible also says “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23.  Finally, the Bible warns that “the wages of sin is death” Romans 6:23.  What does that mean exactly?  It means that Sin left untreated is terminal.

Sin treated with the gospel is curable.

Let’s be honest, if that’s where the Bible ended then that would be bad news and we would all be in trouble.  Thankfully, the Bible doesn’t end there!  Rather, the Bible celebrates the message of the “gospel” which when interpreted actually means “good news.”  This good news is celebrated throughout the Bible in verses like Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, BUT the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  It is also celebrated in Romans 5:8 “But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!”  Perhaps the most familiar verse that summarizes the gospel in one sentence is John 3:16 “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.”  Do you get the picture?  Sin treated with the gospel is curable!  Jesus is the only cure for the malignancy of the soul!!

With that said the Bible promises that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13

Perhaps you are asking, “how exactly do I call on the name of the Lord?”  Here is how one man that we meet in the Bible did just that, he prayed these simple words “God be merciful to me a sinner” Luke 18:13.  According to the very next verse he went away “justified” or forgiven and so can you.

What are you waiting for?  Pray and ask God to save you today.  When you do please let us know so that we can celebrate with you!

Your friends,
East Barbourville Baptist Church