The world seems a pretty hopeless place in many ways, doesn’t it? Is there hope for the future? The Earth and all that’s in it belong to God, its Creator. Nothing happens without his knowledge. He has given humankind freedom of choice in many things but remains in control, and we will ultimately be held accountable for our actions. The 2.4 billion adherents of the world’s largest religion, Christianity, see Jesus Christ as being the only true source of hope.
Jesus was born in Bethlehem ~2000 years ago, as the Son of God. He was miraculously born fully human (to a human mother), but is also a full member of the Godhead of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who together are One. He is therefore fully God. Christianity fosters a close personal relationship with God through him.
Why did Jesus come to Earth?
That’s a long story described in the Bible, the written word of God. Humankind was intended to live in fellowship with God, as custodians of his world. Sadly, many have ignored this relationship, with sin (going against the will of God) and evil entering the world, leaving us in a fallen state where chaos and pain seem to reign. However, God so loves the world that he sent Jesus to give us an opportunity to set things right with himself and to rescue us from our predicament. He provides a way back to himself—the only way—through Jesus, inviting everyone to take advantage of his mercy and grace, in accepting the gifts he offers through fellowship with himself.
How does Jesus help us?
God is a God of love, but also a God of justice. Sin has a cost, and justice must be done. In his mercy, God himself paid the price of human sin, through Jesus. Failing to recognise the deity of Jesus, most of his own people rejected him and called for his execution as a criminal by crucifixion on the Cross, even though as the Son of God he was uniquely free of sin. In his love for us, God allowed this for our benefit, as payment for the sins of the world. What’s more, on the third day after his death God raised him to life (the Resurrection). Where there is no sin there is no death, and death could not keep its hold on Jesus. He is alive now at the Father’s side in heaven where he had always been, and will return some day to restore peace on Earth for his people, as the King of all nations.
What’s in it for me?
Everything. God promises that if we come to him in prayer with humility, ask for acceptance as one of his own, confess our sinful nature and turn back to him, he will remove from us the burden of sin. The cost of our sin has been paid through the sacrifice of Jesus. Our sins are thus forgiven and we face no condemnation. All of this is by God’s graciousness, through no merit of our own. What’s more, he provides his Spirit to be with each of his people as a source of strength, hope and peace, giving a whole new meaning and purpose for life.
As humans, Christians inevitably continue to sin but, with repentance, they are forgiven sinners, so death will not hold them either, and there is life after death, eternal life with God in heaven. That’s why Christians also refer to Jesus as their Saviour who rescues them from the world of sin and death. This is the source of Christian hope, the good news of the Gospel.
Where to from here?
God invites all to become members of his family, with his forgiveness and grace. Nobody can ‘convert’ you to Christianity; only you can undertake this as God leads you. God calls everyone: it’s just a question of whether we hear the call. Reading this, perhaps you are hearing it, and we would be delighted to offer encouragement and support on your journey. If you need more information please email your contact details to St Paul’s Anglican Church here in Papanui: info@stpaulspapanui.org.nz.
The Lord bless you and keep you;
make his face shine on you,
turn his face towards you,
and give you peace.