Satan is not opposed to religion; he has successfully used religion to blind the minds of many. How I pray that God would remove the scales from their eyes and reveal the truth to them and then they can truly have joy this Christmas and always.
"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13). Eternal life is a free gift of God's grace and anyone who tries to merit the gift has nullified God's grace (Romans 6:23; 11:6). Without this wonderful gift mankind faces eternal separation from God and everlasting punishment (2 Thess. 1:8). This is because God is holy and righteous and must punish sin (Habakkuk 1:12; Exodus 34:6, 7). Everyone has sinned and falls under the judgment of God (Romans 3:10, 23). The penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23). Jesus paid the death penalty for all who repent and believe in His substitutionary atonement (Roman 5:8). Our only access to God is through the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
Since it is impossible for man to become righteous before our Holy God, He offers us the righteousness of Christ as a gift (Romans 5:17). Christ's righteousness is our necessary passport to enter heaven (2 Cor. 5:21). The gift of eternal life is free to us because Jesus paid such a great price for our redemption (Titus 2:13-14). The gift can only be received by repentance and faith (Acts 3:19, John 3:36). Once you receive the gift, it is irrevocable (Romans 11:29). Salvation is available to those who receive it by grace and not by righteous deeds (Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5). Those who receive the gift of eternal life are adopted into God's eternal family and nothing can ever separate them from God's love (John 1:12; Romans 8:28-29).
Have you ever received God's gift of eternal life? If not, today is the day of salvation. God does not promise anyone tomorrow. Repent from your dead works and receive this precious gift with empty hands of faith (Heb. 6:1; Eph. 2:8-9). The only thing you can bring to the cross of Christ is your sins. Let go of your religious deeds, your filthy rags of righteousness and your good works and sacraments. The Lord Jesus is sufficient to save you completely and forever because the only cure for your sin diseased heart is His precious blood that was shed to purify all sin (1 John1 :7). Follow Jesus and He will lead you into all righteousness and peace!
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