In this new series, we are going to get back to basics by taking a look at some basic truths and foundations of our Christian faith. A study from the Pew Research Center in 2015 found that 80% of Americans have some kind of debt. If someone came up to you and said that they would like to pay off all of your current debt and any future debt you might accrue, would you turn that down? Probably not. Most people, if not all, would gladly accept that generous offer. Our Lord and Savior has made a similar offer to us, but instead of paying off meaningless financial debt, Jesus has paid off our sin debt.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” (Romans 3:23)

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) 

You can turn from your wicked ways, accept this free gift from God, trust Him and follow Him, or you can stand before God and pay for your sin debt yourself. The only payment for sin is death. Jesus has already paid for everyone’s sins with His life, but we have to accept this gracious payment. Those who refuse to accept Jesus’ payment will have to pay the cost themselves. We all have the same choice, and God is being very patient with us as some still struggle with making this choice.

“That is why the Lord says, ‘Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.’ Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.” (Joel 2:12-13)

“You must warn each other every day, while it is still ‘today,’ so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.” (Hebrews 3:13)

“The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. (…) And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved.” (2 Peter 3:9, 14-15a)

Our gracious God gives us the chance to repent of our sins before it is too late. God isn’t being slow: He is giving us time to repent and accept Jesus’ payment for our sins. Peter explains that God doesn’t want anyone to be destroyed, which is why He is being so patient with us. When the world wants to tell you our God is a mean god who only wants to punish, remember how gracious He is with us all, even those who would slander and refuse Him. Our getting back to basics truth is this: we are all born with a fallen, sinful nature, and God loved us so much that He sent Jesus to pay the penalty of our sin and if we believe in Him, we may have eternal life.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

—Redeemed