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Would You Tell?

Several years ago Carl made a marvelous discovery. At the time, he had been infected with AIDS and was searching for help. Through the advice of an old friend, he found an obscure country doctor who had a new method for treating all types of illness and disease. Amazingly, this method had a 100% success rate. All of Dr. Franklin's patients had been cured, even of such afflictions as cancer. Carl went to this doctor for treatment, and all his symptoms went away within a few weeks! He felt much healthier and full of vigor. In the years since his treatment, Carl has never become ill at all, and there is no indication of any disease present in him. He knows this doctor has given him something very special. Dr. Franklin has the means to provide truly lasting cures! What an amazing thing!

But ever since Carl was cured, he especially notices how many people around him are suffering with health problems. There is no doubt in his mind that Dr. Franklin could help every one. They will suffer needlessly if he doesn't tell them of this wonderful doctor. But surprisingly, Carl never tells them.

If you were in Carl's place, would you tell others? Take a moment to truly think about this.

Doesn't it seem selfish and uncaring to remain quiet when people have such great need, and you know the way to help them? This is why you've been given this paper. Someone cares about you. There is a very real problem called sin, and God has wonderful news regarding how to receive his forgiveness. You are a unique individual and the difficulties and challenges you face may be different from others, but the common problem we all face is the sin which separates us from God. Like Carl's doctor, God has the answer for all people everywhere. You deserve to hear of it so you can decide for yourself.

Most people do not really know what the Bible says regarding how to get to heaven. Here are some comments heard frequently. Maybe your response would be similar to one of these:

• "I think if my good deeds outweigh my bad deeds, I'll go to heaven."
• "I'm not such a bad person."
• "I've been confirmed and baptized."
• "I'll worry about that when I'm older."
• "I don't believe in that stuff. This life is all that's important to me."

Some people claim that the Bible can be interpreted in many ways. I ask you to seriously consider whether or not the Bible is plain in the following matters

1. The Bible tells us that all have sinned:

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

"As it is written, 'There is none righteous, not even one.'" Romans 3:10

The Bible tells us that all have sinned, there is none righteous. We may think we are not so bad because we are not murderers or rapists. We love our spouses and we work to provide for our families. Perhaps we even donate to help the poor. But compared to a holy God who is perfect we are sinners who do not measure up to his standard.

"For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all." James 2:10

Even telling one lie shows that we are not perfect.

2. There is a penalty for sin.

We all deserve death because of our sin.

"For the wages of sin is death…" Romans 6:23

"…it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment." Hebrews 9:27

"And death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire." Revelation 20:14

We all expect to go through physical death one day. It is the lot of every person. But this "second death" is eternal separation from God in the lake of fire.

3. Eternal life is a free gift. It cannot be "earned."

Romans 6:23 has more to say:

"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Notice that eternal life is a free gift! Is this my interpretation only? Look at this verse:

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast." Ephesians 2:8,9

4. Jesus Christ died on the cross for you.

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16

It is by believing in Him that we will have eternal life. By believing we receive this free gift.

5. It is possible to know that you have eternal life.

"These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life." 1 John 5:13

Notice again that word believe. How can you know that you have eternal life? By believing in the Son of God, Jesus Christ—that he died, taking the penalty that you and I deserved for our sin.

This is the central message of the Bible. We all have been overcome by sin and are headed to the judgment of a holy and just God. He must punish sin. It is not a pleasant thing to hear, but neither is news of a disease in us. Yet we must hear it if we want any hope of being cured. Many have believed, or put their trust in Jesus Christ, that He died for their sins on the cross. To do so is to know the peace and joy of forgiveness by God. You can know it, too. No one can force you to believe. But won't you consider the great depth of God's love for you—love that caused Him to make a way for you to be rescued from the disease of sin? He wants you to have eternal life! Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved.