They don’t know their need for Jesus
Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:12-13
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
A few weeks ago the Lord brought me to a new understanding concerning close friends and family members that believe differently than I do. Their belief is in works and as long as they are accomplishing all that is required of them, they will earn their eternal salvation.
One mentioned that he understood why I feel as strongly as I do about a new life in Christ, it’s because of my colored past. According to him I need God’s grace and forgiveness because I’ve lived a sinful life. According to their beliefs I haven’t followed the correct steps to receive exaltation.
He was right in that I need God’s grace and forgiveness, I need it everyday. But as for following a path of works to obtain celestial glory, not true. As I studied the bible about this situation I came across a vital truth that applies to everyone. We are “all” sinners and need to understand and acknowledge our need for Christ’s offer of redemption.
The Life Application Study Bible states that “Those who are sure they are good enough to be acceptable to God can’t be saved, because the first step in following Jesus is acknowledging that we aren’t good enought and cannot save ourselves.”
The enemy of our souls, the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (2 Corinthians 4:4) That is what Jesus meant when He said that He has not come to call the righteous, but the sinners. He has come for those who know their need for Him. For those who acknowlege that they have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
My hearts desire is that we would all know our deep need for Jesus. For the salvation that His blood bought for us when He died for our sins on the cross. His desire is that none should perish, but He also gives us the freedom to choose for ourselves. He stands at the door and knocks, waiting to be invited into our lives. Waiting to have a relationship with us.
Lord, I pray that the blindness would be lifted and they would see the light. Help them to know their need for You, confess their sins and invite you into their lives so that they can experience Your grace and mercy through the gift of salvation that You offer to everyone who believes in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
