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I’m sure that most of us have had someone come up to us and say, "I've got good news, and I’ve got bad news”. Whenever someone says that to me, I always ask them to tell me the bad news first, with the hope that the good news would outweigh the bad news.
The short text that is before us is no different, but has an exceedingly more profound meaning, because it clearly contrasts hell and Heaven. This week, we will consider the bad news.
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The clear theme of the book of Romans from chapter's 1-11 is the Biblical doctrine of salvation by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone. The word "alone" is emphasized because there is nothing that you and I as born sinners can do to earn, merit, or co-operate in saving ourselves. Let me show you why this is so. In Romans 3:23, Paul writes that we have all fallen short of God’s glory, which is the standard for entry into Heaven. God demands absolute perfection. Whether we are the most morally upright person in our community, a death row inmate, or anyone in between, our inherited nature to sin has separated us from God’s standard of perfection.
Despite this fact, there are some Churches that teach that salvation can be "earned" by doing good works, and among requirements, keeping the Ten Commandments. Friends, that is simply not possible. In James 2:10, the Bible says that if even ONE of the Ten Commandments is broken, then we are guilty of all ten! Whenever I share my faith with someone and ask them; "How does someone get to Heaven?" Almost 100% of those I speak with answer by saying "just live a good life," be a good person," "give to charitable causes," "give God an hour a week”. However, the problem with all of these answers is that they require some form of work, activity, or action on their part that they believe will "earn" God's favor, and "earn" entry into Heaven. But there is no mention sin, helplessness, repentance, and submission to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, even from those who say that they believe in Jesus Christ. As a result, their “foundation” for entry into Heaven is not built on the Word of God, but their own personal beliefs.
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Friends, my prayer is that if you have been trusting in yourself in any way; if you see yourself as being "worthy" of Heaven based on your own estimation if yourself, that you would think seriously about the eternal consequences that will await you after you breathe your last breath, as a result of trusting on your standard for Heaven. Romans 3:23 is short, but to the point. Please take it seriously. There are no grey areas here. We all miss the mark! You may then ask, “Then, how can someone enter Heaven“? The answer to that question will be answered next week, as we will consider the good news, in Romans 3:24, which far outweighs the bad news!
***Free Community Car Wash! Saturday, July 17th,10am to 2pm***
Calvary Baptist Church
2981 Horseblock Rd.
Medford, NY 11763
Questions? Call Pastor Chris Pandolfi, 631-294-4549
Sunday Ministries:
Adult and Children's Sunday School: 9:45am
Worship Service and Children's Church:11am
Evening Worship Service: 6pm
Written by Steve Visconti
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