The key is to realize exactly what sin has done to us, and then realize what must happen before this can be reversed.

We’re so used to sin that we easily forget just how serious it is in God’s eyes. But every sin we commit is an act of rebellion — a deliberate renunciation of God’s authority over us. Sin is serious for another reason also: It ravages our souls and brings heartache and brokenness into our lives. Most of all, it cuts us off from God and from others.

But God loves us, and because He loves us He hates what sin does to us. That’s why He provided the way for us to be cleansed of our sins. We could never cleanse ourselves; sin’s stain is too deep. Only God can do it — and He made it possible by sending Jesus Christ into the world as the final and complete sacrifice for our sins.

Jesus was without sin (for He was God in human flesh) — but on the cross, all our sins were transferred to Him, and He took the divine judgment that you and I deserved. Think of it: We deserved to die for our sins — but He died in our place. The Bible says, “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:18).

What must we do? We must believe Christ died and rose again for us, we must receive Him into our hearts by faith, and we must commit our lives to Him as our Lord and Savior. Make sure of your salvation by giving your life to Him today.