Thoughtful Thursday - Our Passover Sacrifice

Jesus Christ - Our Passover Sacrifice

Previously posted on Rubies Like Ruth (December 2011)

When God brought the Children of Israel out of Egypt, He established several feasts. One of those was the Passover.

“The fourteenth day of the second month at even they shall keep it, and eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. They shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of it: according to all the ordinances of the Passover they shall keep it.” Numbers 9:11-12

When Jesus Christ was crucified, He became the new Passover sacrificed for us (see 1 Corinthians 5:7). Just like the Passover lamb, His precious body was not left on the cross until morning (see John 19:38) nor was any bone of His body broken (see John 19:36).

“But the man that is clean, and is not in a journey, and forbeareth to keep the Passover, even the same soul shall be cut off from among his people: because he brought not the offering of the LORD in his appointed season, that man shall bear his sin.” Numbers 9:13

Just like in Passover times, God requires us to respond. Every soul that does not accept Jesus Christ as the Passover, will be judged one day, bearing his sin (“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23).

“And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.” Exodus 12:13

Just like God passed over the houses that had blood sprinkled on the door posts, He looks to see if we have Christ’s blood sprinkled on the posts of our hearts and will judge us accordingly. Have you been covered by that blood? Have you accepted the Passover Lamb as your sacrifice for sins?

Verse 9 of 52!

My ninth verse in this challenge is a continuation of Romans 5:

"Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life." (Romans 5:18)

A Giveaway

Here's a giveaway at a blog I enjoy reading:
http://www.growinghomeblog.com/2012/03/31-days-of-homeschool-encouragement.html

Thoughtful Thursday - In Tune

In Tune

Previously posted on my family's blog

The Lord allowed me to purchase my own piano in April 2010. Before I moved it into our house, I noticed that it needed tuning, but tuning a piano is expensive! Months passed with me playing it, cringing, and thinking, “I really need to get this tuned!” And of course, I still did not make a move towards tuning it. I knew the main benefit of tuning my piano: it would be so much more pleasant to play and teach on, but I also weighed the personal loss: I was not willing to spare that money needed to tune it.

The inside of my piano

As I was thinking about my neglect in hiring a piano tuner, the Lord helped me to link the piano to my spiritual walk with Him. How often do I know that I need to “tune up” my life, but when I realize the sacrifice and time it takes, I neglect it? I know that my life would flow in a smooth stream of harmony and music instead of the current of dissonance and clangs, but because I am not willing to make the sacrifice, my life continues in dissonance.

Just like my piano, my heart will not resonate with lovely music until I decide to make the sacrifice needed to bring it back in tune.

~*~*~

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”

Psalm 51:10

A Selfish Blogger?

I was blessed by reading this blog post today. If you have a moment, check it out: http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2011/05/are-you-selfish-blogger.html

Verses 7/8 of 52!

I have been memorizing my verses, but have been too busy to post them on here. So to catch up, here are verses 7 and 8:

"Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another." (Galatians 5:26)

~

"For if by one man's offence, death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace of of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:17)

(Only 4 more verses to go before the whole chapter is memorized, praise God!!!)

Thoughtful Thursday - The Ministry of Letter Writing

The Ministry of Letter Writing

Previously posted on Rubies Like Ruth (August 2011)

Letter writing is an old art that is still continued by a select few young ladies. Girls write (or email) for amusement, to keep up friendships, for communication, and to get a reply. All of these are fun reasons to write, but I like to think of writing as a ministry as well. We see a vivid example of ministering by letters in the New Testament. Paul wrote many letters to different churches and men, challenging them in their walk with God and sharing truth.

Our notes can bring a smile to one’s face and brighten their day. A word of encouragement can help a sister in her walk with God. A question can challenge one to stay faithful. Most importantly, a letter can simply show the love of Christ.

In my love for letter-writing, God has shown me a few ways that I can minister with letters:

     1. Pray that God will give me some way to encourage my pen-pal

     2. Write not just to those who are “fun” to write to, but those who will need the encouragement

     3. Pray for the person to whom I am writing

     4. Include a verse with which God has been challenging me

     5. Humbly share an area in which God has been growing me

     6. Ask them about a specific area of their walk with God (prayer, Bible reading, memorizing)

     7. Ask if there is a specific area that I can pray for them

There are many ways we can minister to a friend in letters – sometimes we simply need to ask God to show us what He would have us to do and be tender towards His leading.

The next time you go to write a letter or type an email, let me challenge you to make it worthwhile. Do not just “chat,” but leave your friend with something that ministers to her heart.

Thoughtful Thursday - Quality or Conviction?

Quality or Conviction?

Previously posted at my family's blog

Capable musicians are a growing need for churches. Many churches do without musicians because no one in their congregation is musically inclined. Other churches hire out their musicians. Most churches require an instrumentalist to be accomplished, but they neglect to inquire if the musician is a born-again believer. Does this matter?

The Bible speaks of those who were allowed to participate in the music of the temple. The clearest accounts we see are in 1 and 2 Chronicles.

And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the

singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding,

by lifting up the voice with joy. (1 Chronicles 15:16)

The musicians were not just any accomplished musicians. They were chosen from the Levites – the tribe that God had set apart for the purpose of leading Israel in worship (Numbers 1:47-50). We see that though they were skillful in their music (1 Chronicles 15:22), their goal was strictly to praise and thank the Lord.

It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound  to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD;” 2 Chronicles 5:13).

They were not playing for money’s sake, to show off their skill, or even just to fill a need. They were personally praising God with their music.

According to Psalm 86, the reason one can praise God is because of salvation.

I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy

name for evermore. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast

delivered my soul from the lowest hell. (Psalm 86:12-13)

Just because a person is qualified musically to fill the place of church musician does not mean that they should. Scripture seems to indicate that a church musician should be a believer of the Lord Jesus Christ; a person who has experienced His saving grace. If he is not saved, how could he fill this place that God has specifically chosen as another form to worship Him?

The church musician plays a very important role in the church. It should be filled by someone who can worship the Lord “in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)

Snap-shot taken by my brother

“I will declare Thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation

will I praise Thee. Ye that fear the LORD, praise Him;

all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify Him; and fear Him,

all ye the seed of Israel.” (Psalm 22:22-23) 

Verse 6 of 52!

This week's verse is Romans 5:16,

"And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift; for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offenses unto justification."

I cannot lie. Last week, I memorized another verse because I had a very difficult time committing this one to memory!!! After much prayer and much review, God allowed me to get this one down.

Memorizing verses is so neat! When you read different verses, sometimes the meaning pops out to you, but when you're memorizing them, you almost have to understand them in order to really memorize them. Then, after you have them memorized, you can pull them out at any time and meditate on them - and learn new truths from them.

That is basically what happened with Romans 5:16. To get the full meaning, I had to review Romans 5:15 (“But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one, many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, hath abounded unto many.”). Then, as I continued to memorize, the beauty of the difference from being judged to being justified really stuck out to me. How grateful I am for God's salvation!

Thoughtful Thursday - Claiming True Beauty

Claiming True Beauty

Previously posted on Rubies Like Ruth (May 2011)

A frown crossed Marie’s face as she stroked the brush through her hair. It was not exactly a describable color – it wasn’t a blonde, or brown, red, or black. It was just . . . some color. Her gaze left her hair and briefly studied her face. She tried to feign a smile, but her forehead creased with dissatisfaction. No, she was not at all pretty. With a small sigh, she turned and left the mirror.

How many of us are like Marie? The “girl in the mirror” is not nearly as pretty as our eyes would like to behold, but the “girl in the mirror” is the true, unchangeable “me.” A girl’s dream is perhaps to be slender, tall/short, with beautiful hair, and of course, pretty features. But more often than not, we stand in front of the mirror thinking, “I’m just plain and ugly.” In a frantic attempt to undo this insufferable ugliness we paint ourselves, changing what we can but leaving much more than we want undone.

When indulging ourselves in this vain self-pity, how often do we stop to consider what we are doing? The God Who told Jeremiah “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee” (Jeremiah 1:5, KJV) is also the God Who formed us. The God Who was praised “for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) is the same God Who should be praised for His marvelous handiwork of our lives. The God Who made Adam in His Image (Genesis 1:26) still creates humans in His Image. The God Who did all this is the same God to Whom we are ungrateful for the appearance He gave us.

Have we forgotten that “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised?” (Proverbs 31:30) Even Jesus was prophesied as a man who had “no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.” (Isaiah 53:2) It was not outward attractions that drew people to Christ – it was Him, His perfect loveliness.

As Christians, we are to be like Christ; but too often I am afraid that we lose focus. Instead of perfecting that inward beauty, we look at outward beauty. Are we more focused on vain beauty than we are on significant beauty? Are we so concerned about what others think of us that we forget to ask, “Let others see Thee in me?” Is our physical face more important than the face we put on the title “Christian?”

If our aim is towards any beauty at all, should it not be the beauty described in 1 Peter 3: 3-4? “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” Facial flawlessness and a perfect form may be what the world sees as great beauty, but here the Bible clearly states that the meek and quiet spirit is “in the sight of God a great price.” Is the value of outward beauty so great that we would trade it for God’s acceptance?

Nothing is more beautiful than a girl or young woman who is sold out to Christ, and there is nothing uglier than a girl who has all the “beauty” of the world, yet is vain, proud, selfish, and etc. Which are we going to choose?

Verse 5 of 52!

My fifth verse for this challenge is 2 Corinthians 10:12. (Yes, I veered away from Romans 5 this week, but Lord willing, will be back on track with that in a week or two):

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves; but they measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves among themselves are not wise.

(By memory, so I might have missed punctuation or words)

SO much can be said on the matter of comparison. What a great reminder to stay away from comparison, as it is a poison that affects much of what we do or do not do.

Thoughtful Thursday - The 5-second Prayer

Five-Second Prayer

Previously published with Incorruptible Beauty newsletter in 2009

A few months ago we had the director of BEAMS Bible Ministries (beamsbibles.org) speak at our church. As he was closing his presentation, he asked how many of us would dedicate to pray a five-second prayer for them. It was a strange request, so he went on to explain, “A five-second prayer is when you are mowing your lawn, doing your work, or whatever else, and happen to think of us; take the time to bow your head, and say a quick, five-second prayer for us and BEAMS Ministries.” The response he got after the explanation was vibrant consent.

After that Sunday, I thought a little more about the five-second prayer. Many times, I have had different acquaintances flash through my mind at odd times; could those times have been when God wanted me to lift them up in a short prayer? Though God’s Word indicates that we are to spend much time with Him in prayer, I believe that those five-second prayers are also essential. We do not know what an individual is dealing with at the moment we think of them.

Another challenge with the five-second prayer is capturing our thoughts. As I hear different news my thoughts tend to wander, often resulting in some very judgmental thoughts towards fellow-believers. Recently, God has convicted me with the challenge, “You can think about them and inwardly judge them as much as you want, but if you do not pray for them, you will succeed only in injuring yourself.” What truth! Now, as God helps me, when I am tempted to think badly towards others, I instead lift them up in prayer. The outcome is not only having peace in leaving the results up to God, but also having a freedom from evil thoughts and surmising.

What can be benefited by a five-second prayer? I am sure that we will never know. We should just be sure that we immediately obey God and His prompting

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. I John 5:14-15

Verse 4 of 52!

My fourth verse for this count-down is Romans 5:15:

"But not as the offense, so also is the free gift. For if through the offense of one, many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift of grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many."

God's grace is so amazing!! I love the words to the hymn "Grace Greater than Our Sin:" 

(Words by Julia Johnston)

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,

Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt.

Yonder on Calvary's mount out-poured,

There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Sin and despair like the sea wave cold,

Threaten the soul with infinite loss.

Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,

Points to the Refuge, the the mighty cross.

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.

What can avail to wash it away?

Look there is flowing a crimson tide,

Brighter than snow you may be today!

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,

Freely bestowed on all who believe!

You that are longing to see His face,

Will you this moment His grace receive?

Chorus

Grace, grace, God's grace,

Grace that will pardon and cleanse within!

Grace, grace, God's grace,

Grace that is greater than all our sin!

Praise God for His wonderful, matchless grace that saves sinners like me!!

Thoughtful Thursday - Soli Deo Gloria

Soli Deo Gloria

(To God alone the Glory)
Previously published with a newsletter for girls, Incorruptible Beauty

Perhaps one of the greatest composers in the Baroque period was Johann Sebastian Bach. His life was one filled with music. He was not only a master organist and harpsichordist, but was also well-known for his musical compositions. For a man as great as Bach, it would seem natural for him to credit his accomplishments to a lifetime of hard work and sacrifice. However, on his sacred music, he humbly wrote “J.J.” at the beginning and “S.D.G.” at the completion of each piece. These are abbreviations for “Jesu Juva” (Jesus help) and “Soli Deo Gloria” (to God alone the glory). Even though Bach was highly esteemed, he still acknowledged that Jesus was the only One to Whom he must go for help, and that God was the One to receive all credit for his works. What a testimony!

There will be many times in this life when we will have the temptation to credit ourselves for the work we do. Paul charges us otherwise, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” (Romans 12:1-3) It is only our duty to follow God’s leading. If He, in His abundant grace and mercy, leads us to be famous or great in any way, our thoughts, words, and actions should always point to our Creator, Who gives us the very strength to live. May our hearts ever repeat the phrase “Soli Deo Gloria.”

Verse 3 of 52!

This week, I continued my memory of Romans 5.

Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of Him that was to come." (Romans 5:14)

Thoughtful Thursday - Saving Our Gift

Saving Our Gift

Originally published on my family's blog in October 2010

One word that sends a thrill of excitement through any girl is the word “wedding.” Most of us cannot wait for that special day when we shall become the wife of a handsome young man.

The first “wedding” took place in Genesis 2, when God brought Eve to Adam to be his wife. Eve was a gift to her husband just like each of us girls will be a gift to some young man. How special it will be for our dad to walk us up the aisle and present us as a gift to our husband.

Here, we must stop dreaming and ask a sobering question: in what shape will this present be when our husband receives it? I do not mean will we be slender and attractive; we must look deeper – on the inside. Will our heart be pure and reserved only for our husband? Or will we be tattered and worn from living a life of “play” with every handsome young man we meet?

If you picture a gift, you might think of a beautiful package with shiny, unmarred wrapping and ribbons tied at the top. Change this picture to a young girl. She is pure in heart with innocence hovering over her like ribbons. This young lady reaches her early teens and her perspective of life changes. She notices that there are handsome, likeable boys that are more than willing to give her attention. So, she dangles a ribbon in their face, tempting them, saying, “You want to get a peek of what I’m like?”  This is called flirting. Many boys react to this flirting by accepting the young girl’s offer. Often, this step is repeated again and again, until the ribbons are all frayed, tattered, or torn from pulls by young men.

As a girl gets older, she begins to “date around” to find her husband. Instead of living a life of peace and contentment, her life is filled with worries about “Will he like me? What if he breaks up with me?” In the meanwhile, her wrapping is getting soiled and perhaps torn in places.

Finally, “Mr. Right” comes and the girl proceeds to her wedding. When her husband receives this gift on their wedding day, it is no longer the beautiful package we first saw – pure and innocent – with clean wrapping and delightful ribbons. Instead, it is marred and in need of repair. What godly young man would like to receive such a gift?

For those of you, who have not dangled your ribbons before boys; let me challenge you to stay pure! Do not worry about “catching” young men’s attention!! Instead, focus on serving the Lord and let Him bring your future husband to you. Purity is a gift that once opened, can never be re-wrapped in the perfect way it was before.

For those of you who have already spent your life flirting and worrying about attracting boys, may I challenge you to consider the path your feet are taking you! If the Lord is asking you to save your heart for the one young man that will become your husband, please hearken to Him! He will forgive and mend the broken heart and is so ready to help your feet find a straighter, safer path on which to travel.

“Keep (Guard) thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:20) You have a precious gift in your hands . . . will you purpose to keep it pure and clean for your husband?

Thoughtful Thursdays - "It's Just a Blog"

I have greatly enjoyed writing for various blogs and online magazines in the past year, and I thought that I would re-post some of those articles here. Though I might not be able to hit every Thursday, I would like to share what I can.

If you would like, you can grab my "Thoughtful Thursday" button as well!!

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It's Just a Blog

Previously published with Bloom! Magazine in October 2011

In the past year, I have browsed through dozens of blogs; some of you more avid blog-hoppers might have hit hundreds or even thousands of blogs. But let us narrow it down to that one blog – your blog. Out of the millions of pages on the world-wide-web, it is just one. One little place to pour out your thoughts, hopes, dreams, convictions, fears, laughter, and life. Your blog reflects either who you are or who you want to be.

So . . . what if I obtained your blog URL and hopped on over? What would I see? What should I see?

Let us jump to the last question. What should be on our blog? I mean, it’s just a blog. Matthew 5:26 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”  (KJV) I believe that a blog is an excellent place to shine! Not just shining, though – for we can shine in “look at how amusing, funny, and entertaining I am” – shining for GOD! When others look at our blogs, what do they see? Are they simply entertained, or are they encouraged in their walk with Christ?

What is our blog content? Can we pray Psalm 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer?”  Or are we too busy making our words acceptable in a friend’s sight? God is a follower on our blogs. He sees every little sentence, every JPEG image, and even the motive behind each post. Is He seeing something that pleases Him and brings glory to His Name, or is He seeing posts that daily have lost opportunities to share Him with others?

Maybe in considering these verses, we need to also consider a revamp. As Christians, our blogs need to reflect Christ! As sisters in Christ, our blogs need to encourage one another in the Lord! Are we faithfully serving God with our blogs, or are we satisfying our selfish desires? Yes, our blog is “just another blog,” but we can use it as an avenue to spread God’s love! 

Verse 2 of 52!

Verse 2 in the 52-verse challenge is the following verse in Romans 5:

"For until the law, sin was in the world; but sin is not imputed when there is not law."

Romans 5:13

What does that big word "imputed" mean? I found it helpful to see another verse about sin and the law. "The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law." (1 Corinthians 15:56). It is because of the law that we know what sin is - in fact, the law is considered our school-master: "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith." (Galatians 3:24) Because we have broken God's law, we were slaves under the law . . . until . . . God gave His son Jesus and sent the free gift of salvation (see Romans 5:15)! We can repeat with David, "Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile." (Psalm 32:2)
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Verse 1 of 52!

My first memory verse for the 52-verse challenge is Romans 5:12. My goal is to complete memorizing Romans 5 in the next few weeks/months . . . so with God's help, that's what I'll do!! :)

"Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." Romans 5:12

Romans 5 - The Second Adam

On my memory list for the 52-verse challenge is Romans 5, but I have not waited until January 1st before starting! :) By God's help, I have tackled the first eight verses and am eager to jump in further!! It has been exciting to memorize such a unique chapter in God's Word.

Memorizing through Romans 5 has spurred me in writing an article about it, mainly focusing on Christ as the Second Adam. I'll give you the article here, but it will also be posted at Rubies Like Ruth, Lord willing, sometime next week, for their "Names of Jesus" topic.

Jesus Christ – The Second Adam

By Amanda Tero

Romans 5 has become a very special chapter to me. I remember the first time that the words really reached out to me with a special meaning. I would like to share that special meaning with you.

                                        

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Romans 5:12

When God created the world, He created it in the beauty of perfection. However, it did not take long before the one man that God created sinned. That sin passed from Adam to Cain and to every man born – including you and me.

Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. Romans 5:14

It took only one man to bring the curse of sin to all mankind, but the next verse holds very blessed news!

But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Romans 5:15-17

Since it took only one man to bring sin into the world, it only took one Man to bring the gift of grace and righteousness. That one man had to be perfect: a humanly impossible feature. That is why God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be transformed as a man living on earth, living a perfect life.

Jesus Christ was born in a manger (see Luke 2:7), lived a perfectly sinless life (see 2 Corinthians 5:21), took the sins of the world on Him when He died (see 1 Corinthians 15:3), and rose after three days to bring us the gift of new life (see Matthew 28:5-6).

Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Romans 5:18-19

The free gift of eternal life is made available to every single man, woman, boy, and girl on this earth. There is no sin so great that Christ’s blood cannot cover it.

Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: Romans 5:20

Like any gift, it is held out, offered to you. But it does not become your own until you reach out and receive the gift. (But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: John 1:12) To receive the gift, one simply has to admit that they are sinners and unrighteous before Holy God, believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He came to earth to die for our sins, turn away from their sins to God, and confess that Jesus is Lord.

That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:21

Because Jesus Christ came down to be the second Adam, we can receive God’s gift of grace, be made righteous in His eyes, and live eternally with Him.