It’s a truth that is older than mankind: All men are sinful and their conscience often whispers softly within them to remind them of their guilt.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23
I often watch videos from Ray Comfort with Living Waters Ministry who usually does street evangelism. In his interviews, he asks people on the street if they consider themselves good enough to go to heaven. Most say yes. Then, he gently digs deeper: Have they ever told a lie? Taken God’s name in vain? Hated someone? Lustfully desired another? Inevitably, they admit to all of these. And with that, they confess that they’ve been liars, blasphemers, murderers (for, as 1John 3:15 states, “Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer”), and fornicators. When faced with their own words, most recognize they would not enter heaven on their own merit.
For the ones who have never experienced the forgiveness provided by Christ, there is still that
nagging guilt. And when unaddressed, it leads individuals to seek solace elsewhere, which
usually is in all the wrong places. Some suffer in silence, while others drown their guilt in worldly
distractions or pleasures. Others turn to man-made religions, hoping acts of piety will erase their
wrongs. Atheists—those who deny even the existence of God—end up placing their confidence
in something else such as government, social causes, or even work.
Those who idolize political systems find comfort in blind loyalty to their party. Others, in pursuit
of a social cause, feel righteous by championing activism. And some who devote themselves to
their careers believe their tireless efforts justify their existence.
No matter the avenue, these pursuits often end up with an attitude of self-righteousness. In both
secular ideologies and man-made religions, there is the illusion of having earned salvation
through one’s own deeds. This can breed arrogance, causing them to look down on others who
don’t share their convictions.
But God, in His infinite wisdom, has already provided the right antidote to our guilt. It is not in
striving for self-made salvation, but in the humble acknowledgment that we cannot save
ourselves. Salvation comes only through trusting in Jesus Christ and confessing that He is Lord.
As Scripture promises:
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him
from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes and is justified, and with the
mouth one confesses and is saved.” – Romans 10:9-10
Angga
September 22, 2024