“The Good News”
God saves us by pure grace, not because of anything we have done, but solely because of what He has done for us in the person of Jesus Christ. “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV). This is called ‘The Great Exchange’ – When we trust in Jesus Christ, God exchanges our sin for Christ’s righteousness. It means that when God looks at us, rather than seeing our sin, He chooses to see His Son. Our sins are forgiven and we are covered by the perfection of Jesus Christ. Our standing before God is “just as if we have have never sinned” and “just as if we have always obeyed.” This is the gospel – which literally means “good news!!”
We take hold of this good news by placing our faith in Jesus and repenting of our sin. This free gift can only be received by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone. If you desire to make this great exchange by receiving Jesus as the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life, admit to God that you have sinned and need His forgiveness and righteousness. Tell Him that you believe Jesus lived, died, and was resurrected from the dead on the third day in order to save you from the destruction that sin brings and give you eternal life in relationship with Him. Express your desire to turn away from your self-sufficiency and turn towards Jesus as your sufficiency by beginning a new life trusting and following Jesus by faith. Ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior. Then thank Him for forgiving you for all of your sins, for covering you with His perfect righteousness, and for restoring your relationship with God.