The Journey Home: Stop Three

The Problem We Cannot Escape

Deep within, every one of us senses that something is terribly wrong. The world is broken, and so are we. The Bible explains this reality with piercing clarity:

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

This is not a superficial flaw; it is a fatal condition. We are born separated from God, our understanding darkened (Ephesians 4:18), our spirits dead (Ephesians 2:1). Sin is not merely the things we do—it is who we are apart from Him.
And here lies the most sobering truth: we are utterly powerless to repair this rift. The Scriptures ask,

“Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? Then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.” (Jeremiah 13:23)

No human effort, no religious ritual, no striving for goodness can bridge the infinite gulf that sin has opened between us and our Creator.

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God’s Astonishing Rescue

But God, in His relentless love, refused to leave us in ruin. He initiated the greatest rescue mission in the history of the universe.

“For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

Jesus Christ—the eternal Son of God—took on human flesh (Hebrews 2:14). He walked among us, yet lived in perfect righteousness. Then, in the ultimate display of divine mercy, He offered Himself as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).

The sinless One bore the punishment of the guilty. The just died for the unjust, to bring us back to God (1 Peter 3:18). Through His blood shed on the cross, He made peace where there had only been enmity (Colossians 1:19–20). The debt was paid. The way home was opened.

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A Gift You Cannot Earn

How, then, can this salvation be yours? The Bible speaks with unmistakable force:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9)

Salvation is not a wage you earn. It is not a prize for the religious. It is the free gift of God’s grace, purchased at infinite cost by the blood of His Son (Titus 2:11).

And this gift is received by faith—by abandoning all trust in your own goodness and casting yourself wholly upon Christ. As Paul declares,

“A man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 2:16)

Faith is not merely agreeing with facts. It is a surrender—a wholehearted trust in the finished work of Christ and an exchange of your broken righteousness for His perfect one (Philippians 3:8–9).

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The First Step Toward Home

To receive this gift, the Scriptures call us to repentance and confession.

• Confession: To confess is to stand in agreement with God about your sin—to name it, own it, and acknowledge it before Him. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
• Repentance: Repentance is not shallow regret or fear of consequences. It is a God-given sorrow that produces a total change of mind and direction (2 Corinthians 7:9–10). It is turning from sin and turning to God, compelled by His kindness (Romans 2:4). When you repent, your sins are blotted out (Acts 3:19).

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When New Life Begins

At the moment you believe in Christ and repent, a miracle takes place: you are born again.

“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

This is not a change you manufacture. It is the supernatural work of God’s Spirit (John 3:8). He gives you a new heart (Ezekiel 11:19), renews your mind (Romans 12:2), redirects your desires (Romans 8:5), and floods you with love for others (1 John 3:14).

From that instant you are:

• Justified—declared righteous in God’s sight because of Christ’s sacrifice.
• Sanctified—set apart for God’s purposes, with His Spirit shaping you daily into the likeness of His Son (Philippians 1:6; Galatians 2:20).

This is not merely a fresh start. It is the dawn of an entirely new life.

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The Decision That Determines Eternity

Perhaps you wonder: Is this invitation truly for me? Has God chosen me? The Word of God answers with unshakable certainty:

• God “will have all men to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4).
• He is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
• His call extends to “whosoever believeth in him” (John 3:16).

There is no exclusion here. The invitation is for you.

And the assurance is sure:

“He that hath the Son hath life.” (1 John 5:12)
“Neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” (John 10:28)

Jesus Christ tasted death for every person (Hebrews 2:9). He tasted death for you. He now stands before you, offering forgiveness, new birth, and eternal life.

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Your Invitation

This is the most critical decision you will ever make. To refuse Christ is to remain in death; to receive Him is to enter life. The choice is set before you—life or death, blessing or curse (Deuteronomy 30:19).

Choose life. Choose Christ. Choose Him today.

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A Prayer of Surrender

If you are ready to turn from sin and trust fully in Jesus Christ, you can call out to God in a prayer like this:

“Almighty God, I confess that I am a sinner, separated from You. I believe that Jesus Christ, Your Son, died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. I turn from my sin and place my faith in Him alone as my Savior and Lord. Wash me clean, give me a new heart, and fill me with Your Spirit. From this day forward, I choose to follow You and live for Your glory. Thank You for saving me, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

We have only touched the surface of this incredible topic.

Connect with us
– Do you have questions about this topic? Ask a Question about Salvation
– Would you like to study this subject further? Request the Bible Study

At our next stop we talk about our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Continue The Journey Home – Stop 4