A common scenario you’ve most likely seen in a movie or in real life is when someone is in danger but doesn’t realize it. Maybe they are walking towards a cliff unaware or maybe a wild animal is sneaking up behind them. If another person saw the danger they were in, they would try to get their attention and “save” them from the impending danger. The interesting thing is that the person who is in danger will not feel like they need any sort of help or saving until they recognize the danger they are in for themselves. They might even reject or resist any help or anyone attempting to save them. This is also true in a spiritual sense. People who reject or ignore Jesus and christianity in general do so because they either don’t see any danger or feel like they can save themselves from whatever situation they are in. Or they recognize the danger but simply do not care or see any outside attempt at saving them as being an assault on their pride. Romans 3:23 tells us that every single one of us has fallen short of the glory of God. Because of sin, we cannot spend eternity in the presence of a Holy God. This is a huge problem. If we remain in this impure state we can be certain that we will spend eternity apart from God, a place none of us should desire. Scripture tells us that apart from Jesus, we are spiritually dead, blind and lost. Simply stated, we are in a lot of danger and walking towards a horrible end. The wages of our sin and rejection of Jesus is death and separation from God. This is what we deserve and it is also what we have chosen if we turn our back on Jesus. Our eternal destination is no one else’s fault but our own. Romans 1 tells us that we are without excuse for not being in the right alignment with God. The amazing thing is that not only did Jesus provide a way for us to be saved, He actually stepped in and took the penalty that we deserve on Himself. Sin has to be paid for, but we get to choose who pays for it. We can choose for Jesus to pay for our sin, or we can choose to attempt to pay for it ourselves throughout all of eternity; something we could never do. The sad thing is, most people throughout history have chosen the ladder, they have foolishly attempted to pay for their own sin, through works and attempting to earn God's favor. We must remember that there are no perfect people in heaven, there will only be forgiven people - those who humbled themselves and accepted the free gift of salvation offered through Jesus. This humility flies in the face of our arrogance and human pride, which is why Jesus stressed over and over the importance of coming humbly before Him. Everyone who repents of their sin and calls on the name of Jesus for salvation will be saved. It is by grace through faith that we confess that Jesus is Lord and accept Him as our Lord and Savior. The edge of the cliff is crumbling and you’re about to fall off the edge - do you reach out and take the hand that has been extended to save you?

...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1:20

A systematic study of the doctrine of salvation (soteriology) and the doctrine of the Church (ecclesiology). Special attention will be given to the plan of redemption and the contents of the gospel message as it is seen in the incarnation, life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. Special emphasis will be on the nature and working of the kingdom of God. The Gospels and Jesus’ teachings will serve as the specific source of the study.

A study of the doctrine of knowing God (epistemology). Special attention will be given to the practice of knowing God so as to challenge and motivate the student to seek God. Special emphasis will be on what faith is and is not and how to use your faith.

Pursuit of God
A.W. Tozer

Master Plan of Evangelism
Robert Coleman