When did you last talk about death? Did you enjoy your conversation?
People don't usually like to talk about death, do they? But the Bible has some very important things to say about it.
According to God's Word, death means "separation," not "cessation of existence." Physical death is the separation of the spirit (the immaterial part of us) from the body. As a result, the body decomposes. Spiritual death is the separation of man from God. Both physical and spiritual death are the results of sin.
The results of this separation are not only sins like murder, immorality, and stealing, but also worry, irritability, lack of purpose in life, frustration, the desire to escape reality, and fear of death. These and many other conditions are evidence that we are cut off from God, the only One who can give us the power to live an abundant life.
The most important question in life becomes, "How can I be reconciled to God?" In our own power, we can never bridge the gulf between us and God. But God has provided a way to bring us to Him.
The Need for the Death of Jesus Christ
- Carefully read Romans 3:10-12, and 3:23. How many times does the writer, Paul, use terms like, all, none, or their equivalents?
Why do you think He repeated these terms?
What does this tell you about moral, respectable people?
- What is the result of sin? (Romans 6:23)
The Result of the Death of Jesus Christ
- Read II Corinthians 5:21 carefully. How good does it say Christ was?
But what happened to Him when He died on the cross to pay the penalty of our sins? What was the result for you?
- What did Christ teach concerning His death? (Mark 8:31-32)
- How did Christ feel about such a death? (Hebrews 12:2)
- Describe the effect of Christ's death with respect to God's holiness. (Romans 3:25, John 4:10)
- Why did He die for us? (1 Peter 3:18)
- How did Christ's death affect your relationship with God? (Colossians 1:21-22, Romans 5:10-11)
Significance of the death of Christ
- What is the only thing we can do to make sure that the death of Christ applies to us so we can be saved (Acts 16:31)?
- Can we work for salvation (Ephesians 2:8,9)? Why not?
Life Application
- Read John 3:18 carefully. What two kinds of people are described here?
- What is the only reason any person will be condemned?
- According to what the Bible says here, are you condemned?
- According to I John 5:11-12, do you have eternal life? (Do not confuse I John, the Epistle, near the end of the New Testament, with the Gospel of John.)
- According to that same passage, how can you know?
- Have you made the decision to accept Christ's death on the cross for you, and have you received Him into your life as Savior and Lord? If you would like to receive Him as your Savior right now, pray a prayer like this one from your heart:
Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank you fo forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be. Amen.
Adapted from The 10 Basic Steps Toward Christian Maturity, by Bill Bright, co-founder of Campus Crusade for Christ. © Cru. All rights reserved.
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