The red cross has been used for many years as a symbol for emergency
aid. Military medics wear a red cross on their helmet. Hospitals, first aid stations,
dispensaries, and ambulances are often identified by a red cross.
When disaster strikes relief agencies respond and the red cross symbol
can often be seen on rescue personnel and emergency vehicles. These agencies are a great
help to those suffering personal injury, or great loss due to a flood, fire, or other
disaster.
It would be hard to imagine someone who is in such great need refusing
help. Could you ever imagine yourself refusing the emergency help of a relief agency if
you were injured, or left homeless by a natural disaster or accident? No doubt all of us
would be delighted to receive help from a relief organization. It may be humbling to
receive such help, but certainly in a time of great crisis we would gladly be humbled in
order to be helped.
Remarkably, indifference and pride cause many to refuse the help God
freely provides to meet the greatest of all our needs. What is this great need that we all
have? It is the forgiveness of our sins. The Bible says, "All have sinned, and come
short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) However, it also says, "For the wages
of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
(Romans 6:23)
Christ came to die on the cross for our sins so we could know
God’s forgiveness. If we will humbly confess our sins before God, against Whom we
have sinned, and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, God will forgive
our sins.
Just as those rendered helpless by a hurricane or earthquake are not
asked to buy or earn the relief agency’s help, neither is God asking us to buy or
earn forgiveness. He tells us in His Word, "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)
Faith is "believing God when He speaks." If we believe God
when He speaks about our sinful and helpless condition, and believe in Jesus Christ as our
Savior, God will freely forgive our sins and give us eternal life. Only our indifference
or pride will cause us to reject such a wonderful gift.
Read your Bible and see how to receive God’s wonderful gift of
salvation. The following verses will help you get started. Read the Gospel of John and see
how you can freely receive the forgiveness of your sins and God’s free gift of
eternal life.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John
3:16)
"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." (1 Timothy 1:15)
"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish
foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." (1 Cor. 1:18)
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died
for the ungodly. (Rom. 5:6)
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved."
(Acts 16:31)
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him
that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed
from death unto life." (John 5:24)