Do You Need a Savior?
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. – 1 John 1:8 NKJV.
In order for a person to be forgiven they must first believe they need forgiveness. Who is it that needs forgiveness? All of us. At least that is what the Bible says in Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” During Vacation Bible School there is usually an opportunity for me as a pastor to speak to the children (Usually third grade and older.) about their need for salvation. Most children have never committed any horrendous sin. So, I try to help them to understand sin and that even at their young age they are in need of a Savior.
I usually begin by telling the story of how when I was a young boy about five years old, I stole a little green knife at a store. It would only have cost five cents, but I knew my Mother wouldn’t buy it for me and I stole it. Later I felt bad about it, but I didn’t know what to do about it. If only someone would have told me about Jesus.
After telling the story I then ask if they have ever stolen anything. I ask that everyone that has done that to hold up their hands including the adults that are present.
Invariably the majority of those present will hold up their hands that they have stolen something in the past. I then ask other questions such as: “Have any of you ever disobeyed your parents?” “Have you ever told a lie?” “Have you ever cheated on your school work?” I continue until everyone has raised their hands at least once and then explain that God calls doing those things “sin.”
The bad news is found in Romans 6:23a: “…the wages of sin are death….” The good news immediately follows in the last part of Romans 6:23b: “but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The apostle John after stating that “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves…” immediately he gives us the good news as well. John says in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Have you sinned? The Good News is we have a Savior, and His Name is Jesus Christ!