At The Core (KJV)

When we eat an apple, we enjoy the flesh of the fruit and toss the core to the side. Many people treat their lives as they would an apple. They value their flesh. They do things that please their flesh and things that feel good. At the same time, many ignore or devalue their core—the soul and spirit. At our core, we have a sin problem. The Bible says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Good works, church membership, family status, daily Bible reading and prayers, baptism, and tithes will not get a person to heaven. God says, “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags…” (Isaiah 64:6). Our sin separates us from God. “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2). If not dealt with, your sin will lead you to eternal damnation when you die. “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15). There is hope for those who address their core problem. Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Because we cannot solve our sin problem, Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, came to earth to take the punishment for our sin. He lived a perfect life and died for you. Romans 5:8 says, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” I Peter 3:18 states, “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.” I Corinthians 15:3-4 explains, “…how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day….” Christ died and rose again for YOU! Eternal life is a gift, not something that you can purchase or earn. “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). God offers you His free gift of salvation. Salvation is available to you if you are willing to humbly acknowledge your sinful condition before God (repent) and, in your heart, turn from sin to Christ. Mark 1:15 says, “Repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Romans 10:9, 13 say, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved…For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Jesus described a prosperous man who cared solely for his flesh. The rich man said to himself, “Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.” But God said unto him, “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee:” (Luke 12:19-20) No one is guaranteed another day of life. God may require your soul today. Jesus said, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). Have you attended to your core need? Will you humbly accept God’s gift of salvation? Will you turn from your sin today and ask Jesus to save you? Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:7