How Much Is Enough? (NIV)

How much is enough? “Once upon a time there were two men who each had a son.” “The boys were good friends who often spent time together.” “There was a problem, though.” “One of the boys was an outstanding athlete…” “...But the other one was, shall we say, athletically challenged!” “While one boy was continually growing in talent and ability…” “...The other seemed destined for disaster.” “One day, while the two boys were at the lake, the clumsy one swam out too far and was drowning.” “His athletic buddy immediately came to his rescue… and through great effort saved his friend.” “However, in the process, he himself drowned.” “The father of the clumsy boy tried to comfort the other father.” “I’m really sorry about what happened.” “Let me make it up to you. Here’s twenty bucks.” “What?!?” “I’m sorry. That was an insult. How about 26 bucks?” “Will 26 bucks cover the loss of your son?” “Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? But many of us to go through life trying to relate to God like that. God’s son, Jesus, died to rescue us from the consequences of our moral failures (what God calls sin)...” “Wait! I’ve got some change. Here’s $26.85.” “...What many don’t realize is, just as the father in this story couldn’t make things right with His pocket change. No amount of our good deeds can repay God for what He did in sending His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to rescue us from the judgement of our sins.” “You mean $26.85 isn’t enough?” “God says in the Bible, all our good efforts just aren’t good enough. “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. (Isaiah 64:6A)” “This is because… “All have sinned.”(Romans 3:23)” “And… “The wages of sin is (eternal) death.” (Roman 6:23A)” “...Meaning separation from God forever.” “Isn’t there something we can do to rescue ourselves?” No we can’t save ourselves! God’s sinless Son, Jesus Christ, came to earth to become our substitute. On the cross He “suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous,  that He might bring us to God. (1 Peter 3:18)” Jesus died to save us from a lifetime (and an eternity) without God. Then as proof our penalty was paid, Jesus came back to life three days later.” “Jesus did that for me!?” Yes, our only hope of rescue has already been arranged. Jesus said, “Whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgement, but has passed from death to life.” (John 5:24) “Can we ever repay God for doing all this?” Not one bit! Trying to please God by our own efforts is like trying to repay a grieving dad for his son’s lifesaving sacrifice. Rather than trying to work to earn God’s favor, we need to simply accept the payment Jesus has already made for us.” “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him (Christ) whom He has sent.” (John 6:29) “That’s for me! How do I do that?” Forgiveness and eternal life can only be ours when we admit our sinfulness, then place our trust completely in Jesus as our substitute. By believing in Him, we’ll receive “The free gift of God… eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23B)