Salvation

The 5 Steps to Salvation

Salvation is easy to receive and requires no striving for good deeds or prayer requests to earn salvation. Most people approach salvation with a relentless desire to outperform others and themselves in good deeds and an outlandish, futile prayer requesting God to save them, even though God has already provided a path to salvation. I have five simple steps to guide you on this path to salvation. All that is required is intellectual honesty and an open heart to accept God's goodness. So… here are the five steps.  

Step 1: Acknowledge Immorality

Every human on planet Earth has immoral problems, including YOU. How so? Well… here is The Moral Law for humanity as listed.

1.   You shall not commit Deception (Planning, Action)

2.   You shall not commit Theft (Planning, Action)

3.   You shall not commit Adultery (Planning, Action)

4.    You shall not commit Murder (Planning, Action)

5.    You shall not commit Envy (Planning, Action)

6.    You shall not use God’s name for Profanity (Malice, Vexation, Desultory)

7.    You shall honor your Mother and Father (Name, Business/Vocation, Household Rules/Creeds)

Suppose you have engaged in deception, whatever the size of the lie. What do you call a person who lies? A Lier. Suppose you have engaged in theft, whatever the size of the theft. What do you call a person who steals? A Thief. Suppose you have been involved in adultery; that could be porn, philandery, bigamy or infidelity. What do you call a person who engages in casual sex? A Fornicater. Suppose you have engaged in murder, ending the life of a human with evil intent. What do you call a person who is involved in ending human life? A Murderer. Suppose you have engaged in envy. Here are possible examples as listed, but not limited to, romantic relationships, luxury accessories, expensive fast vehicles, mansions, condos, and job occupation. What do you call a person who envies? An Envier.

Suppose you died today and are now standing before God on Judgment Day. What would be the sentence given to you? I guarantee you won’t go to Heaven with a damnable history of breaking The Moral Law. From a righteous judge’s perspective, you’re a lying, stealing, fornicating, murdering individual. That deserves eternal punishment without parole or bail. Yet, I haven’t gotten to your additional problems with using God’s name for profanity and disrespecting your parents. Add those two elements to the pile of your eternal misery.

Where and when did immorality become a problem with humans? This issue started in the Garden of Eden (Genesis chapter 3). God created humans [Adam and Eve] and placed them in a garden to tend to and govern (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:7-8, 15-25). The Garden had the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (Genesis 2:9). God instructed Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. The reason is that if they did, death would consume their entire existence. This includes but is not limited to physical health, mental health, spiritual health, pure governance, and a transparent relationship with God and other humans. Eventually, Adam and Eve rebelled against God, and death entered the world (Romans 5:12-14; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22). Today, we experience the negative consequences of a Fallen World governed by Fallen Rules/Regulations.

At this point, you would ask, “Who introduced The Moral Law?” Great question, here's the answer. God chose a man named Moses for this monumental task. He assigned him to guide the Israelites after they left Egypt. The Law you observe is the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20:2-17; Deuteronomy 5:6-21). However, these commandments only summarize the Law. The entire Law consists of 613 rules/regulations. That is a lot of Law. Several titles, such as The Law of Moses or The Mosaic Law, have been given. So… why was the Law carried out? Here is the reason, and this truth will shock you.

God gave the Law to the Jews to allow Self-Righteousness to enflame itself, revealing the depth of our sinfulness. Ponder on this. We all have encountered folks who have an elitist, self-entitled personality (narcissist). They view others as inferior in every way. They see themselves as good, well-behaved, moral people with their noses up in the air looking down upon sinners. Well, sadly, the Jewish people historically have this issue. They breathe, talk, eat, and sleep with the Law. There is a gigantic negative side to being under the Law. Suppose you miss one Law throughout the entire list. You have now broken the Law. Thus, you are obligated to start over at square one. That’s the trap. Therefore, individuals engaged in mental gymnastics in the appearance as if they were achieving righteousness. Additionally, the heart's motive has to be 100% pure with extreme integrity. Talk about absolute exhaustion to perform in front of people and God.

Overall, The Moral Law reveals our problem with sin externally.

Step 2: Acknowledge Warped Belief

Every human, including YOU, possesses belief problems about God. How so? Well… here is The Divine Relation Law for humanity, as listed.

1.   Trust God with your entire being (Flesh, Soul, Spirit). Trust God with your whole life. Trust God during times of trouble. Trust God during times of peace. Trust God always, even if you don’t fully understand the current scenario with your limited finite mind. (Child-Like-Trust)

2.   You shall not recognize the gods of others in My presence. You shall not make yourself a carved image nor any likeness of that which is in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the water beneath the earth. You shall not prostrate yourself to them nor worship them, for I am the Lord, your God. (Planning, Action)

Do we trust God in every area of our lives, or give lip service to it? Do we view God as our enemy? Do we observe God as an entity far away from our existence? The sad reality surrounding our Trust in God is that it is finite. Some of us would rather trust in our Willpower to complete tasks than surrender our desire to control our lives. At the same time, others would give God a small opportunity to prove His integrity. Some are angry at God without any substance for the cause. Yet, The Divine Relation Law, a principle that underscores the consequences of our sin and the need for trust in God, presents the reality check of our sin for distrusting God, regardless of our approach surrounding the topic of Trust in God.

Next on the list confronts our bizarre beliefs regarding God's character. Observe mankind's mentality in their approach to connecting with God. I call this system, The False Trinity System of Belief.

Starting with the Religious, they do rituals and good deeds to masquerade their sins before God. The second belief is known as the Capricious (Agnostic). They approach God as an entity far away from humanity. They are open to the conversation about God and His character. As for sin, they engage in self-improvement, whether that’s a structured program or not. Believing this grants them salvation. The third belief is known as the Scoffer (Atheist). They approach God with absolute distrust. Thus, they mock the Religious and the Capricious. Their hearts are cold and demanding regarding the Character of God. Their approach to sin is similar to the Capricious, instead of gaining favor from a higher power. They engage in self-improvement to achieve the ability to promote their shallow trophy publicly. Believing this grants them salvation.

This warped belief system started after Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (Genesis chapter 3).

Regardless of where you fit in this system, your false belief about God is a sin before His eyes. You have broken The Divine Relation Law, as found in the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20:2-17; Deuteronomy 5:6-21). Moses placed The Moral Law in stone along with The Divine Relation Law. Your engagement with the Law demands perfection (24/7). As you read this, take a moment to reflect on your spiritual state. Your thoughts and emotions may be mixed with inner rage, fear, and bruised pride. Back to Judgment Day, if you stand before God, he will present your case of breaking the Law. Therefore, not only have you violated The Moral Law, but you have also slandered The Divine Relation Law. This reflection is crucial to understanding the depth of your sin in the Eyes of God. God is a righteous judge, for he does not allow sin to thrive (Psalm 7:11-17; Acts 17:31; 1 Peter 4:5; 2 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 20:11-14, 21:27).

The question remains: How could I achieve salvation after breaking the Law? Here’s the answer to your dilemma. God gave us the correct path, exclusive to a man named Jesus.

Step 3: Acknowledge Jesus

After we examine ourselves for our violations of the Law, who can save us from ourselves? The answer to that question is simple but requires full attention and acceptance of the solution. 

God in the Flesh and Word, the divine savior, is the only individual who can save us. So… who is this God I am speaking of? His name is Jesus, the anointed one (Christ). Many have heard of His name without truly comprehending His divine origins. We can find his divine presence in Genesis 1:26-27 and John 1:1-13 before he took on human form. Jesus is the Word of God and the Light shining in the darkness. He is also the Son of God, the Son of The Father in Heaven. I understand that it is difficult to fully grasp the divine nature of Jesus before He became human. Our finite minds can’t fully comprehend anything that isn’t in material (physical) form, especially when it comes to the divine origins of Jesus. That said, let me explain Jesus as the Second Adam.

Jesus Christ represents the Second Adam throughout the sacred Scriptures. This reality is based upon the promised Messiah, who will bring redemption and salvation to humanity in contrast to The Fall of the First Adam. The description of the Second Adam as the life-giving Spirit contrasts with the First Adam, who was a living being made from the materials of the Earth (1 Corinthians 15:45). The Second Adam came from heaven. In contrast, the First Adam was made of Earth (1 Corinthians 15:47). The Second Adam obeyed God perfectly, whereas the First Adam failed to obey God’s command (Genesis 3:1-7). The Second Adam offered Himself as a sacrifice for sin, whereas the First Adam’s sin led to death (Romans 5:12-21). The second Adam’s sacrifice and obedience provide redemption for humanity, restoring the relationship between God and humanity. The Second Adam’s work brings about a new creation, a spiritual rebirth, where those who belong to Him will bear the image of the heavenly Man (1 Corinthians 15:49-50). The Second Adam’s victory over sin and death offers hope for humanity, providing a way for people to be made alive in Christ Crucified (1 Corinthians 15:21-22).

Jesus came into this world through a virgin birth (Matthew 1:25, Luke 2:1-7). He grew in God's wisdom and the agenda of the Heart of God (Luke 2:41-52). Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-23), a significant event in his life. John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Savior (John 1:19-34), a pivotal moment in Jesus's life. Jesus begins gathering followers/disciples (John 1:35-51). From there on, Jesus does ministry for 3 ½ years until His Crucifixion. He taught through parables and healed many who had medical issues. He cast out demons and multiplied food for people. I recommend reading the Four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. To get the complete picture of the Life of Jesus.

When we read the life of Jesus throughout the four Gospels within the sacred Scriptures, we find evidence regarding the Deity ship in the DNA of His being. The first is when Jesus said, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30), and “He who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). The second is when Jesus said, “Son, I forgive your sins” (Mark 2:5). The third is when Jesus said, “When the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live” (John 5:25-29). The fourth is when Jesus said, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30), and “I am the Lord of the Sabbath” (Matthew 12:8). The fifth is when Jesus said, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30), and “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Jesus made is His position clearly that He is God, to forgive sin, to raise the dead, being honored as God, and finally is equal with the Father in Heaven.

Once again, the sacred Scriptures resound with the affirmation of this reality. The Old Testament, in its prophetic wisdom, foretells the coming of the Messiah, who would be God in the flesh (Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:23). The very name of Jesus, uttered alongside God’s name in prayer (Galatians 1:3; Ephesians 1:2), is a testament to this divine plan. Jesus embodies the attributes of God, such as eternality (John 8:58), omnipresence (Matthew 18:20, 28:20), omniscience (Matthew 16:21), and omnipotence (John 11:38-44). The ultimate evidence of Christ's Deity is found in the worship of His title as God (Matthew 14:33; John 20:28). To deny this data is to disavow Jesus as the promised Messiah. The Scripture alone bears witness to the Deity of Jesus Christ, a continuity and fulfillment of God's plan that spans the ages, connecting us to the divine purpose.

Delving into the sacred Scriptures, we encounter Jesus Christ, a being of two harmonious natures. Picture Christ as a coin with two sides that are perfectly balanced and unified. The first side is fully human, existing in the flesh as a born biological man (John 1:14). The second side is entirely God, existing in the spirit (John 10:30). Jesus is not two separate entities, nor is He God part of the time and man at other times. He is a singular, unified person. The Hypostatic Union is the beautiful joining of the divine and the human in the singular person of Jesus (John 1:14, 10:30). This union is a mysterious and complex reality that our limited minds can't fully comprehend. Jesus is The Word of God before and after His reincarnation as a born biological man (John 1:1-18). Once again, if a person attempts to reconcile this objective truth about Jesus Christ, they will either naïvely or purposely remove the keys within the Holy Word of God to justify a fallen carnal mentality through human reason.

Step 4: Acknowledge The Finished Work

How did Jesus provide salvation? Great question; here is The Finished Work.

The Law requires a Messiah to fulfill its demands (Galatians 3:21; Hebrews 10:1). We are incapable of perfection regarding the Law itself, so… a savior is needed to represent us on our behalf. Ponder upon the absolute insanity of believing you could fulfill the Law in your fallen state. Some think they can do the job perfectly. They are self-deceived while we acknowledge our fallen state. Thus, this is where Jesus, the only one capable of fulfilling the Law perfectly, comes in to represent us and fulfill the demand of the Law (Matthew 5:17; John 1:29; Hebrews 7:27).

The Law requires a Holy Blood Covenant. When Jesus Christ was crucified for the sin of humanity, He established a profound and significant ‘Blood Covenant’ between God and Humanity. This covenant, unlike the previous ones (Noahic Covenant, Abrahamic Covenant, Mosaic Covenant, Davidic Covenant), was not a mere hint, shadow, or symbol but a definitive and transformative act of immense power and impact (Hebrews 9:23). The blood of animals, which was used in the previous covenants, could never indeed remove sin; it was merely a temporary solution (Hebrews 9:24-28, 10:4). The new and everlasting covenant is The Blood of Jesus Christ (Luke 22:20; Hebrews 9:24-28). This transformative act gives us hope and a sense of expectancy, inspiring us to live in the light of His promise.

The shadows of the Old Testament covenants became realities in Christ, who fulfilled all of them with His blood. This act of fulfillment is a testament to the power of His sacrifice. We can be confident that God's gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ is the true promise to born-again believers in Christ Crucified. A qualified witness to the new covenant known as the Apostle Paul, whose writings within the finished boundaries of the New Testament (Protestant Canon) reassure us of the truth. Paul reveals the ”Seed” given by Abraham through his faith in the Abrahamic Covenant, which God made. God promised Abraham that he would inherit a new nation and the promises of the Messiah because of his faith in God alone (Genesis 15:1-6, 17:15-22). Paul interprets this “Seed” as the one and only person of Christ (Galatians 3:15-16). Therefore, all who are in “Christ crucified”, a concept that signifies our unity and belonging, meaning those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord, Savior, and Friend, have been united with Him in His death and resurrection, are the spiritual heirs of the pledges made to Abraham (Galatians 3:29). This fulfillment of promises in the covenant gives us hope and a sense of expectancy.

In layperson's terms, a Blood Covenant is a promise made by God that He will choose a people for Himself and bless them with Salvation. The covenant was originally for Abraham’s physical descendants (Israelites) but was later extended spiritually to all those who, like Abraham, believe (trust) in God (Galatians 3:7; Genesis 15:6). This extension of the covenant to all believers is a powerful testament to God's inclusivity and the value He places on each individual's faith (trust). God’s promise of eternal blessing is only based on faith (trust) in the saving blood of His Son, Jesus Christ, exclusively (Hebrews 9:12). This inclusivity assures us that we are all equally valued in His eyes.

Jesus was crucified for our sin, which demands punishment. Here is the account of this event. During the Last Supper, Jesus told His disciples this was His last night with them. He used wine and bread as a symbol of His flesh torn and His blood spilled for the FINAL SACRIFICE of the Lamb of God. Judas (Disciple) had plotted the Death of Christ by purchasing silver from the religious leaders. Jesus told Judas, “Go and do your plan.” Meanwhile, the rest of the disciples thought something else, not knowing what would happen.

The Garden of Gethsemane was the final place where Jesus wouldn’t be in chains. Jesus went there to pray and ask His disciples to pray with Him. Jesus was asking for strength for what was about to happen to Him. At one moment, Jesus was debating in His heart towards The Father, to have the cup of suffering pass by Him. Jesus was sweating blood. This medical condition is called Hematidrosis. Then, about 300-600 trained elite soldiers from Rome came onto the scene. Serving at the Tower of Antonia, they came with weapons. They are designed to arrest someone for the Crucifixion, which Judas himself led. Additionally, many officers, from the chief priest and Pharisees, came with lanterns, torches, and weapons.

Judas went up to Jesus and kissed Jesus on the cheek as a sign to the soldiers of whom to arrest. Then the soldiers asked Jesus, ‘Is He the one to be arrested?' Jesus says, “I Am He”. The ‘Power of God’ caused all those soldiers to fall backward onto the ground and get back up to arrest Jesus. Then Peter (Disciple) whips out his sword and cuts off one of the soldiers’ ears. Jesus, in response, prays over the soldier. Then, a brand-new ear appeared on the side of his head. The soldiers arrested Jesus. The Religious Leaders Condemn Jesus. Jesus was sent before all of the religious leaders to be questioned with personal insults. Caiaphas is the head religious leader. Think about the time, ‘when’ someone came out in the public’s eye and insulted you with personal insults. Think about the experience of being tormented, especially in front of people who possess great power beyond your reach. Then, they bound Jesus and sent Him off to Pontius Pilate, the governor. 

Jesus stands before Pilate twice and stands before Herod Antipas once. Jesus stands before Pilate in the first round; Pilate then asks Jesus questions about the 5 W’s regarding Jesus Christ (Who?, What?, When?, Where?, and Why?). Pilate then sends Jesus to Herod Antipas to ask questions. However, Jesus didn’t answer to Herod Antipas. The religious leaders, Herod Antipas, and the men of war from Herod Antipas mocked Jesus by putting on a gorgeous royal robe and sending Jesus back to Pilate again. Pilot looks at Jesus again, seeing that Jesus is innocent, and displays Jesus before a crowd, including the religious leaders. Right beside Jesus was a criminal named Barabbas. Pilot asks the crowd what they want, and they shout, “Crucify Him, Crucify Him!” each time Pilot asks them. Then, Jesus was sentenced to death. Barabbas was set free.

Jesus Is Sentenced to Death. Jesus was stripped naked and a robe was placed on Him. They put a crown of thorns, placing a reed in His right hand as they bowed before Him on their knees, mocking Him, “Hail, King of the Jews.” They spat on Him and took the reed while punching His head. They also plucked out Jesus’s beard, from hair to hair. Jesus was naked in front of every person who witnessed ‘what’ they saw. He was so flogged that His blood was all over the ground, compared to a big puddle of water, stationary. In scripture, it states, ‘By His stripes we were healed’ (Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24). Then they place a giant cross on Jesus’s back to drag it to the hill, ‘where’ he will be crucified. Take note, that Jesus is still naked.

Jesus has been led away to Calvary. Jesus was getting very weak physically; a man named Simon came walking by, and a Roman soldier had Simon carry the cross for Jesus. Jesus is still bleeding as He’s walking towards Calvary. There were many men, women, and children following Jesus. Then, out of the blue, Jesus tells them not to be sad but joyful about what will come of all of this. Then they finally came to Calvary, ‘where’ Jesus will be crucified—the Crucifixion itself. The cross was now on the ground, waiting for its victim to lay on. They placed Jesus on the cross, thrusting nails in His hands and feet. They rammed those nails through His flesh, and the pain was so great that people could hear Jesus screaming in pain. Then they lifted the cross in the air and hanged Him till Jesus died.  While that happened, a few soldiers were gambling over Jesus’s clothes. Also, two thieves were on crosses; one was on the right side while the other was on the left.

The crowd that followed Jesus began to mock Him, compared to the other crowd that sentenced Him to death. The soldiers also mocked Jesus and had a sign saying, ‘THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS’ in Greek, Hebrew, and Latin. I will say this: so far, Jesus has had one intense death sentence, and yet, this death sentence is not over. While the crowd was mocking Jesus, the two thieves spoke to Jesus. One of them scoffed, “Are you the Christ, and could you save us and yourself from death?” The other said, “Don’t you have respect for this man? He’s not one of us who is truly guilty. Jesus, please remember me in Paradise?” Then Jesus replies, “Yes, I will remember you in paradise, and you will be with me there.” (Luke 23:39-43)

Jesus saw His earthly-born mom and told His disciple John to care for His earthly mom. Then darkness from the sky covered the Earth. At this point, Jesus hits an all-time low in this death sentence. Jesus cries to His Father, “Father, Father, why did you leave me?” (Matthew 27:46) Jesus became The False Trinity System of Belief in His heart and mind, being separated from His Father for the first time in His earthly life. The punishment of sin was so heavy on Jesus that Jesus could not bear the wrath from The Father's heart towards The False Trinity System of Belief in Christ on that tree. Jesus’s back was opened to the elements around Him, and His face was so marred. No one could even recognize that it was Jesus hanging on the ‘Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.’ Overall, His flesh is torn from most of His body. I will say this: no movie could clearly show the bloody Crucifixion Jesus went through. The wrath of God was towards the root of Self-Righteousness, which grew The False Trinity System of Belief combined with the Moral Dilemma. Humanity has been dealt with since the ‘Fall’ of humanity.

Then Jesus Himself asks for a drink. The soldiers gave Jesus vinegar in a sponge, which He could sip from. Think about the severe pain of having vinegar placed on a gushing, open wound that doesn’t stop bleeding. His own back is torn up by the beating He received on that post. The cross wasn’t smooth; it had splinters all over. Every time He slouches, pain rushes throughout His entire body. You can smell death from His flesh. Yet, the condition of His own body wasn’t what killed Him; it was the wrath of God from The Father, putting every form of punishment of sin (The False Trinity System of Belief and Moral Dilemma) on Jesus all at once that killed Him. Every sin every person has committed in their lifetime, past, present, and future sin, was put on Jesus, once and for all. Then, His final words. Jesus spoke out of what’s left of His torn lips, from His marred face, shouting, “It is Finished!” (John 19:30) The Father's Heart is satisfied, which is THE LAST SACRIFICE Father God had to confront with humanity. As I write this down, inside my heart, I want to shout from a roof that every form of sin under punishment is satisfied through ‘The Finished Work’ of the cross in The Father's Heart. My hands sweat uncontrollably as I write this truth for you to see. On the cross, Jesus shouts, “Father, into your hands, I release my spirit!” (Luke 23:46)

Jesus is now in Hell. Jesus is now in Hell, a place ‘where’ The Father doesn’t want any human to perish. In Hell, a giant, vast gorge splits Hell and Paradise. One side is where the unrighteous Old Testament Humans go, while the other side is where Paradise is, also known as Abraham's Bosom. Jesus remembered who He was in Hell. Jesus preached in Hell and Paradise, before all humanity in Hell and those angels that disobeyed, before the flood came in Noah’s day, who are in chains until Judgment Day comes. Jesus gave gifts to the righteous in Hell. Jesus took those humans up with Him. Paradise ceases to exist, and Hell enlarges itself.

Meanwhile, on Earth. An earthquake came and split the temple's veil into two separate parts. Think about how powerful that earthquake had to be to split that veil in the temple. Then, a centurion, a commander of the soldiers, said, “Truly, this was the Son of God.” Then they broke the legs of the two thieves, and they went over to Jesus to break His legs. They found that He was already dead. The soldiers came and pierced Jesus’s side with a spear, and more blood came out with water. The graves in Jerusalem opened in the middle of all of this commotion. The dead, now living, roam the streets of Jerusalem.

Jesus and His tomb. A man named Joseph (Jew), who was rich, came and buried Jesus’s flesh in Joseph’s brand-new tomb. The tradition of the Jews mummified Jesus. That tradition came from the Egyptians, ‘when’ the Jews were in Egypt before the exodus. A rock sealed the tomb. Two women named Mary Magdalene and the other Mary sat at the tomb, weeping. Mary Magdalene was one of many followers of Jesus who used to be demon-possessed and ill. Think about her heart, of the ‘one’ that delivered her from the torment she had with those demons. Think about opinions from others about her before and after her deliverance. Women, during that time, were treated like second-class citizens. Think about the pain she is going through.

Then Jesus rises from the dead. Meanwhile, the chief of the Pharisees came together to speak to Pilate. They told Pilot they wanted soldiers to guard the tomb because Jesus had said, “After three days, I will rise again.” Telling Pilot that there might be a conspiracy against them and that the rock must be sealed permanently until that day passes. Pilot then agrees with them, seals the rock permanently, and puts soldiers to watch at night for anyone to conspire any plans against the tomb. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary visited the tomb early in the morning. Another earthquake happened again, and an angel came and rolled the rock away. The soldiers who guarded the tomb were so afraid that they turned white as ghosts and fell. The angel sat atop the rock, telling the shocked women to return and tell everyone that Jesus Christ is ALIVE! They both returned to ‘where’ the disciples hid from the people outside.

The disciples thought these two women had lost it, and Peter brought another disciple to the tomb to investigate ‘the claim.’ They came and saw that the cloth that covered Jesus was folded and put on the head of ‘where’ Jesus would’ve laid His head. Peter, in shock, ran back to tell the others that the women hadn’t lost their minds. Mary Magdalene stood there at the tomb, weeping because she believed Jesus had been taken away by someone else. Then, two angels appeared, telling her no one had taken Jesus away. In tears, looking forward, she sees a man standing there. She asks this man if he took Jesus’s body away. This man replies, “I Am He,” and Mary Magdalene falls before Jesus in worship. Afterward, she goes back to the disciples, who were hiding.

Peter is trying to convince the others that the women didn’t lose their minds. The women sat down in awe. The entire group had mixed feelings about Jesus being risen and the terror of what was beyond the walls they were hiding behind. Jesus Christ appears before them, saying, “Peace to be with you.” (John 20:19). They were all frightened, believing they had seen a ghost. Then Jesus lets them look at His hands and feet, showing the holes in them. Thomas (disciple), one of the twelve who wasn’t there, didn’t believe what the rest of the group told of ‘what they experienced. Thomas challenges them, saying, “If Jesus appears to me and can touch His hands and feet, then I’ll believe.”

Jesus appeared to Thomas eight days later when he was with the disciples. Thomas was terrified, and Jesus told him to touch His hands and feet. Thomas instead said, “My Lord and My God.” Then Jesus said, “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29). Thomas's faith became so intense that day that no one else could measure up to his faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus ascends into Heaven, sitting next to The Father in Heaven.

According to the sacred Scriptures, Jesus Christ is often referred to as the “Lamb of God” (John 1:29, 1 Peter 1:19). This title is rooted in the Old Testament concept of the Passover lamb, which was sacrificed to save the Israelites (Jews) from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12:1-13). The Passover lamb symbolizes God’s redemption and salvation, and Jesus Christ is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of this symbolism. The concept of the sacrificial lamb is central to the sacred Scriptures of Jesus Christ’s mission. Jesus is seen as the perfect and ultimate sacrifice for sin, offered to God as a substitute for humanity’s sinfulness. This sacrifice is described in the Bible as a “once-for-all” offering, making it possible for all humanity to be reconciled to God (Hebrews 10:10-14). Jesus Christ's sacrifice is often called the “Atonement.” This term emphasizes the reality that Jesus’ sacrifice has the power to atone for all of humanity’s sin, making it possible for people to be forgiven and reconciled to God.

The Atonement is seen as a gift of love offered by God through Jesus Christ to redeem humanity from sin's consequences. The significance of Jesus Christ as the Sacrificial Lamb cannot be overstated. His sacrifice has far-reaching implications for humanity, offering forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life to all who believe (trust) in Him exclusively. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ is a powerful reminder of God’s love and desire to reconcile all of humanity to Himself. In conclusion, Jesus Christ is the Sacrificial Lamb, offering Himself as a sacrifice for all of humanity's sin. His sacrifice is a powerful reminder of God’s love and desire to reconcile all of humanity to Himself. Through faith (trust) in Jesus Christ, all people can experience forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life.

Every criminal court case needs a criminal defense lawyer for the perpetrator. Similarly, we need a third party to mediate our sin that demands punishment (Romans 3:10, 6:23; 1 John 3:4; Revelation 20:11-15). If we were to present our good works and deeds of law-keeping before a Holy, Righteous God, he would examine our overall life and the condition of our stance upon The False Trinity System of Belief residing within us (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16). Without a third party, we are comparable to the doomed Titanic, slowly sinking into the abyss of death. Therefore, we can find comfort in our criminal defense lawyer representing us before God Almighty.   

The good news is that Jesus Christ is an available mediator. Jesus is the only qualified individual before God for our court case (1 Timothy 2:5). He became our sin on the cross and took our punishment for us (Romans 3:25-26; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18; 1 John 3:36). When we place our trust in ‘Christ Crucified,’ we can be filled with hope and optimism, knowing that we become innocent before God as judge. The payment of sin is abundantly from Jesus Himself (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 2:2; Revelation 5:9). The righteousness of Jesus Christ qualified Him to be our one and only mediator before God Almighty (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 9:15). Hence, if anyone else that claims they are a representative for the behalf of our sin, is a liar and a traitor to humanity and God.

Step 5: Receive Salvation

Congratulations! That was heavy reading. In summary, we are sinners who need help. We would be doomed for eternity if Jesus didn’t pay the price for sin to reconcile us back to God. Thankfully, He provided a path of salvation for our Lost Soul. Thus, after reading with intellectual honesty and an open heart. Let’s end this article by allowing you to receive Salvation. Your only requirement is to trust exclusively in The Finished Work of Jesus Christ. Here is a prayer to read. This reveals to God your transparency in trusting Jesus.

“Father God, I trust in The Finished Work of Jesus Christ, regarding the Crucifixion, Death, Burial, and the Resurrection of your son, Jesus. I trust that what Jesus did for me is enough and satisfies my Heart and Mind. The punishment for sin is satisfied through The Finished Work of Jesus Christ, which is forever in the Father’s Heart. I do not lean onto my own Self-Righteousness, but rather, the Righteousness of Jesus Christ, in me, the hope of Glory. Jesus is my Rock, Shepherd, and Fortress. Jesus is my Friend, Savior, and Lord.”

Here is a quote to chew on. (Emphasis Mine)

“There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of each man which cannot be satisfied by any created thing but only by God the Creator, made known through Jesus Christ.”

– Blaise Pascal

15 That whosoever believeth (Trust in the Finished Work of Christ) in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth (Trust in the Finished Work of Christ) in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved (Trust in the Finished Work of Christ). 18 He (You) that believeth (Trust in the Finished Work of Christ) on him is not condemned: but he (You) that believeth not (Distrust in the Finished Work of Christ) is condemned already, because he (You) hath not believed (Trust in the Finished Work of Christ) in the name of the only begotten Son of God (The Finished Work of Christ).

John 3:15-18 (KJV) (Emphasis Mine)

9 That if thou (You) shalt confess (Trust in the Finished Work of Christ) with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him (Jesus) from the dead, thou (You) shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever (You) believeth (Trust in the Finished Work of Christ) on him (Jesus) shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek (Gentile): for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him (Jesus as Friend, Savoir, and Lord ALL Trinity in Unity). 13 For whosoever (YOU) shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Romans 10:9-13 (KJV) (Emphasis Mine)

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith (Trusting the Finished Work of Christ); and that not of yourselves (Performance/Lying): it is the gift of God (Mercy): 9 Not of works (Good Deeds), lest any man should boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV) (Emphasis Mine)

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through (Only) Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:23 (KJV) (Emphasis Mine)

1 Paul, an apostle (special messenger) of Christ Jesus (the Messiah), by the divine will (the purpose and the choice of God) to the saints (the consecrated, set-apart ones) at Ephesus who are also faithful and loyal and steadfast in Christ Jesus: 2 May grace (God’s unmerited favor) and spiritual peace [which means peace with God and harmony, unity, and undisturbedness] be yours from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 May blessing (praise, laudation, and eulogy) be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) Who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual (given by the Holy Spirit) blessing in the heavenly realm! 4 Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love. 5 For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [because it pleased Him and was His kind intent]— 6 [So that we might be] to the praise and the commendation of His glorious grace (favor and mercy), which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption (deliverance and salvation) through His blood, the remission (forgiveness) of our offenses (shortcomings and trespasses), in accordance with the riches and the generosity of His gracious favor, 8 Which He lavished upon us in every kind of wisdom and understanding (practical insight and prudence),

9 Making known to us the mystery (secret) of His will (of His plan, of His purpose). [And it is this:] In accordance with His good pleasure (His merciful intention) which He had previously purposed and set forth in Him, 10 [He planned] for the maturity of the times and the climax of the ages to unify all things and head them up and consummate them in Christ, [both] things in heaven and things on the earth. 11 In Him we also were made [God’s] heritage (portion) and we obtained an inheritance; for we had been foreordained (chosen and appointed beforehand) in accordance with His purpose, Who works out everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His [own] will,

12 So that we who first hoped in Christ [who first put our confidence in Him have been destined and appointed to] live for the praise of His glory! 13 In Him you also who have heard the Word of Truth, the glad tidings (Gospel) of your salvation, and have believed in and adhered to and relied on Him, were stamped with the seal of the long-promised Holy Spirit.14 That [Spirit] is the guarantee of our inheritance [the firstfruits, the pledge and foretaste, the down payment on our heritage], in anticipation of its full redemption and our acquiring [complete] possession of it—to the praise of His glory.

Ephesians 1:1-14 (AMPC)