If You Are Still in Your Sins…

by Bryan Gibson

This article is especially for those who have not yet obeyed the gospel (Romans 10:16)—those who have not followed the Lord’s plan in becoming a Christian. If you are still in your sins, God wants you to understand these basic facts.

Your situation is desperate; in fact, it would be impossible to exaggerate the seriousness of it. Here’s what God has in store for you—if you remain in this condition: “indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish” (Romans 2:5, 8-9). According to Romans 6:23, “the wages of sin is death,” a death (separation from God) which can become eternal, again if you remain in this condition (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9). Without Christ, you have “no hope” and are “without God” (Ephesians 2:12). If you remain in your sins, God will cast your soul into hell. Hell is described in various passages as “outer darkness”; “everlasting fire”; “everlasting destruction”; a place where there will be “wailing and gnashing of teeth.” How would you like to hear these words in the end? “Depart from me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41). You will—if you remain in your sins.

Now, here’s some good news (the meaning of the word gospel). There is a way out. You don’t have to experience these terrible things. You deserve to be punished for your sins, but when Jesus went to the cross, He bore your sins and took the punishment you deserved. He loved you too much to let you die in your sins, so He offered Himself in your place. Please take the time to read the following passages, all of which speak of what Jesus did for you: Isaiah 53:3-6; Matthew 26:28; Romans 5:6-8; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 20-21; Ephesians 1:7; Galatians 2:20.

You now know what Jesus did for you—is there anything you need to do for Him? God is offering you salvation through Jesus Christ, but there are things you must do to receive this salvation. Upon hearing the gospel, you must come to believe in Jesus, that He is God’s Son and your Savior (see Mark 16:16; Acts 8:12-13; Acts 16:30-31; Rom. 10:9-10). You must also repent of your sins (see Acts 2:37-38; Acts 3:19; Acts 26:19-20). Simply put, this means that you must turn from your sins and determine to follow Jesus. Why wouldn’t you, when you know where your sins are taking you? Before you can become a Christian, you must also make a confession of your faith (Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 8:37), something you will continue to do, both by your words and your actions (Matthew 10:32-33). And then you must be baptized, not because you have been saved, but in order to be saved (see Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38, 41; Acts 8:12-13; 8:37-39; Acts 22:16; Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:27; 1 Pet. 3:21). Baptism is where you join or unite with Christ (Romans 6:5); it is where you put on Christ (Galatians 3:27). Now that you have turned to the Lord, you must continue with Him (Acts 11:23).

When should you do this? There is no time like the present. According to God, TODAY is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2), because there is no guarantee of tomorrow. You don’t know when the Lord might return (1 Thessalonians 5:2), and you have no idea how much longer you may live. When this life is over, you will either go to be with the Lord forever (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), or with the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). Which will it be for you? Will you obey the Lord today?