Today, there are professing Christians who believe that being a good person is the path to salvation. They do not feel like they need someone to save them because their sins are nominal. It is enough that they attend church and have never committed "major" sins. They are perishing as they believe a lie.
The Bible says that every one of the 7.9 billion people living today was born with sin. This sin was passed along to us genetically from Adam and Eve—the root of a sin system that exists in every person. Like Adam and Eve, we want to do things our way. We want to stay in charge of our lives while paying God lip service. We justify our sin and minimize its consequences. We hide from God and others in our shame. Instead of confessing our sin and turning to a loving God for deliverance, we cling to the bitter roots of the poisonous fruit of sin, and we perish in that sin.
We say, "Merry Christmas," because we know that our sins are all forgiven when we come to Jesus Christ.
God sent His Son Jesus to deliver us from all our sins. God knows we cannot do this through our own works or devices. We can only be made perfect and whole through faith in the finished work of our sinless Savior, Jesus Christ.
At Christmas, we celebrate the Savior's birth. The perfect, sinless Son of God came from heaven, lived the most difficult of lives, and died on the cross. He shed His blood and rose again on the third day to prove His power over death and sin.
We say, "Merry Christmas," because we know that our sins—past, present, and future—are all forgiven when we come to Jesus Christ. His birth, death, and resurrection have brought us peace with God. His plan of redemption has shown goodwill toward men. It is a gift we celebrate, not just at Christmas, but every day of our lives.
Prayer: Father, thank You that every time I say the words, "Merry Christmas," I am reminded of what You did for me and of Your gift to the world. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
"Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" (Luke 2:14, NKJV).
Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon For God So Loved the World: LISTEN NOW
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