KEEP YOUR "HOPE OF SALVATION" BRIGHT

The Basis for Salvation - The Ransom

Everlasting salvation is possible only through Christ's ransom sacrifice. Why? The Bible explains that when Adam sinned, he "sold" himself and all his future descendants, including us, into sin-thus necessitating a ransom if mankind were to have any valid hope. (Romans 5:14, 15; 7:14) That God would provide a ransom for all mankind was foreshadowed by the animal sacrifices under the Mosaic Law. (Hebrews 10:1-10; 1 John 2:2) Jesus was the one whose sacrifice fulfilled those prophetic pictures. Jehovah's angel announced before Jesus' birth: "He will save his people from their sins." -Matthew 1:21; Hebrews 2:10.

Jesus was born miraculously to the virgin Mary, and as the Son of God, he did not inherit death from Adam. This fact along with his course of perfect faithfulness gave his life the value needed to repurchase mankind from sin and death. (1 John 8:36; 1 Corinthians 15:22) Unlike all other men, Jesus was not condemned to die because of sin. He purposely came to earth "to give his soul a ransom in exchange for many." (Matthew 20:28) Having done so, the now resurrected and enthroned Jesus is in a position to give salvation to all who meet God's requirements. -Revelation 12:10.

Next time: What Is Required to Gain Salvation?