HOW JESUS' DEATH CAN SAVE YOU

Will You Benefit From Christ's Ransom?

Regarding the far-reaching benefits of Christ's ransom, the apostle John wrote: "[Jesus Christ] is a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins, yet not for ours only but also for the whole world's." (1 John 2:2)  Yes, Christ's ransom is available to all humanity. Doe that mean that everyone will automatically benefit from this priceless provision?  No. Remember the miners who were rescued from being trapped in the mines  in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; who had to get into that rescue cage that was lowered down to them. In a similar way, those who wish to benefit from Christ's ransom sacrifice cannot simply wait for God's blessing. They need to take action. 

What action does God require?  John 3:36 tells us:  "He that exercises faith in the Son has everlasting life; he that disobeys the son will not see life, but the wrath of god remains upon him." God' requires that we have faith in Christ's sacrifice. And there is more. "By this we have the knowledge that we have come to know [Jesus], namely, if we continue observing his commandments." (1 John 2:3) It is clear, then, that the key to being rescued  from sin and death is that we have faith in Christ's ransom and obey Christ's commands. 

One important way to express faith in Jesus' ransom is to show appreciation for his death by commemorating it, as he commanded. Before dying, Jesus set up a symbolic meal with his faithful apostles, and he told them:  "Keep doing this in remembrance of me." (Luke 22:19) Jehovah's Witnesses deeply treasure their friendship with the Son of God, and they obey that command.  If you wish to go the next Memorial, contact Jehovah's Witnesses at jw.org and someone will tell you when and where. 

Few people today have full appreciation for the great sacrifice their Creator and his Son have made to rescue them from destruction. Those who exercise faith in it enjoy a special  source of happiness. The apostle Peter wrote regarding his fellow Christians;  "You exercise  faith in [Jesus] and are greatly  rejoicing with an unspeakable and glorified joy, as you receive the end of your faith, the salvation of your souls."   (1 Peter 1:8, 9 ) By developing love for Jesus Christ and faith in his ransom sacrifice, you can fill your life with joy now and look forward to being saved from sin and death. 



Next time: Becoming One of God's Children

From the Watchtower magazine