What is the big picture in life? It’s a question that has plagued humanity for centuries. Many assume that Jesus came to establish a new religion or to fix political systems. However, this understanding misses the core of his mission. Christ’s purpose wasn’t to create elaborate religious rituals or to resolve political conflicts, international wars, human pandemics, or man-made disasters.
Instead, Jesus came to address the fundamental issues that underlie these crises: sin and death. These two elements are the root causes of much of the suffering we see in the world. Ironically, these are the very topics that people often avoid, associating them with divisive politics and restrictive religion. We often deny the existence of sin, choosing to call it something else, or we embrace a culture of destructive hedonism.
While many may not acknowledge a problem with sin, everyone faces the inevitable reality of death. This isn’t an attempt to frighten anyone into believing, as scare tactics are rarely effective. Rather, it’s an encouragement to contemplate eternity and the choices we make in this life.
The bottom line is that Jesus offers the perfect sacrifice for the wrongs of humanity – the sin that permeates our world. By accepting the substitutionary atonement offered through his life, we can embrace the promise he made: “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life” (John 5:24).
This passage highlights the transformative power of belief and the hope of eternal life, offering a perspective that transcends the temporary concerns of politics and religion and focuses on the ultimate reality of our existence.
-Jim