Example or Substitute
After speaking to a group of collage students about the Lord Jesus, one student told the speaker “I don’t like your preaching. I do not care for the cross. I think that instead of preaching the death of Christ, it would be far better to preach Jesus, the teacher and example.”
“Would you be willing to follow Him if I preach Christ, the Example?” replied the preacher “I would, I will follow in His steps.” “Then,” said the preacher, “Let us take the first step. ‘Christ . . . who did no sin.’ Can you take this step?”
The student looked confused. “No,” he said; “I do sin, and I acknowledge it.”
“Well then,” said the speaker, “your first need of Christ is not as an Example, but as a Savior.” And this is every man’s need.
For in the cross we see the only One who was capable of taking the sinner’s place. Being without sin Himself, He bore the sinner’s sins, suffered for them, died for our sins, was buried, rose on the third day and ascended to the highest heaven. Every one that believes on him as Lord and Savior will not be condemned by God but will receive the forgiveness of sin and the gift of eternal life.
You cannot do without Him; there is no other way, no claim, and no hope by which you ever can be saved.
The Bible, God’s Word declares:
“…for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23
“…for the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord “ Romans 6:23
“…but God commendeth his love toward us in that ,while we were yet sinners Christ died for us” Romans 5:8
“…and said what must I do to be saved? And they said Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thy house.” Acts 16:30, 31
