Sin, Judgment & Why I Need Jesus

WELL, GOD SAYS…

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”

ROMANS 3:23

Read in Context

Paul has already argued that both Jews and Gentiles are under sin (Romans 3:9–20). Verse 23 does not measure us against our neighbors; it brings us before the glory of God. No one can establish his righteousness by good works. Yet the verses immediately following announce that sinners are justified freely by God’s grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:24–26). Our need is not merely to become better people, but to be reconciled to God through Christ.

Read Further in Scripture: Romans 3:9–26; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Ephesians 2:8–9

WELL, GOD SAYS…

“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”

1 JOHN 3:4

Read in Context

John is distinguishing the practice of sin from the life that belongs to the children of God (1 John 3:1–10). Sin is not simply a mistake or an unfortunate habit; it is transgression of God’s law. Scripture also calls our failure to do known good sin (James 4:17). David recognized that his wrongdoing was ultimately against God (Psalm 51:4). In this same passage John announces that the Son of God was manifested to take away sins (1 John 3:5).

Read Further in Scripture: 1 John 3:1–10; James 4:17; Psalm 51:1–4; Romans 3:23

WELL, GOD SAYS…

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”

HEBREWS 9:27

Read in Context

Hebrews sets this statement alongside Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice and His promised appearing (Hebrews 9:24–28). Death and judgment are realities to be faced, while Christ is the One who “was once offered to bear the sins of many” (verse 28). Romans 2:5–6 describes God’s judgment as righteous, not arbitrary, and Revelation 20:11–15 portrays the final judgment. Scripture does not invite us to dismiss judgment, but directs us to the Savior who has borne sin.

Read Further in Scripture: Hebrews 9:24–28; Romans 2:1–11; Revelation 20:11–15

WELL, GOD SAYS…

“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”

MATTHEW 25:46

“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.”

LUKE 16:23

Read in Context

Yes. Hell is real. Scripture speaks of actual, conscious torment after death—not merely a symbol for the troubles of this life. In Luke 16:19–31, Jesus describes the rich man in torment, pleading for relief, with a fixed gulf that cannot be crossed. In Matthew 25:31–46, Jesus declares that the condemned go into “everlasting punishment,” in contrast with “life eternal.” Revelation 20:11–15 describes the final judgment and the lake of fire. These are solemn warnings of real judgment. We must not soften them, but direct sinners to the salvation found in Jesus Christ.

Read Further in Scripture: Matthew 25:31–46; Luke 16:19–31; Revelation 20:11–15

WELL, GOD SAYS…

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

JOHN 3:16

Read in Context

In the conversation with Nicodemus, God’s love and human condemnation are not set against each other. John 3:17–19 explains that the world is already under condemnation and that people love darkness rather than light. God has not ignored sin in order to love sinners; He has given His Son so that those who believe might not perish. Romans 3:25–26 declares that God is just while also justifying the one who believes in Jesus. The cross reveals both the seriousness of sin and the greatness of God’s mercy.

Read Further in Scripture: John 3:16–21, 36; Romans 3:21–26; Romans 5:6–8

WELL, GOD SAYS…

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

ISAIAH 53:5

Read in Context

Isaiah describes the suffering Servant as wounded for the sins of others (Isaiah 53:4–6). Our guilt is the problem; the Servant is not suffering for wrongdoing of His own. The New Testament identifies Jesus as the fulfillment of this passage (Acts 8:32–35; 1 Peter 2:24). Peter says Christ suffered “the just for the unjust” to bring us to God (1 Peter 3:18). His death is more than an example of sacrificial love: He bore the sins of others so that sinners might be brought to God.

Read Further in Scripture: Isaiah 52:13–53:12; Acts 8:26–35; 1 Peter 2:21–25; 1 Peter 3:18

WELL, GOD SAYS…

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

1 JOHN 1:7

Read in Context

John is writing to believers about walking in God’s light and confessing sin (1 John 1:5–10); he does not teach that walking in the light earns cleansing. Their hope rests upon the blood of Jesus Christ. Under the law, God taught Israel that blood was given for atonement (Leviticus 17:11). Hebrews 9 shows how Christ’s own sacrifice fulfills what those offerings anticipated. His precious blood was shed in the sacrificial death by which sinners are redeemed (1 Peter 1:18–19).

Read Further in Scripture: Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:11–28; 1 Peter 1:18–21; 1 John 1:5–10

WELL, GOD SAYS…

“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”

MATTHEW 28:6

Read in Context

The angel’s announcement at the empty tomb comes after Jesus had foretold His resurrection (Matthew 16:21; 28:1–7). Paul says the risen Christ appeared to Cephas, the twelve, and many other witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:3–8). He then explains what is at stake: if Christ has not risen, faith is vain and sinners remain in their sins (verse 17). But Paul declares that Christ is risen (verse 20). His bodily resurrection is not an optional addition to the gospel; it belongs to the saving work God has accomplished through His Son.

Read Further in Scripture: Matthew 28:1–10; Luke 24:1–12; 1 Corinthians 15:1–20