The Journey Continues: 'The Roman Road'
Journey implies travel and travel implies roads. From my childhood days in west Texas, I remember the long red dirt road from our ranch house to the mailbox, 12 miles distance.
Jesus Christ traveled on many dusty roads, and today on "Palm Sunday" we celebrate that his last road trip ended with a triumphant entry into Jerusalem — the start of Holy Week. After Jesus made the way for salvation; another milestone was found in the book of Acts which mentions the Damascus Road where Saul/Paul underwent his dramatic encounter with Christ. As the Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, gave directions on how to become a Christian. Evangelists today refer to his scriptural guidance as "The Roman Road."
If you knew what God says about becoming a Christian, would you do it? Come with me on the Roman Road? Who has sinned?
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23
Sin separates us from God, and there is no such thing as "big" sins and "little" sins — sin is sin. The only unforgiveable sin is refusal of the Holy Spirit and thus of God.
Who paid the price of sin?
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
In the next verse the price of sin is death; but God didn't leave it there.
"For the wages of sin is spiritual death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23
The only way out of spiritual death?
"That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:9-10; 13
The Sinner's prayer: "Dear Lord, I believe you are the son of God and that you died on the cross and were raised from the dead. I know I have sinned and need forgiveness. I am willing with your help to turn from my sins, accept you as my Savior and Lord. In your name I ask for salvation and a new relationship with God. Thank you, Jesus, for saving me. Amen."
A word of precaution, saying this prayer by rote without the movement of the Holy Spirit showing you the way, will not bring transformation.
