Jesus Christ is God’s Son. He is fully God and fully man.

He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on a cross as an atoning sacrifice that quenched the wrath of God, was buried, rose again three days later, ascended into heaven, is currently seated at the right hand of God, and will return to earth in the imminent future (Romans 1:3-4; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 2:22). We see the kind of life we are meant to live through his words and actions — one full of love, grace, and compassion.

He conquered death and rose from the dead, making himself the perfect sacrifice who now continually offers himself to anyone who needs him.

The book of Genesis tells us that a long time ago, sin was introduced into the world for the first time. Adam and Eve, the first humans God ever created, were tempted to go against an instruction that God had given them. You’ve probably heard the term “sin” before, but it’s kind of a vague word. What exactly is sin, and why is it such a big deal? And, by the way, what does it have to do with Jesus?

God told Adam and Eve not to do something, but they did it anyway — and that is exactly what sin is: going against what God wants for our lives and damaging our relationship with him. And that sin creates a barrier between God and us.

The problem is that everyone sins. Romans 6:23 says, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (NLT). If you’ve ever wondered why most people in your life have let you down, it’s because no one is perfect.

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard ROMANS 6:23 (NLT)

But God had a plan to restore our relationship with him once and for all. Even though we are naturally sinful, God made a way to reconnect us to himself — he sent his Son, Jesus, to live among us. But Jesus’ message about forgiveness and the kingdom of God made the religious leaders angry, so they sentenced him to death.

As Jesus breathed his last breath on the cross, he proclaimed, “It is finished,” signifying that his mission was complete. When he died as the only human who has lived a perfect life, his blood paid the full price for our sin. Our debt was paid. There was nothing else we had to do!

But Jesus’ death wasn’t the end of the story. Three days later, God raised his Son from the dead, a miracle that forever defeated death and the grave. The Bible says Jesus now stands at the right hand of God the Father, and one day, we can share in his eternal life in heaven. Because of Jesus, we can live in freedom from sin today. That doesn’t mean we’re perfect — but it means we’re on a daily journey toward becoming more and more like Jesus.