Why You Need Jesus - The Gospel in a Nutshell
The Problem: Something's Not Right—In the World and In Us
Have you ever felt that something's just... off? That no matter how good life gets, something is missing? That no matter how hard we try, pain, injustice, and death are always close at hand?
You're not alone. The Bible explains why: the world is broken, and so are we. It's not just out there—it's inside us too. We lie, we hurt others, we act selfishly. Sometimes we do wrong without even thinking. This brokenness is what the Bible calls sin—turning away from God, choosing our own way over His.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
Romans 3:23
Sin separates us from a perfect, holy God. It's more than just “messing up”—it's rebellion against the One who gave us life. Left to ourselves, this path leads not just to physical death, but to eternal separation from God.
The wages of sin is death…
Romans 6:23
That's the bad news—but it's not the end of the story.
The Futility: We Can't Fix It On Our Own
Many people think they can solve this by being “good enough”—helping others, avoiding big mistakes, living kindly. But if we're honest, none of us are perfect. And God's standard is perfection—because He is perfectly good, perfectly just.
All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.
Isaiah 64:6
God gave His law not as a checklist to earn heaven, but to show us how much we need help. A mirror to reveal the truth: we can't save ourselves.
The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Galatians 3:24
The Hope: God Loves You and Made a Way
Despite our sin, God doesn't want to be apart from us. From the very beginning, He had a plan to rescue us—because He loves us more than we can imagine.
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
Jesus, fully God and fully man, lived a perfect life—the only one who ever has. He took our punishment, dying on a cross in our place. He bore the weight of our sin so we wouldn't have to.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
Three days later, He rose from the dead, conquering sin and death forever. He is alive—and offers new life to anyone who will receive it.
The Response: What Must You Do to Be Saved?
Salvation is a gift. You can't earn it—but you can accept it. Here's how:
Acknowledge your need: Recognize that you are a sinner in need of forgiveness. (Romans 3:23)
Turn to God: Repent—turn away from sin and toward the God who loves you. (Acts 3:19)
Believe in Jesus: Trust that He died for your sins and rose again. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
Confess Him as Lord: Commit your life to Him. Let Him lead you. (Romans 10:9-10)
This isn't about religion or rituals—it's about relationship. It's about being restored to the God who made you, knows you, and wants you to know Him.
The Future: Two Destinies, One Choice
Jesus will return to judge the world. Those who reject Him will face eternal separation from God—not because He desires it, but because they chose to stand alone, without the covering of His sacrifice. (Romans 6:23)
But those who trust in Jesus will live forever with Him in a world made new—free from pain, sorrow, and death.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Revelation 21:4
The Invitation: Don't Wait
Life is uncertain. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. But right now, you have the chance to receive the greatest gift ever given.
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:2
Jesus paid the price—for you. The door is open. Will you step through it today?
Want to Learn More?
Why we can't save ourselves: Learn more here
What is spiritual death—and why does it matter? Learn more here
What is original sin and how does it affect us? Learn more here
How should I pray to God? Learn more here