V.

Why is this so important?

Why is this all so important? Is it just to win arguments or pick at each other's views? No. It is much more important than that. The author wants you to know that the Bible teaches eternal salvation from hell depends on one's view of Jesus. Is He just a man or the eternal Son of God, the second Person of the Trinity? The Bible teaches that as the sinless Son of God and Son of Man Jesus did something for us that no one else could do; something no normal human, prophet, holy man, teacher, or sage could do. He paid the full penalty due to God for our sins. The Bible teaches that God desires to have a personal relationship with all of us but that our sins are in the way. All of us have sinned and fallen short of God's righteous standards (Romans 3:23). And we deserve hell for our sins. The Bible says "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23) The Bible states that Jesus, "...is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 2:2) Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16) Jesus also said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

The Trinity really matters, and deserves your sincere, objective consideration. It matters because what you think and know about God matters in this life and the one to come. Please consider what I have presented. May God bless you as you seek Him and His truth.

Prepared by Keith E. Small,

27 May 1997, for a lecture at Leeds University.