The Answer

Repenting and turning to God for help are first steps toward the freedom from sin that we so desperately desire. But as we have said, that requires facing up to the fact that sin is at the heart of our problem. We have to come to grips with sin.

Christians in earlier centuries identified what they called the “seven deadly sins,” namely anger, sloth, gluttony, envy, greed, lust, and pride.³ In Soul Prescription, we have done something similar in defining what we call “parent sins.” These are sins that seem to be widespread in the human population in every generation. If you will check out the list, chances are that you will find some of your own thoughts, attitudes, or behaviors reflected there.

Actually, each of these ten parent sins is at the head of a family of sins. For example, along with the parent sin of pride, we find the related sins of conceit, boasting, and vanity. The sin families will help you zero in on your sin problems.

For now, just begin thinking about how the different parent sins correlate with your own sin problem. Those are the areas where you will need to seek God’s help to free you from the chains that bind you. And as you think about your sin, do not be discouraged! We are just beginning this journey of soul healing together. There is hope for you.

Our next step, though, is to redirect our attention temporarily away from sin and onto its opposite: holiness.

Select the right arrow (below) to continue reading Chapter 2. The Secret to Lasting Health

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Video Transcript

Watch the Video

According to eyewitnesses, a man named Jesus Christ demonstrated his power over death. They tell us that after he died on a cross and was buried, Jesus suddenly appeared to them alive on the third day. Then he was seen by other followers, including 500 people on a single occasion. Soon word spread everywhere that Jesus had risen from the dead.

But could Jesus’ resurrection simply be a 2000-year-old legend? Or is it based upon verifiable historical evidence?

If Jesus didn’t rise from the dead, then the foundation for the Christian Faith would forever be destroyed.

Is the Resurrection of Jesus a Myth?

One person who wanted to know what happened was an English journalist and skeptic, Frank Morison, who began research for a book to prove that Jesus’ resurrection was a myth. However, as he examined the evidence, Morison’s views changed as well as the theme of his book. What was it that changed Morison’s mind as well as his book?

Morison discovered Jesus’ death was verified by both Jewish and Roman historians.

Morison then wondered if the disciples had conspired a plot to make it appear Jesus had risen. However, there are three main problems with that theory:

First, the tomb was secured by a large stone and a 24-hour trained Roman guard. It would have been impossible for the disciples to roll the stone away and remove Jesus’ body without notice.

Second, the resurrection plot would have died out as soon as someone discovered Jesus’ body, yet that never happened.

Third, the disciples changed from being cowards into men who were willing to be tortured and martyred for proclaiming the risen Jesus.

It was the dramatic transformation in the disciples’ behavior that convinced Morison the resurrection really happened.

What Would a Jury Decide?

Another scholar who wrote about evidence for Jesus’ resurrection was Dr. Simon Greenleaf, founder of the Harvard Law School. Greenleaf wrote the rules of evidence still used in our legal system today. Applying those rules to the events surrounding Jesus’ death, Greenleaf concluded that any honest jury would render a verdict that Jesus’ resurrection really happened. As with Morison, it was the sudden change in the disciples’ behavior that persuaded him. He writes,

“It would have been impossible for the disciples to persist with their conviction that Jesus had risen if they hadn’t actually seen the risen Christ.”

Jesus’ resurrection convinced his disciples that he was the Messiah who had died for our sins. He was “the only way to God,” and “the resurrection and the life.”

They now knew Jesus alone had the power over life and death, and they gave their lives proclaiming him as the risen Lord.

So, what does Jesus’ resurrection mean to you and me today?

The apostle Paul, who had also initially been a skeptic of Jesus’ resurrection, explains its impact on our lives.

“For Christ has completely abolished death, and has now, through the Gospel, opened to us men the shining possibilities of the life that is eternal.” (2 Timothy 1:10, Phillips)

In other words, Jesus’ death and resurrection opened the door for us to have eternal life with Christ. But, there is an obstacle preventing us from going to heaven. The apostle Paul explains.

“You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions.” (Colossians 1:21, NLT)

The obstacle to us having eternal life with Christ is that we have sinned and rebelled against a holy God. Although God loves us beyond our understanding, his perfect justice requires payment for our sins. The penalty is death.

Why Can’t God Just Forgive Our Sin?

Many wonder why an all-powerful, loving God can’t just forgive us without punishing us for our sins. Why does he demand justice?

Imagine entering a courtroom and you are guilty of murder. As you approach the bench, you realize that the judge is your father. Knowing that he loves you, you immediately begin to plead, “Dad, just let me go!”

With tears in his eyes he responds, “I love you, son, but I’m a judge. I can’t simply let you go.”

Presenting the evidence against you, he bangs the gavel down and declares you guilty. Justice cannot be compromised, at least not by a judge. But because he loves you, he steps down from the bench, takes off the robe, and offers to pay the penalty for you. The penalty is death.

This is the picture painted by the New Testament. God stepped down into human history, in the person of Jesus Christ, and was crucified on the cross for us. Jesus is not a third-party whipping boy being punished for our sins, but rather he is God himself. Stated more bluntly, God had two choices: to punish us for our sin, or to receive the punishment himself. In Christ, he decided to pay the penalty for us.

In other words, God’s perfect justice is completely satisfied by the death of his Son, Jesus Christ. All of our sins—no matter how bad they are or have been—are completely paid for by the blood of Christ. Paul writes,

“Yet now he has brought you back as his friends. He has done this through his death on the cross in his own human body. As a result, he has brought you into the very presence of God, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.” (Colossians 1:22, NLT)

But wait a minute, you say, “Don’t I have to do good deeds to get into heaven?”

The Gift of Heaven

Since eternal life is a gift from God, you and I can’t do anything to earn our way into heaven. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, explains God’s amazing grace.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV)

For a gift to be ours, we need to actually receive it. Like any gift, you can choose to accept or reject Jesus Christ’s pardon for the penalty for your sins. This was made clear by the apostle John.

“This is what God told us: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life, but whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” ( John 5:11-12, NCV)

It’s Your Choice

To become a Christian you must place your faith in Jesus’ death for your sins on the cross, and trust in his resurrection for your eternal life. It is a choice that you alone must make. No one else can do it for you.

You must honestly admit you have sinned and want the forgiveness Jesus Christ offers you. The apostle John tells us that,

“If we freely admit that we have sinned, we find God utterly reliable—he forgives our sins and makes us thoroughly clean from all that is evil.” (1 John 1:9, Phillips)

John tells us that whoever receives Jesus Christ becomes his child.

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12, NIV)

You can receive Jesus right now by asking him to come into your life and forgive your sins.

If you haven’t ever invited Jesus into your life, simply pray the following words. But remember, it’s not the words you say but the attitude of your heart that is important.

“Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for dying for all my sins—past, present, and future. Thank you for giving me eternal life. I receive you as my Savior by faith, and desire you to be Lord of my life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be.”

If you have made this commitment to Jesus Christ, he actually entered your life. He will help you to become the brand-new person he created you to be. He is freeing you to experience a life of meaning, purpose, and power.

What is your response?

No, I did not pray the prayer.

Yes, I prayed and received Jesus into my life.

Yes, I prayed and rededicated my life to Jesus.

No, I have already received Jesus in my life.

1. Tell us what you are thinking or feeling.

2. Discover the immediate benefits of being a Child of God.

By Inviting Jesus into your life, not only were you given Eternal life in Heaven but also spiritual resources for living here on earth now.

  >> Read Book in App

  >> Download Book PDF

3. Explore the JO Web App to find out what God offers you.

>> Find What You Want

>> Select a Devotional Series

>> Read the NET Bible

>> Discover Tips for Growth as A Believer

1. Tell us what you are thinking or feeling.

2. Discover the immediate benefits of being a Child of God.

By Inviting Jesus into your life, not only were you given Eternal life in Heaven but also spiritual resources for living here on earth now.

  >> Read Book in App

  >> Download Book PDF

3. Explore the JO Web App to find out what God offers you.

>> Find What You Want

>> Select a Devotional Series

>> Read the NET Bible

>> Discover Tips for Growth as A Believer

1. Tell us what you are thinking or feeling.

2. Discover the immediate benefits of being a Child of God.

By Inviting Jesus into your life, not only were you given Eternal life in Heaven but also spiritual resources for living here on earth now.

  >> Read Book in App

  >> Download Book PDF

3. Explore the JO Web App to find out what God offers you.

>> Find What You Want

>> Select a Devotional Series

>> Read the NET Bible

>> Discover Tips for Growth as A Believer

1. Tell us what you are thinking or feeling.

2. Discover the immediate benefits of being a Child of God.

By Inviting Jesus into your life, not only were you given Eternal life in Heaven but also spiritual resources for living here on earth now.

  >> Read Book in App

  >> Download Book PDF

3. Explore the JO Web App to find out what God offers you.

>> Find What You Want

>> Select a Devotional Series

>> Read the NET Bible

>> Discover Tips for Growth as A Believer

“God, I want to experience more of your love.”

Take a 40-day devotional journey with God.

Download your free devotional book now!

Encounter God’s Love in a Fresh, Powerful Way.

Tap into the wisdom shared in “40 Days of God’s Love.” This enlightening guide is a daily adventure with God— guaranteed to engage your heart. It is a Spirit-led process giving you the joy-filled assurance you are accepted, treasured, and adored by God. 

He wants you to live knowing that you are valued and cherished—no matter what you have done or where you are at in your relationship with Him.

“40 Days of God’s Love” is a Transformative Journey. 

• Rekindle Your Heart: Discover God’s unwavering love—a love that accepts you fully, cherishes you deeply, and brings lasting joy and peace to your soul.
• Embrace Love Over Legalism: Learn how love, rather than relentless striving to do ‘good’, is at the heart of our relationship with the Divine.
• Refocus Your Vision: Look at life with fresh eyes to see the intricate beauty of creation and the everlasting love that God showers upon all living things.

This journey isn’t just about spiritual discovery; it’s about transformation.

Imagine waking up each day for the next 40 days, infused with a deeper sense of love and a clearer understanding of your purpose within the grand spectrum of creation. What a profound impact that could have for you!

May the Holy Spirit illuminate your vision, revealing God’s true nature—a boundless love reaching out to embrace you.

He created you to know His heart for you — know His love for you.

Do You Want More?

Check out the various resources in this free JO App web version.

>> Forever Loved

>> Find What You Want

>> Select a Devotional Series

>> Read the NET Bible

>> Discover Tips for Growth as A Believer

Read 40 Days of God’s Love in this JO App web version!

After watching the video, please share your response below.

No, I didn’t pray the prayer.

Yes, I prayed and received Jesus into my life.

Yes, I prayed and rededicated my life to Jesus.

No, I have already received Jesus in my life.

Read the video transcript of Jesus’ Resurrection and You

Renewing your mind means transforming your perspective to align with God’s Word and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, rather than being influenced by your own experiences or the world’s values.

* * * * *

“Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.” —Romans 12:2

How to Renew Your Mind

Make God’s Word a Priority in Your Life

“My child, pay attention to my words; listen attentively to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight, guard them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and healing to one’s entire body. Guard your heart with all vigilance, for from it are the sources of life.” —Proverbs 4:20-23

Focus Your Mind on God’s Word

“Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth.” —Colossians 3:1-2

“For those who live according to the flesh have their outlook shaped by the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their outlook shaped by the things of the Spirit.” —Romans 8:5

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.” —Philippians 4:8

Ask the Holy Spirit to Help You Understand God’s Word

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. For he will not speak on his own authority, but will speak whatever he hears, and will tell you what is to come.” —John 16:13

“Open my eyes so I can truly see the marvelous things in your law!” —Psalm 119:18

Meditate on God’s Word

“Instead he finds pleasure in obeying the Lord’s commands; he meditates on his commands day and night.” —Psalm 1:2

Memorize God’s Word

“This law scroll must not leave your lips! You must memorize it day and night so you can carefully obey all that is written in it. Then you will prosper and be successful.” —Joshua 1:8

Trust God’s Word

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight.” —Proverbs 3:5-6

Reject Thoughts Contrary to God’s Word

“We tear down arguments and every arrogant obstacle that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to make it obey Christ.” —2 Corinthians 10:4b-5

Apply God’s Word to Your Life

“For if someone merely listens to the word and does not live it out, he is like someone who gazes at his own face in a mirror. For he gazes at himself and then goes out and immediately forgets what sort of person he was. But the one who peers into the perfect law of liberty and fixes his attention there, and does not become a forgetful listener but one who lives it out—he will be blessed in what he does.” —James 1:23-25

“With all my heart I seek you. Do not allow me to stray from your commands! I store up your words in my heart, so that I might not sin against you.” —Psalm 119:10-11

Delight in God’s Word

“I find delight in your statutes; I do not forget your instructions.” —Psalm 119:16

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and exhorting one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, all with grace in your hearts to God.” —Colossians 3:16

The Superiority of God’s Word

God’s Word Is Pure

“Every word of God is purified; he is like a shield for those who take refuge in him.” —Proverbs 30:5

God’s Word Is Truth

“Set them apart in the truth; your word is truth.” —John 17:17

God’s Word Is Just

“For the Lord’s decrees are just, and everything he does is fair.” —Psalm 33:4

God’s Word Is Reliable

“The grass dries up, the flowers wither, but the decree of our God is forever reliable.” —Isaiah 40:8

God’s Word Is Permanent

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” —Matthew 24:35

God’s Word Reveals God

“Above all, you do well if you recognize this: No prophecy of scripture ever comes about by the prophet’s own imagination, for no prophecy was ever borne of human impulse; rather, men carried along by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” —2 Peter 1:20-21

“’Indeed, my plans are not like your plans, and my deeds are not like your deeds,’ says the Lord.” —Isaiah 55:8

“Then I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept, because it does not see him or know him. But you know him, because he resides with you and will be in you.” —John 14:16-17

Jesus Values God’s Word

Jesus Loved/Treasured/Revered God’s Word

“I will not speak with you much longer, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me, but I am doing just what the Father commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father.” —John 14:30-31

Jesus Understood God’s Word

“Jesus answered them, ‘You are deceived, because you don’t know the scriptures or the power of God.’” —Matthew 22:29

Jesus Obeyed God’s Word

“‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!’” —Luke 11:28b

Jesus Depended on God’s Word

“But he answered, ‘It is written, Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” —Matthew 4:4

Jesus Proclaimed God’s Word

“Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them is like a wise man who built his house on rock.” —Matthew 7:24

The Benefits of God’s Word

Examines the Heart

“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart.” —Hebrews 4:12

Provides Perspective

“The Lord’s commands are pure and give insight for life.” —Psalm 19:8b

Shows the Way

“Your word is a lamp to walk by, and a light to illumine my path.” —Psalm 119:105

Gives Insight to the Inexperienced

“Your instructions are a doorway through which light shines. They give insight to the untrained.” —Psalm 119:130

Imparts Wisdom

“The rules set down by the Lord are reliable and impart wisdom to the inexperienced.” —Psalm 19:7b

Frees from Spiritual Bondage

“…and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” —John 8:32

Set Apart for Holiness

“…to sanctify her by cleansing her with the washing of the water by the word,…” —Ephesians 5:26

Produces Righteousness

“Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,…” —2 Timothy 3:16

Creates New Life

“You have been born anew, not from perishable but from imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.” —1 Peter 1:23

Generates Hope

“For everything that was written in former times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through encouragement of the scriptures we may have hope.” —Romans 15:4

Builds Faith

“Consequently faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the preached word of Christ.” —Romans 10:17

Brings Joy

“The Lord’s precepts are fair and make one joyful.” —Psalm 19:8a

Is Dependable

“The judgments given by the Lord are trustworthy and absolutely just.” —Psalm 19:9b

Offers Stability

“The commands to fear the Lord are right and endure forever.” —Psalm 19:9a

Is a Firm Foundation

“The law of their God controls their thinking; their feet do not slip.” —Psalm 37:31

Accomplishes the Purpose

“In the same way, the promise that I make does not return to me, having accomplished nothing. No, it is realized as I desire and is fulfilled as I intend.” —Isaiah 55:11 

Is Enriching

“They are of greater value than gold, than even a great amount of pure gold; they bring greater delight than honey, than even the sweetest honey from a honeycomb. Yes, your servant finds moral guidance there; those who obey them receive a rich reward.” —Psalm 19:10-11

Preserves Life

“The law of the Lord is perfect and preserves one’s life.” —Psalm 19:7a