You don’t need to be a theologian or a highly religious person in order to be saved (see the example of the thief on the cross in Luke 23:39‐43). Even so it is worthwhile to dig deeper into the topic of salvation, both to guard ourselves from errors and to strengthen our hope of what is to come.
Of all the doctrines of the Christian faith and all the truths contained in Scripture, perhaps the most essential—and the most amazing—is the gift of salvation. Jesus came to earth, lived a sinless life, and suffered an execution designed for the worst of criminals. In doing so, He paid the penalty for the sins of all who would believe in Him. Then He rose from the dead, having earned what He already owned: authority over all things, including death.
From the beginning, humans were created to want things—good things, like knowledge, food, and fellowship. Those desires motivate us to learn, work, and love our neighbors, but we run into trouble when our desires get focused on the wrong objects. In today’s age, the advertising industry carries the same message twenty‐four‐seven on more than 200 channels.