In some ways, we are a more civilized world—and one reason is because of the influence of Christ’s followers over the centuries. They weren’t perfect but they took seriously the Bible’s command to “do good to all people” (Galatians 6:10)—and we live in a better world because of them.

But one thing has not changed over the centuries, and that is the human heart. Down inside, we are all born apart from God, and we grow up selfish and demanding our own way. What the Psalmist said of himself is also true of us: “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me” (Psalm 51:5). And one sign of our sin is that we don’t want God’s way in our lives, and we are in rebellion against Him and His will. How else do you explain the evil in the world?

That’s why if Jesus had come today the results would be the same. Only one thing caused Jesus to go to the cross, and that was our sin. He came to become the final, complete sacrifice for our sins, and only through His death and resurrection could we be saved.

Have you faced your own need of Christ’s forgiveness and new life? And do you realize what He did for you on the cross almost 2,000 years ago? By faith accept the gift He offers you today—the gift of eternal life.