The bible from the begining talks about needing to be redeemed from the things we do wrong (sin). The first sin on earth was when Eve & Adam at the fruit off the tree of knowledge of good & evil. For this sin an animal had to die. Blood was needed to cover the sin. Interesting to note is this was the first killing and animal dead recorded in the bible.
God then instructs a variety of offerings where animals were killed and blood was shed. He says he could smell the sweet aroma of an offering that was done with a genuine heart, but those that did so out of physical action and not sincere of heart he detested (Cain & Abel).
This is how God required of people as an apology for what they did against God. It made them right before the eyes of God.
Jesus was born, lived, taught, preached, performed miracles and then was put on a cross to die. He rose again 3 days later. It is this action that changed what we need to do to become right with God. The bible says to believe in our hearts and confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord to become saved. Jesus was that animal sacrifice or offering to make us right before God.
It would be like... Your kid does something wrong, so their punishment is time out. One day someone else comes and does the time out and what needs to be done is the naughty child needs to apologise and ask for forgiveness.
Many years ago I did this. No one taught me how, or told me I needed to. That was how and what makes me a 'Christian'. It's not that I rock up to a man-made building where 'church' is held every now and then, or that I was baptised. It's that on the inside I asked God to forgive me for the things I had done against him. I asked that Jesus would come and live inside of me and he did. I was changed from that point on. I felt love for the first time ever on the inside of me. I saw the world through new eyes. It's my chosen lifestyle and I wouldn't want to be without my God.
I think the interesting part is that I am not perfect, I still need to seek/ask to be forgiven. But i know that I am special to God. And so are you..
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