“And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…”
Introduction
In a world filled with information, opinions, and endless choices, one question remains timeless and urgent: “What must I do to be saved?” This question, asked by the Philippian jailer, echoes through generations. He was a hardened soldier, accustomed to chains and punishment, but one divine encounter with Paul and Silas shook not only the prison walls but also the walls of his heart. He realised that, more than physical safety, his soul needed salvation.
That same need applies to all of us today whether rich or poor, educated or not, religious or indifferent. Beneath the surface of every life is a longing only Jesus can fill. Why? Because we were never created to live without Him. Every person needs Jesus not for religion’s sake, but for redemption’s sake.
Let us consider three powerful reasons why Jesus is not just an option, but an eternal necessity.
- We Were Born Into a World Broken by Sin
The Bible is clear: “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). From the Garden of Eden until now, humanity has lived under the curse of sin. We were not born into perfection but into a fallen world where hearts are broken, relationships strained, and evil abounds. We don’t become sinners by doing wrong, we do wrong because we are naturally sinners.
Sin is more than doing bad things; it is living independently from God. It is pride, unforgiveness, lust, selfishness, rebellion all of which separate us from the holy God. Romans 6:23 warns us, “The wages of sin is death…” This death is both physical and spiritual, it means eternal separation from the God who created and loves us. No amount of good deeds, religion, or moral living can erase our sin. Left to ourselves, we are hopelessly lost. That is why we need Jesus. Only He can break the curse of sin and restore us to right standing with God.
- Our Time on Earth Is Limited and Uncertain
James 4:14 gives a sobering reminder:
“What is your life? It is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
We live as if time is endless, making plans, building wealth, chasing dreams yet we forget that life is fragile. One moment can change everything. Death is not a respecter of age, status, or location. It knocks without notice. The Bible says in Hebrews 9:27, “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Life does not end in the grave. It continues beyond, in either eternal life or eternal separation.
That is why salvation is not something to postpone. Tomorrow is not promised. Every heartbeat is a gift from God and an opportunity to make peace with Him through Jesus Christ. The tragedy is not just dying, but dying without knowing the One who gave His life for you.
- Only Jesus Can Forgive, Restore, and Give Eternal Life.
This is the heart of the gospel. Jesus didn’t come to teach good morals or start a religion. He came to save sinners. He said in John 14:6,
“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me.”
Through His death on the cross and resurrection, Jesus made full payment for our sins. He offers not just forgiveness, but transformation. He takes broken lives and restores them. He takes empty hearts and fills them with love, purpose, and peace. John 3:16 affirms, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Everlasting life is not just life after death, it is God’s presence in your life right now that gives you joy in sorrow, strength in weakness, and hope in every season.
No one else can offer this. Not wealth, not religion, not achievements. Only Jesus. He’s not asking you to fix yourself. He’s inviting you to trust Him, and He will make you new.
Conclusion
You may be asking today, “Do I really need Jesus?” The answer is simple and eternal: Yes. Without Jesus, life has no lasting peace, and eternity holds no hope. With Jesus, you find forgiveness, purpose, and a future secured in God’s love. Let me leave you with the story of John Newton, a man who was once a slave trader, rough, cruel, and lost in sin. But the grace of God reached him. He became a gospel preacher and wrote the beloved hymn “Amazing Grace.” In his old age, Newton said, “Although my memory is fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Saviour.”
Friend, no matter who you are or what you’ve done, Jesus is calling you. Not to shame you, but to save you. “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved.” (Acts 16:31)
The question is no longer “Why do I need Jesus?” but “What will I do with Jesus today?”
Invitation to Pray:
If you are ready to receive Him, pray this from your heart:
“Lord Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God. I confess that I am a sinner, and I cannot save myself. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. Please forgive me, change me, and come into my heart. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
If you prayed this prayer sincerely, welcome to the family of God. Your journey of eternal life has just begun!