But how can human beings be regarded as righteous by God? The fact is that we often think, say, and do many things we know are wrong. In our hearts we habour hatred and jealousy against another person. We hide unclean and dark thoughts in our hearts. With our mouths we talk bad about another person. We may not steal another person’s belongings but we steal company’s time by being habitually late for work and leaving our work place early. Furthermore, we repeat our wrong doings, which the Bible calls sin, regularly. Thus how can we ever be regarded as righteous people?
The ancient Chinese appears to share many beliefs found in the Bible. This can be seen from many Chinese characters like 造, 束，婪，船, etc. Another Chinese character is 義(righteousness) which is written as 义 in the simplified form. This character comprises two parts: the top portion is the character 羊 (lamb), and the bottom portion is the character 我 (me). When 羊 (lamb) is on top of 我 (me), a person is regarded as righteous (義). This idea that a lamb can make a person righteous is emphasised repeatedly in the Bible.
For example, the Old Testament prophet Isaiah says: “he [Jesus] was led like a lamb to the slaughter . . . the LORD makes his life an offering for sin” (Isa 53:7-10). The New Testament apostle John writes: “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” (Jn. 1:29). Jesus, the Lamb of God, can take away all your sins so that you become a righteous person in the eyes of God.
Dear friend, you must understand that God is holy. He intensely hates sin. For that reason, human beings die. After death, sinners will enter hell and suffer everlasting punishment. How frightening! At the same time, God loves you intensely. How can we know that? Jesus is God’s one and only Son whom God loves infinitely. Yet He sent His precious Son to take the punishment for the sins you have committed by dying on the cruel cross for you. Why did Jesus do that? He could have just sent you to hell. Why must he go through such extreme sufferings as to come down as a human being, suffer, and die? He did that for you—because He loves you very much.
What must you do to receive forgiveness for your sins, and receive the most precious blessing of God, eternal life and heaven? Ask Jesus to be your Saviour, to save you from sin and the terrible consequences of sin. You can receive Jesus as Saviour by praying (which is talking) to Jesus. Pray this prayer:
Jesus, I acknowledge I am a sinner. I want you to be my Saviour and the Lord of my life. Please save me by washing away all my sins. Help me from today onwards to live a holy life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be. I believe your promise that when I accept you as my Saviour, you will give me eternal life. Thank you.
Did you sincerely pray the above prayer? If you did, God promises you in His Word, the Bible, that you have received eternal life: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life? (John. 3:16).
Dear Christian, righteousness holds the key to God’s blessings. You must resolve to live a holy life. Turn away from sin and stop loving the world and sin. Repent of your sin: “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise” (Psa 51:17). Then tomorrow will be a truly Happy Chinese New Year. May you have a blessed new year!