Are You Right With God?

Are You Right With God?

Introduction: The Most Important Question of the Year

As the new year begins, the most important question you can ask yourself is: Are you right with God? This is a question that each one of us must individually consider. Many have convinced themselves that they are right with God, perhaps because they know how terrible a place hell is. In their fear, they try to assure themselves and others that they are safe. But are those reasons true to God’s Word? This sermon will carefully examine what the Bible actually teaches about being right with God.

God Loves Us—But That Doesn’t Guarantee Salvation

One common claim is that God loves us too much to send anyone to hell. People often cite John 3:16 to support this: "For God so loved the world..." But what does the whole Bible say?

In 2 Peter 3:9, the apostle writes: "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." God does not want anyone to be lost. He is patient, giving time for repentance. However, the implication is clear: those who do not repent will perish. Jesus emphasized this truth in Luke 13:3 and 13:5: "Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." God’s love provides the opportunity for salvation, but it does not override the need for repentance and obedience.

Being Good Is Not Enough

Another false assurance is that God won’t send a good person to hell. But is being good enough? Romans 3:10–12 answers plainly: "There is none righteous, no, not one... there is none who does good, no, not one." That refers to those outside of Christ. No amount of good deeds can cancel even one sin. If it could, Christ died in vain.

Romans 3:20–23 continues: "Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Only through Christ can anyone be justified.

Cornelius in Acts 10 is a prime example. He was "a devout man," "feared God," "gave alms generously," and "prayed to God always" (Acts 10:1–2). Yet he still had to believe in Jesus (Acts 10:43) and be baptized (Acts 10:48) to be saved.

Jesus also said in Matthew 7:21–23 that many who did many wonders in His name would still be told: "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness." Their religious actions did not make them right with God.

The Sinner’s Prayer Is Not in the Bible

Another misconception is that repeating the "sinner’s prayer" saves a person. Yet this prayer is never found in the New Testament. Nowhere does scripture say that accepting Jesus as a personal Savior grants salvation.

Consider Acts 2. After Peter preached to thousands of Jews, those who believed asked, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37). Peter didn’t say, "You’re already saved." He said, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). They were not saved by faith alone; they had to act.

Salvation Can Be Lost

Some think that once a person is baptized, salvation is guaranteed. Scripture teaches otherwise.

In 2 Peter 2:20–22, Peter warns that those who have "escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" and become entangled again in sin are worse off than before. They had been saved, but turned back.

Paul agrees in Galatians 5:4, saying some had "fallen from grace." Jesus also says in John 15 that unfruitful branches will be "cut off."

Hebrews 10:26–27 gives a sobering warning: "If we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment."

Conclusion: Make Sure You Are Right With God

We are all going to die unless Jesus returns first. That day is coming. The most important question is: Are you right with God? Have you placed your faith in Christ, repented of your sins, confessed His name, and been immersed in water for the forgiveness of sins? If so, are you walking in the light, as 1 John 1:6–9 commands? Don’t trust assumptions—trust God’s Word.

Sermon Outline

I. Introduction

• The importance of the question: Are you right with God?

• Common self-deceptions about salvation

II. God’s Love and the Reality of Hell

• 2 Peter 3:9 – God wants all to repent

• Luke 13:3, 5 – Repentance essential

• 1 Timothy 2:4 – Salvation through truth

III. Goodness Alone Cannot Save

• Romans 3:10–12 – No one is good enough

• Romans 3:20–23 – Justification only in Christ

• Acts 10 – Cornelius: good, yet lost

• Matthew 7:21–23 – Religious deeds do not equal obedience

IV. The Sinner’s Prayer is a Man-Made Doctrine

• No scripture endorses it

• Acts 2:37–38 – Faith, repentance, and baptism

V. Baptism Does Not Guarantee Eternal Security

• 2 Peter 2:20–22 – Salvation can be lost

• Galatians 5:4; John 15 – Christians can be cut off

• Hebrews 10:26–27 – Willful sin leads to judgment

VI. Conclusion: Examine Yourself

• Have you obeyed the gospel?

• Are you walking faithfully?

Call to Action

The most important question of the year is also the most urgent: Are you right with God? Don’t rest in false hope. Don’t assume you’re saved because of good deeds, emotional experiences, or a single moment of faith. Examine yourself in light of God’s Word. If you have not obeyed the gospel—believed, repented, confessed Christ, and been baptized for the forgiveness of sins—do so today. If you are a Christian who has drifted, repent and return. God is patient, but time is short. Be right with God now.

Scripture Reference List

• John 3:16 – God’s love for the world

• 2 Peter 3:9 – God's desire for repentance

• Luke 13:3, 5 – Repent or perish

• 1 Timothy 2:4 – Salvation through truth

• Romans 3:10–23 – All are sinners

• Acts 10:1–48 – Cornelius needed more than goodness

• Matthew 7:21–23 – Lawlessness despite good works

• Acts 2:37–38 – Faith, repentance, and baptism

• 2 Peter 2:20–22 – Salvation can be lost

• Galatians 5:4 – Falling from grace

• John 15:2–6 – Branches cut off

• Hebrews 10:26–27 – Judgment for willful sin

• 1 John 1:6–9 – Walking in the light

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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