Why Do We Need a Savior?

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

As we draw closer to Christmas, we need to remember we are celebrating more than just the birth of our Savior. Christ came into this world to redeem us and save us. But from what?

Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned. (Romans 5:12)

Our sin, which is inevitably born through our thoughts and intentions (James 1:14–15), comes so naturally due to the sinful nature (Romans 7:14–25) we inherited from our father Adam, who disobeyed God and ate the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3). Sin, which has brought separation from God—both physical and spiritual (Genesis 2:17)—to all. Sin, which is deserving of death before a holy and righteous God. Sin, worthy of wrath and punishment, which we cannot overcome on our own no matter how desperately we try.

As believers, we frequently forget the depth of our separation from God because of our sin. All too often, we ignore that sin is still sin, no matter how small or big we think it is. Every day, we need to recognize that only the Savior Jesus Christ can bridge that gap—and he has. We need a Savior because we are all sinners and deserve to be punished. Every day, we need to repent of our sins that are laid bare, and even our secret sins of worry, unrighteous anger, gossip, closet drunkenness, lustful thoughts, and impurity.

Let’s remember to celebrate, not only at Christmas but throughout the year, that Christ came into the world. When we lose sight of this truth, we fall into sin by focusing on our own desires. We are called to be a holy people and to turn from sin every day. Let the humility of our repentance lead to our joyous celebration in the birth of our Lord and Savior.

Not only is Christmas the celebration of the birth of our Savior, but it should also be a reminder of the depth of our separation from God due to our sin.

Not only is Christmas the celebration of the birth of our Savior, but it should also be a reminder of the depth of our separation from God due to our sin. It is because of our sin that Christ came into the world. He is fully God and fully human, thus a relative to us all, our Redeemer, and the Light of the world who stepped down into darkness. Christmas is about the hope given to us by Jesus through freedom from our sin and pardon from our well-deserved condemnation.

Christmas represents another step in the fulfillment of God’s promise.