God created us to have a relationship with Him.
Our sins separate us from God.
Sins cannot be removed by good deeds.
Paying the price for sin, Jesus died and rose again.
The next step in the story of salvation is: Everyone who trusts in Jesus alone will have eternal life (Acts - Jude).
Jesus died as a once-for-all sacrifice that is fully sufficient for our salvation. All we have to do is trust. His salvation is a free gift. It is like if I bought a Costco membership for everyone in Cabarrus County. I stand at the entrance of Costco and offer them a membership.
One person says, "How much was it? I want to pay you back." No...it's a free gift. You just have to take it.
Another person says, "I don't need your card. I believe in the owner of Costco. I can just come in." No...Costco will not allow you entry without the card. Here is one. It's a free gift.
Someone else says, "I have a Sam's club membership. All these places are the same." No...you are free to go to Sam's, but to enter here, you need a Costco card. It's a free gift.
Eternal life is a free gift offered by Jesus through His death and resurrection. I just have to accept it and follow Him. I cannot say, "Well, I'm Hindu, so I'll add Jesus to my other gods." Nope, it's just Jesus.
You can't say, "Well, I'm a pretty good person and I can rely on my good deeds." We've discussed that. It's just Jesus.
Some people say, "All roads lead to heaven." That is just not true. Most religions are similar in the actions (prayer, good works, worship attendance, etc), but they all have very different outcomes. Only Jesus offers salvation free of any requirements.
Jesus called all His followers to leave everything behind and follow Him. Just Him. Only Him. He calls us to that today.
SONGS FOR SUNDAY
Angels We Have Heard On High
What Child Is This?
O Holy Night
Silent Night
Go Tell It On The Mountain