The Greatest Problem of Mankind

Lesson 5: The Remedy for Sin 

Introduction

Human history is filled with attempts to fix the effects of sin. We build stronger laws to stop crime, invent medicine to fight disease, and pursue education to overcome ignorance. Yet, no matter how much progress humanity makes, one problem remains unsolved — the problem of sin. Sin is not just a social issue or a moral weakness; it is a spiritual disease that infects the soul. But where human effort failed, God stepped in. He provided not a temporary treatment, but a complete cure — a remedy that removes guilt, restores fellowship, and grants eternal life. That remedy is found in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”- Luke 19:10 (NKJV)

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Jesus came not to reform society, but to redeem souls. He came to undo the curse, conquer death, and open the way back to God. This is lesson, we would be looking at Jesus Christ became the remedy of the greatest problem of mankind. This will be just an introductory lesson. For a deeper study, please check the full course “God’s Plan of Salvation.”

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   1. God’s Promise of a Savior

From the very beginning — even at the moment sin entered the world — God promised a Deliverer when He declared that “And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”- Genesis 3:15 (NKJV). This is the first proclamation of the Gospel. It is the first prophecy of Christ.  Satan would strike His heel through the cross, but Jesus would crush the serpent’s head through His resurrection.

Throughout the Old Testament, God kept repeating this promise:

• Through Abraham — “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed...” - Genesis 22:18 (NKJV).

• Through the prophets — “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities...” - Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV).

• Through the Psalms — “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.” - Psalm 118:22 (NKJV).

God’s plan was not an afterthought as some people in the world think. It was prepared before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:20; Ephesians 1:4).

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    2. The Mission of Jesus Christ

When the time was right, God sent His Son into the world: “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law.”- Galatians 4:4–5 (NKJV)

Jesus came to reveal the Father (John 14:9), to teach truth (John 18:37), to preach repentance and the coming of His Kingdom (Matthew 4:17), to establish His church (Matthew 16:18), to serve (Mark 10:45), and most of all, to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45; John 10:10; Matthew 26:28).

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He lived a sinless life, perfectly obedient to the Father and showed compassion to sinners who sought forgiveness. He healed the sick, comforted the broken, and consistently preached the kingdom of God. But His mission was not complete until He gave His life on the cross. Jesus Christ Himself said “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”- Mark 10:45 (NKJV). This was His mission and within His thirty-three years on this planet, he accomplished this mission.

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   3. The Cross is the Only Cure for Sin

Every lesson in this course has pointed to this moment — the cross of Christ. There, on a hill called Calvary, the greatest act of love and justice took place. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”- Romans 5:8 (NKJV).

George Bennard in his song titled “The Old Rugged Cross” gives a very clear picture of the sufferings and shame of the Savior on the cross. Please take time to reflect on the lyrics of this beautiful hymn.

Verse 1

On a hill far away
Stood an old rugged Cross
The emblem of suff'ring and shame
And I love that old Cross
Where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain

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Verse 2

Oh, that old rugged Cross
So despised by the world
Has a wondrous attraction for me
For the dear Lamb of God
Left His Glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary

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Beloved, the cross shows the full weight of sin’s cost and the full extent of God’s mercy. Jesus willingly bore our punishment. Paul said, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”- 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV).

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Sin demanded death (Romans 6:23), and Jesus paid that price on our behalf. His sacrifice satisfied God’s justice and made forgiveness possible for all who come to Him in faith and obedience. Jesus said to His twelve apostles during the Lord’s supper institution that “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”- Matthew 26:28 (NKJV). He shared His precious blood to forgive us of our sins and to purchase us (Acts 20:28).

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   4. The Power of the Resurrection

The beautiful story of the mercy of God didn’t end at the cross. Three days after the death of Jesus Christ, His tomb was empty. The angel told the women who went to see the tomb that, “He is not here; for He is risen, as He said.”- Matthew 28:6 (NKJV). He arose from the death. The resurrection proved that Jesus was who He claimed to be — the Son of God (Romans 1:4). It confirmed victory over death, Satan, and sin. Paul declared to the Romans, “Knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him.”- Romans 6:9 (NKJV).

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Through the resurrection, we have hope beyond the grave. The same power that raised Jesus now gives us new life. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”- 1 Peter 1:3 (NKJV)

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5. Our Response to the Remedy

Jesus’ sacrifice provides the remedy for sin, but we must accept it.
The Bible teaches that forgiveness and salvation are offered to all who:

1. Hear the gospel — “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” -Romans 10:17 (NKJV). You can also read John 12:48.

2. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God — “If you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” - John 8:24 (NKJV). You can also read Mark 16:15-16; John 3:16; Hebrews 11:6.

3. Repent of sins — “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.” - Acts 2:38 (NKJV). You can also read Luke 13:3,5; Acts 17:30-31.

4. Confess Christ before others — “Whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.”- Matthew 10:32 (NKJV). You can also read Acts 8:37; Romans 10:9-10.

5. Be Baptized in water for the forgiveness of sins — “He who believes and is baptized will be saved.” - Mark 16:16 (NKJV). You can also read 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 2:38.

6. Be added to the Church and Live Faithfully — “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” - Revelation 2:10 (NKJV). You can also read Acts 2:47.

This is the gospel response — the way we come into contact with the saving blood of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3–4).

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Conclusion and Reflection

When a person obeys the gospel, incredible things happen:

• Sins are washed away (Acts 22:16).

• They are saved (Mark 16:16)

• A person becomes a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).

• They are added to the church (Acts 2:47).

• They receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).

• They have the hope of eternal life (Titus 1:2).

God doesn’t just forgive, He transforms our lives. He turns sinners into saints and slaves of sin into servants of righteousness. Have you been to Jesus for His cleansing power? Do you cherish the old rugged cross. As we conclude today’s lesson and this course, I encourage you to meditate on these messages and respond to the gospel call today. Save yourself from the Greatest problem of mankind, sin and be part of the family of Christ.

Let’s end with the third and fourth verses and chorus of George Bennard’s Hymn “The Old Rugged Cross.”

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Verse 3

In the old rugged Cross
Stain'd with blood so divine
A wondrous beauty I see
For 'twas on that old cross
Jesus suffered and died
To pardon and sanctify me

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Verse 4

To the old rugged Cross
I will ever be true
Its shame and reproach gladly bear
Then He'll call me some day
To my home far away
Where His glory forever I'll share

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Chorus

So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross
Till my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged Cross
And exchange it some day for a crown

Would you cherish the old, rugged Cross? Please reflect on the questions below. If you need baptism, please reach out via +1- 857-757-0329 or closetohimministry@gmail.com.

1. Why couldn’t good works or religion alone remove sin?

2. How does the cross show both God’s justice and His mercy?

3. What does the resurrection mean for you personally?

4. What steps does the Bible say we must take to receive forgiveness?