Grace, faith, mercy and forgiveness are intrinsic elements of a Christian's life. Receiving these gifts of God is also critical for those who seek Christ, but have not yet become a part of His kingdom. Yet, these gifts are only available after the personal declaration:  “I am a sinner!”

This does not mean that you were born a sinner or are a sinner as a result of someone else’s actions, as many incorrectly argue. Quite the contrary, you are a sinner for no other reason than the fact that you have sinned!

Adam’s sins are not your sins, though we must bear the consequences of his sins (Rom. 5:12). Your parents’ sins are not your sins, though you very well might have to bear the consequences of their choices (Ezek. 18:19-32). We cannot even blame Satan for our sins. Though he might be complicit in tempting us, we sin when we choose Satan’s temptation over God’s way of escape (Jas. 1:12-15; 1 Cor. 10:13).

The Holy Spirit reminds us, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). This is why we are sinners! Until we come to terms with this basic reality, grace, faith, mercy and forgiveness will remain just outside of our reach.

Whether it is an arrogant man seeking status in a new circle of friends or the child of Christian parents blindly following his parents faith, too many try to “accept Christ” without accepting responsibility for their sin. We ignore, excuse, rationalize and marginalize our part in Christ’s death, instead of admitting and confessing the truth—that our sins nailed Him to that cross. The tax collector was justified when he said, “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13). Do we make the same confession? Do we accept our guilt?

Grace, faith, mercy and forgiveness will always be reserved for the humble and tender of heart. Those who will never accept their guilt will never know the beauty of these most precious gifts. As Jesus declared, “I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Matt. 9:13). Are you among “the righteous” seeking Christ or are you among the sinners?