Romans 6:23 (KJV)
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The apostle tells us death is due us as wages for the sins we have committed. In God�s eyes there is no one sin greater than another or one of lesser importance. Any sin committed goes against the holy nature of God. All that are servants to sin must expect to be paid and that payment is death - eternal separation from God. Yet God in his loving mercy and grace offers a free gift of eternal life through His son Jesus Christ. It is because of Jesus and Jesus only that we can gain eternal life with God.

The Bible speaks of two different men named Lazarus. The first was a beggar, riddled with sores who would beg at the gates of a rich man for something to comfort him. This Lazarus died and went to be with God in heaven. There he was comforted by the promise given to Abraham about the coming of The Savior. Jesus clearly tells us this Lazarus was in heaven while the rich man ended up in hell. It was there the rich man suffered worst than the beggar ever experienced while alive. The rich man was separated from God, tormented by painful memories, and in physical distress. The second Lazarus was a friend of Jesus who was the brother of Martha and Mary. The second Lazarus died from an illness and was laid to rest in a tomb. Yet the Bible tells us Jesus brought Lazarus back to life and Lazarus emerged from the tomb where he lay. Jesus has the power over life and death, both physical and eternal. Because of His perfect sacrifice we are able to overcome death and live an eternal life with God. Give praise to our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Thank Jesus for the suffering He endured to set us free from sin.