DEATH
The Consequences of a Selfish Life: Why Relying on Your Own Works Won't Save You
It's important to know why you are here. If you’ve hit the DEATH button under Gestus, it's time to understand why relying on yourself, your works, or your own efforts to escape judgment will not work. Gestus made his life and even his final moments all about himself, and guess where he went, missing the eternal opportunity standing right next to him.
The Bible makes it clear that our works, no matter how good they may seem, are not enough to save us from the penalty of sin. God’s Word says:
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
—Romans 3:23 (KJV)
Sin has separated us from God, and no amount of good deeds or self-reliance can bridge that gap. Relying on your own works is like trying to use a broken ladder to reach heaven—it simply won’t hold you. The Bible also teaches us:
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
—Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)
This passage makes it crystal clear: salvation is a gift from God, not something we can earn or boast about. Gestus made the mistake of wanting to be saved on his terms, focusing on temporary relief from pain rather than seeking the eternal life that Jesus offers.
The Danger of Waiting
Relying on your own understanding and putting off a decision for Christ can have eternal consequences. God’s Word warns us about the urgency of making a choice while there’s still time:
“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”
—Proverbs 27:1 (KJV)
Gestus’ life was coming to a close, and instead of humbling himself and recognizing the Savior, he missed the chance for eternal salvation. But you don’t have to make the same mistake. The Bible says:
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
—Romans 6:23 (KJV)
This verse tells us that the natural consequence of sin is spiritual death—eternal separation from God. But Jesus offers us a way out. It’s not about what we can do for ourselves; it’s about accepting what He has already done for us on the cross.
The Importance of Choosing Life
You still have the chance to make a different choice. Gestus lived for himself and ultimately died in his sins, but you can choose the life that Jesus offers. The Bible says:
“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.”
—Deuteronomy 30:19 (KJV)
God offers you life through Jesus Christ. He paid the ultimate price for your sins and is waiting for you to turn to Him. Choosing life means recognizing that Jesus is the only way to salvation:
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
—John 14:6 (KJV)
It’s not too late to make the choice that Gestus refused. You can accept Jesus today, turning from a life of selfishness to a life filled with His grace, mercy, and eternal hope.
And why you might want to read about Barabbas next to find out why his name is so important to you.
...I have set before you Life and Death. blessing and cursing: therefore choose life GOD
BARABBAS
Barabbas vs. The Son of God: A Divine Exchange
Barabbas, whose name means "son of the father" (Bar meaning "son" and Abba meaning "father"), is a pivotal figure in the account of Jesus' trial and crucifixion. His release and the crucifixion of Jesus represent a profound fulfillment of biblical symbolism and prophecy.
In Roman custody, Barabbas was a notorious prisoner, guilty of insurrection and murder. He was condemned to die, just as all of humanity stands condemned because of sin. The Bible says:
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
—Romans 3:23 (KJV)
Barabbas' guilt is a mirror of our own state before God. Like him, we stand convicted, awaiting the just punishment for our sins. But what happened next is a picture of the gospel itself.
The Great Exchange
The name "Barabbas" literally means "son of the father." It is no coincidence that the man standing in his place was Jesus, the true Son of the Father—the Son of God. In a dramatic turn of events, Barabbas, the guilty "son of the father," was set free while Jesus, the innocent Son of God, took his place on the cross. As we read in Matthew 27:20-21 (KJV):
“But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.”
Barabbas, the criminal, was released. Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, was led away to be crucified in his place. This is the essence of the gospel: Christ, the innocent, took on the punishment of the guilty so that we might go free.
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
—2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV)
The High Priests Fulfill Prophecy Unknowingly
The decision to release Barabbas while condemning Jesus was not just a tragic political maneuver—it was the fulfillment of divine prophecy. The high priests and religious leaders had no idea they were fulfilling the requirements of the law in offering up Jesus as the perfect sacrifice.
In the Old Testament, the High Priest was the only one authorized to offer the sacrificial lamb for the sins of the people. This foreshadowed Jesus, the true High Priest and the ultimate Lamb of God, whose sacrifice would take away the sins of the world:
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
—John 1:29 (KJV)
By demanding the release of Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus, the priests unknowingly fulfilled their priestly duty according to the Old Testament law. They were offering up the ultimate Passover Lamb, Jesus Christ, who was spotless and without sin. This echoes the requirement found in the Old Testament:
“Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats.”
—Exodus 12:5 (KJV)
Jesus fulfilled this requirement perfectly, as Peter later wrote:
“But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
—1 Peter 1:19 (KJV)
Barabbas Set Free: A Picture of Grace
Barabbas' release illustrates the essence of God's grace. He was guilty and condemned, yet he was set free, not because of anything he had done, but because Jesus took his place. This is the gospel for all of us. We are like Barabbas—guilty, condemned, and deserving of death—but Jesus, the innocent Son of God, steps in and takes our place.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
—Romans 6:23 (KJV)
Barabbas walked away that day, his chains removed, his punishment averted. And we, too, can walk free from the condemnation of sin because of what Jesus did on the cross.
Why It Matters
The story of Barabbas is a reminder of the depths of God’s grace and the extraordinary lengths He went to for our salvation. Barabbas represents every one of us—sons and daughters of the Father, guilty and condemned under the law. Yet through the divine exchange at the cross, we are set free, and Jesus, the true Son of the Father, bears our punishment.
Jesus’ sacrifice was not just for Barabbas, but for all humanity. By trusting in Him, we can be forgiven, freed, and given the gift of eternal life. The Bible calls us to respond to this great act of love:
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
—Romans 10:9 (KJV)
Conclusion
Barabbas was guilty and condemned, yet he was set free because Jesus took his place. The priests thought they were condemning a man, but they were unknowingly fulfilling the very law they upheld, offering the perfect Lamb of God. Through this divine exchange, we see the fullness of God's grace—a grace that offers us the same freedom that Barabbas received.
And why you might want to read about Gestus next to see how his selfish choices contrast with the grace shown to Barabbas.