As they headed into a battle, the commander gave instructions that a chain was not to be threaded through Ben Hur’s ankle ring. The practice of securing the slaves to the ship ensured there would be a commitment to rowing during the battle, because if the ship went down, so did they.

During the ferocious encounter, the ship was rammed and began to sink. The slaves cried out in panic and tried to rip the chain from their ankle rings, cutting into their bloodied flesh. The unchained Ben Hur was the only slave who could leave the ship. However, instead of saving himself, he overpowered the guard who held the keys, and released the condemned and helpless prisoners.

There was only One who was free from the chains of sin and death — Jesus. But instead of saving Himself, he went for the one with the keys, and said, “I am he that lives, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” Revelation 1:18

Through His death and resurrection, Jesus removed the chains of sin and death from the human race. Now all we need to do is to follow Jesus and save ourselves from the sinking ship, the sinful world.

Sin means breaking God's Law (Ten Commandments), have you ever?:

1. Failed to put God first.
2. Made yourself an idol of any kind.
3. Misused the name of God
4. Failed to keep one day in seven holy
5. Failed to honour your parents
6. Murdered (or been angry without cause)
7. Committed adultery (or lusted)
8. Stolen anything (value is irrelevant)
9. Lied (even a white lie or fib)
10. Coveted (wanted what others have)

Disobeying God's Laws (sin) separates us from His loving care. JESUS SAID “...I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

Ultimately we all face God's judgement resulting in either eternity in heaven or eternity in hell. "Just as man is destined to die once and after that to face judgment” Hebrews 9:27

We all need the Saviour, Jesus Christ, the only one without sin. Jesus took the punishment for your sin on the Cross. "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners Christ died for us” Romans 5:8

We broke God's Law and Jesus paid our fine. He suffered and died on the Cross, then rose from the dead, defeating death. JESUS IS ALIVE in heaven right now and promised he is the only way to God and heaven "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me." John 14:6 If we truly repent (want to turn from sin) and trust in Jesus alone for our eternal salvation, God will forgive us and grant us the gift of eternal life. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Jesus warned people on many occasions about the reality of Hell and how to avoid going there. He willingly died on the Cross to free you from the chains of sin that will bind you and hold you captive. Repent and put your trust in Jesus and enjoy a relationship with the Living God. Here is a prayer you could say:

Heavenly Father.
I am sorry that I have sinned against you.
Please forgive me for all the things I have done wrong
(at this point confess the things you have done wrong).
I know Your son Jesus died on the Cross to pay for my sin.
I believe Jesus rose from the dead and is alive in heaven.
I want to turn from sin and follow Jesus as my Lord and Saviour.
Jesus please change me into the person you want me to be.
Let your will be done.
I ask this in the name of my wonderful Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Read the Bible and obey what you read. Find a local church that can help you in your Christian walk.