There’s something sacred about five young men piled into a van, giggling and looking forward to camp. Holiness didn’t just show up during the main session; it showed up in bug spray and a hike, in late-night belly laughs, and in whispered questions about Jesus. This week at camp, the Gospel wasn’t just taught—it was lived out in full color. And I got the honor of watching it all unfold.
These boys prayed over each other and thanked God for camp. They giggled watching Cars and encouraged each other on the zip line. They asked questions about Jesus and worshipped with confidence in the Resurrection.
At camp, we read Romans together and learned about the Righteousness of God— what it means, why we need it, and how Jesus gave it to us all. Romans 1-3 reminded us that all of us have sinned. We’ve all fallen short of the glory of God. Sin separates us from God, and we can’t fix it by trying harder, doing better, or attempting to hide it.
But God didn’t leave us separated from Him! He made a way. Through Jesus, we are made right—not because we earned it, but because He gave it. Jesus lived a perfect life, died in our place, and rose again so we could be forgiven and free. We get to walk in the newness of life. We are raised with Christ, and we belong to Him now.
On our way home, I asked each of our boys what they learned this week. Here are the responses:
- “I really like Jesus when he died for our sins. He forgave us. He died on the cross, but then the curtain in God’s holy place tore in two. And the solider said ‘this man truly is the Son of God.’ Jesus rose again on the third day. JESUS IS ALIVE! Jesus showed his hands to show that he was alive and well. Quoted John 3:16-17 Jesus can forgive us and we can live with Him forever.”
- “Give all of your life to Jesus (the messy and the clean).”
- “God is perfect.”
The Gospel was preached straight to my heart through these five young men. The power of the blood of Christ is near, real, and active. It’s what frees us from sin and fear. It’s what opens our eyes to beauty and invites us to dwell in the presence of our Creator. It’s what draws us into deep friendship and honest connection. It’s what lovingly convicts us of our shortcomings and submission to things that are wrong— calling us back to what is good and right.
And that same blood—so powerful and personal—is the only qualification that matters. Not talent. Not background. Not behavior. The cross of Jesus erases the need for any resume and replaces it with a seal: “Paid in full.” His blood is what unites us, redeems us, and gives us a place at the table of grace. Whether you’re a grown adult seasoned with wisdom, a goofy fifth grader, or a weathered young adult figuring out life, the same invitation is extended. Come. Come as you are.
The salvation that Jesus secured offers us more than a second chance—it’s a brand new life. It’s an invitation, a love letter, a confetti cannon of grace, hope, and love. A perfect God prepares a seat just for you, and the only ticket in is His blood. Would you pray with me as I ask God to continue to speak to the hearts of these young men? The Spirit is active in and through their lives. May they continue to walk in joy and truth, confident in the One who calls them His own.
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