Deep within, we all sense it: Something is broken. Despite our best efforts, there’s a lingering feeling that things aren’t as they should be. King David, Solomon, you, me—we all wonder, in the words of the Apostle Paul (see Romans 7:24): Who will deliver me from this body of death?

After decades of walking alongside men, hearing their stories, and sharing in their struggles, I’ve only ever seen one path help men get their lives on—or back on— track, long term. That path? Becoming a follower of Jesus. That’s because Jesus made an ironclad promise to free us from our bondage to futility and brokenness now and forever. This is the gospel, which literally means “good news,” and it really is good news—but how does it happen?

Let’s take it step by step so you thoroughly understand:

+ The problem every man faces.

+ The solution offered by Jesus.

+ The offer that changes everything.

Here’s an easy way to remember it: Adam failed. Jesus nailed. Grace prevailed.

The Problem: Adam Failed

Do you notice that, no matter how good things are going, a quiet sense of discontent persists—a feeling that you were made for more? That feeling is spot-on, and we all have it. The truth is something has gone wrong.

In the beginning, Adam and Eve had it all. But with one choice—to trust their own judgment over God’s—they introduced sin into the world. From that moment, all people have wandered from God. Romans 3:23 puts it bluntly: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

You were created for greatness—with purpose, dignity, and intimate connection to God. But sin wrecked that. It separates us from our Creator, makes us suspicious of each other, and poisons our own hearts. This is not just a philosophical idea—it’s your life story and mine. We’ve all felt the ache of that separation.

No wonder so many of us feel lost, angry, or like we’re constantly running on empty. We’re not bad because we do bad things; we do bad things because there’s something broken inside. There’s a heaviness to life when we are not in right relationship with God.

The Solution: Jesus Nailed

But God didn’t leave us in the wreckage. He came to rescue us in the Person of Jesus—even when we weren’t looking for Him. That is the essence of the gospel—our “good news of great joy” (see Luke 2:10).

Who is Jesus? Simply stated, He is all of God in human form. Scripture tells us plainly that the Son (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the exact representation of God’s being, and in Him all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form. Jesus Himself said, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father,” and “I and the Father are one” (see Colossians 1:15, Hebrews 1:3, Colossians 2:9, John 14:9, and John 10:30).

Jesus didn’t just talk about love or offer tips on how to be a good guy. He acted. He lived a perfect life, showed compassion to outcasts, called out hypocrites, healed the sick, raised the dead, and wasn’t vague about why He did it all: “I came to seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10).

But then He did something no one saw coming. He died—not for His sins, for He had none. Rather, Jesus was nailed for our sins. He took the hit we deserved, dying not just for us but instead of us. That’s what the cross is about.

And it didn’t stop there. Three days later, He did what no one else had ever done by their own power: He walked out of His grave. The Resurrection was the proof He offered that sin doesn’t get the final word—and neither does death.

Everything Christianity claims stands or falls on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. No Jesus, no gospel. But with Jesus? There’s hope for every man.

This isn’t religion. This is rescue.

The Offer: Grace Prevailed

This is where it gets personal. Jesus wants to help you reconcile with the Father. No matter what you’ve done, where you’ve been, or how many times you’ve messed up, Jesus offers you a clean slate and a fresh start.

Salvation is not about trying harder, cleaning yourself up, or doing more good than bad. Salvation is God in His kindness and mercy doing for you what you could never do for yourself. You can’t earn it. You don’t deserve it. But you can receive it. That’s the whole point. It’s a gift—“The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:23b).

This is grace, and it means your past doesn’t have the final word. You are not defined by the worst things you have done. Grace means you can stop pretending and striving and finally be honest—with yourself, with God, and with others.

Grace makes Christianity different from every other religion on the planet. Instead of it being about performing—doing more, trying harder, becoming better—grace says, “You can stop pretending. I already did everything for you.”

That’s what makes the gospel—#28 on my alphabetical list of 70 things every man needs to know—the best news you’ve ever heard. The weight isn’t on your shoulders. Rather, the gospel is a unilateral action by God to change you into a different kind of human being. It’s a transformation.

So How Does It Happen?

You want to experience success that matters—to feel alive! Jesus can do that for you. Ephesians 2:4–5 puts it this way: “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in sins—it is by grace you have been saved.”

Jesus said: “Whoever hears my words and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24b). And “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away” (John 6:37).

Jesus wants you to know: I see you. I know what you’re going through. No matter what you’ve done I’m willing to forgive you. I love you unconditionally. And I am always with you.

What if you still have doubts? You are still invited to start your journey. Archbishop of Canterbury William Temple said, “Conversion is giving as much of yourself as you can to as much of God as you can understand.”

Your Invitation

The war is over. Jesus won. You can come home. All that’s left is to say yes.

Here’s a simple prayer you can say to accept this gift of grace and become a follower of Jesus:

Jesus, I need you. I have tried to find success and happiness by doing what I thought was right in my own eyes. As a result, I have sinned. I’m sorry. Please forgive me. You have the words of eternal life. By faith, I choose to follow you. Please grant me success that matters. Help me to become fully alive. Make me the man you want me to be. Thank you for the promise that you will never leave me. In Your name I pray, amen.

If You Prayed…

If you just affirmed your faith in Jesus, congratulations and welcome to the family—or welcome back!

Let me encourage you to tell someone about your decision today. Sharing your commitment will bring joy, reinforce your faith, and encourage others.

Much love,

Pat

For reflection and discussion 

1. What part of your life feels most broken or unfulfilled right now—and how long have you been carrying that weight alone? Take a moment to be honest with yourself. Where do you feel like you’ve tried everything, but still come up empty?
2. In your own words, what is “the gospel,” and how does it differ from simply being a good person or trying harder? Consider “Adam failed. Jesus nailed. Grace prevailed.” to help clarify your thinking.
3. Did you pray the prayer at the end of the article to receive God’s gift of grace and begin (or reaffirm) your walk with Jesus? If yes, who is a person you can tell today? If not, what’s holding you back? Can you name the specific fear, doubt, or question that’s still unresolved? (Invitation: When you’re ready, scroll back and pray that simple prayer in your own words. Jesus is ready when you are.)