The Gospel

Paul says in his letter to the Church at Corinth, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to  more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also” (1 Corintians 15:3-8).

Certainly these verses are only the summary statements of the Gospel message. So, why is this writing above called the gospel or good news? It is called the good news because it is the only way to be reconciled to God.God is holy (sinless, perfect, completely righteous). Therefore, He is completely just. Mankind is guilty in the courtroom of God. We are, by nature, children of wrath. We attempt to satisfy ourselves with all sorts of things apart from God but, the ONLY thing that will satisfy us is God.

However, mankind has a problem–namely, sin. We cannot have this satisfying relationship with God, because we are sinners. So, how can sinful humanity get right with a holy and just God? Because, if God is holy and just he must punish sin. He cannot look over it. Here is where the good news comes in. God, who is one nature AND three persons, has revealed Himself as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God the Father sent His Son into the world to gain righteousness by keeping His own Law perfectly. Moreover, He came to take the punishment for mankind’s sins. So, God has made a way for sinful humanity to be reconciled to Himself.

One might say, “I am a pretty good person.” And I would say that even your thought and your comment is sinful. You have not honestly looked into your life. The Holy Spirit has the task of convicting you of your sins. Sins are living in the lusts of our flesh and indulging in the desires of the flesh and of the mind. We continually long for something to make us happy. We try everything but it does not last. The next day we are longing for something else. So, what do you do?

To be reconciled to God one must repent of their sins and have faith in what the Son of God, Jesus Christ, has accomplished for mankind which has been stated above. Many words have been used to describe this faith: believe, trust, surrender, treasure, or give up on the rest and have Jesus Christ the Son of God. Those who will have the Son will have life. Those who will not have the Son will have death. Life is everlasting life WITH GOD! Death is everlasting life WITHOUT GOD! Those who do not believe will forever be punished for their own sins. Do you believe?

There is much more to be said about this. So, if you have questions just leave a comment. I will address your comments/questions as they come.