The Gospel

The gospel is good news because there is bad news.

It is good news because there is bad news. Our sin separates us from God. God’s righteous anger and wrath abide on all humanity because we have all broken God’s law in thought, word, and deed. (John 3:18) We are sinners not only because of Adam but also because of our own willful sin and rebellion against God’s holy law. (Romans 6:23) Because God is holy, he must punish all sinners. (Proverbs 17:15; Psalm 5:5) Contrary to word on the street, God cannot just forgive sin without his righteousness being upheld.

You must be perfect to go to heaven.

Did you know that God requires absolute perfection in thought, word, and deed? (Matthew 5:45; Galatians 3:10) Not one of us meets that requirement. We have all fallen short of God’s glory. (Romans 3:23) Not one of us is righteous. (Romans 3:10-11) Only Jesus’ perfect life can provide the righteousness we need to stand before a holy God. (Romans 1:17) Through faith alone in Christ alone, we receive that righteousness imputed to us like a spotless garment. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

The gospel shows the love and justice of God.

The gospel demonstrates that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for His people. (Romans 5:8) Jesus Christ, being very God and man, lived the perfect life we are unable to live and died a sacrificial death that fully paid the price for the sins of his people – thus providing the righteousness and forgiveness that we so desperately need. The gospel is how God can be just and righteous and at the same time forgive and justify the unrighteous. The resurrection of Christ proves not only the deity of Jesus but also that God the Father approved the sacrifice of Christ as paid in full, never to be repeated. (Romans 1:4)

The gospel demands that you trust only in Jesus.

Turn (repent) from trusting in good works, baptism, going to church, or a million other things, and put your faith solely in Jesus Christ. True faith is resting in His perfect life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection. Jesus says, “Come to me all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

The only hope you have to escape God’s wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10) is to look only to Jesus Christ by faith, looking away from everything else. Put your faith and trust solely in Christ, and you’ll find peace with God, assurance of complete forgiveness, the imputed righteousness of Jesus, and the expectation of eternal life in the age to come free from sin, sickness, suffering, and sadness. (Revelation 21:4)

The gospel never promises an easy life.

When you become a Christian, you can expect a new war with sin as you fight the good fight of faith. (Ephesians 6:10-13) Believers are indwelt and empowered by the Holy Spirit to have renewed minds and hearts that see the world differently and live for Jesus, not themselves. The Christian life is not easy. While sin’s power has been broken this side of eternity, believers still have to battle and struggle with sin. (Galatians 5:17)

The majority of television preacher charlatans lie, saying you’ll get rich or expect a better life when you become a Christian. God never promises such things. It very well may be that he will use persecution and suffering to conform you more into the likeness of Jesus. However, as you run the race set before you, fixing your eyes solely on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2), he promises never to leave you or forsake you as you make your way by his strength as a pilgrim waiting for the glorious day when you will see his face. (Revelation 22:3-4)

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” – Jesus Christ (John 14:6)