The Gospel

What is the Gospel? It is good news that Jesus Christ rose from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father. Jesus Christ is the Messiah who had been prophesied thousands of years prior to His coming. One who would preach the good news to the poor, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind. Although He was killed by lawless men by hanging Him on a cross, it was all in God’s plan to use His death and resurrection to bring salvation to the world. “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) As Christ hung on the Cross of Calvary all the sins of the world past, present, and future were placed upon Him as He became the perfect sin offering for the entire world. Through faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and by believing in your heart that He was raised from the grave then you too can receive forgiveness of your sins and the promise of eternal life.

True faith is more than just believing the historical facts of who and what Jesus Christ did. No longer do you trust in the works of your own hands. No longer do you trust in the establishment. No longer do you trust in your own knowledge or understanding. No longer do you trust in the counsel of the world. Through God’s grace you learn to trust in Him alone.

In order to receive forgiveness you must repent. Agree with God that you are a sinner, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”(Romans 3:23); then repent of your sins by turning away from them and no longer allow them to control your life. The good news is Jesus Christ will give you the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Power on high to show you your sins and help you to turn away from them and live a godly life.

Then you must be baptized which is an outward act of an inward change that takes place in your life. As you are plunged into the water it signifies your dying with Christ – you choose to no longer live the old life but you put it off by dying to self; then as you are raised up out of the water it signifies that you have been raised with Christ and given a new life in Him. No longer do you live for self but you live for the Lord Jesus Christ. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (II Corinthians 5:17)

Dear friends, this is only the first step into the kingdom of God, the step of faith. Although you will encounter many trials and tribulations they are meant for the strengthening of your faith and the outcome is more glorious than words can describe. As a new disciple of Christ you want to read His Word daily (the Christian Bible) allowing the Holy Spirit to lead, convict and encourage you. You want to immediately begin to tell others about Jesus Christ and the good news that He brought to a dying world. You want to spend time in prayer to God the Father and meditate on His Word. And finally you will want to join with other believers in Christ to experience the joy of fellowship and mutual encouragement.

If you have made a decision today write me and allow me to send you some materials that will help you in your new life in Christ. Praise God!