The Gospel is the Good News
All Have Sinned and Fall Short of the Glory of God. Romans 3:23
Not every person has heard this. Almost everyone thinks that he or she is fundamentally a good person. But, we must wiegh our goodness in the standard of God's truth. Most pointedly, in the standard of His law. Jesus summed up the Law of God by saying it means: Love God and Love your neighbor. There is no room for "messing up," of "forgetting." In God's law there is no such thing as mistakes. God's standard is perfection, nothing less will do.
The paragraph above revealed a fundamental truth: we only know our sin and misery when God's law is revealed to us. Therefore it is rightly said, we know our sin and misery by God's law. Now another question must be asked: now that you know the law of God, can you keep it? Not just sometimes, but always, perfectly keep it? The answer is no, because by nature we are wholly inclined to hate God and our neighbor.
There is good news for us, remember the Bible says, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." The Bible also says, "He made him who knew no sin to become sin for that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Cor. 5:21. That is, Jesus took our sins so that we could have his perfect life added to our account.
For everyone who comes to Jesus, God will never cast them out of His presence. Jesus is the savior of humanity. There is more to the story...
1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:1-5, KJV).
The above passage reveals the centrality of God's message of salvation.
1) The gospel is given to all. Whosoever, the call of God is issued to the world. Jesus said in John 3 that "whosoever believeth shall not be condemned, but have everlasting life." God calls all men everywhere to repent, to turn and believe on Jesus.
2) There is one condition for salvation since Christ's work of satisfying the wrath of God has been accomplished: BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST. Those who believe that Jesus is the Christ are born of God. Peter said in the book of Matthew, "You are the Christ the Son of God," Jesus told Peter that the Father in heaven had revealed this to Peter. So, the one who believes is already born of God.
3) For the one who is born of God victory is given because of Jesus Christ, not because of thier obedience. Obedience flows FROM salvation not FOR salvation. This victory in Christ takes on the light of truth, namely, Love and Obedience. For those who love God obedience is not burdensome. In fact, Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." If you find yourself burdened by the "Law" of God, you need to examine yourself to see whether you are in the faith.
If you have read this, and believe it, but need more help or want to talk, contact me, I would love to walk you through this message of life and help you understand God's saving love.
