Do you know the Gospel?

A simple summary of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In short, the Gospel is the story of God’s plan to save sinners. Throughout human history, God has been actively involved in revealing Himself as both righteous Judge and gracious Savior. The story of God’s redeeming work may be best understood if we begin with creation and work our way toward Jesus. In fact, it is a good rule of thumb to always be in pursuit of Jesus.

You are a sinner.

God created everything good, but humanity sinned against God. Sin is any doing, saying, or thinking what God forbids or not doing, saying, or thinking what God commands. For our sin, we were cursed with death (both physical and spiritual [Gen. 3]) and are born with a wicked aversion to God or the things of God (Rom. 3:9-18). The curse of God is fixed upon all sinners, and all sinners deserve no less than the full wrath and judgment of God (Eph. 2:1-3).

God loves sinners like you.

God, demonstrating His love for His children, sent Jesus Christ to redeem us (Rom. 5:8).

Jesus is unique.

Jesus, God the Son, was born, a man, without sin (Jn 1). He lived as a man and did not sin once (1 Cor. 5:21). He fulfilled and obeyed every law of His Father, God, and then was condemned to die (Matt. 5:17).

Jesus took the place of sinners.

In Jesus’ obedience, He laid down His own life as a substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of all those who would believe in Him (Jn. 10:17-18). During His suffering for the sin of His sheep, He received the full wrath of God that they deserve (Rom. 3:23-26).

Jesus overpowered death, and He is the risen Lord.

Upon His death He was buried in a grave, but shortly after was raised from the dead (Acts 2:22-33). Jesus’ resurrection assures all Christians that God the Father accepted His sacrificial work and that He is the Son of God.

The only right response is trust.

Because Jesus has died for all those who believe, we are grateful for the wonderful and beautiful sacrifice that He has made for us. We may simply call out to Jesus (Rom. 10:13) and completely trust Him alone to save us from our sin and the penalty that comes with it (Acts 4:12).

God adopts sinners by His grace.

Because of the redemptive plan of God, the obedient life and death of Christ and the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit, all who trust in the promise of God to save them are united forever in the family of God (Eph. 2:19-20).

If you have questions about the content and/or application of this post, I'd be glad to hear from you.