“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).
When you hear the word gospel, what comes to mind: music, church, religion? The word gospel actually means good news.
BAD NEWS
Mankind’s biggest problem is this, God is Holy and we are not. God’s standard is moral perfection and we all fall miserably short. Ask yourself the following, have you ever lied, stolen, hated, lusted? “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Because of sin, we all stand guilty before God and the punishment He has determined for sinners is eternity in hell. “And these will go away into eternal punishment” (Matthew 25:46). We can also not earn God’s approval by our good works. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness’” (Matthew 7:21-23).
GOOD NEWS
The gospel is good news because God provided the solution to sin by sending His only begotten Son to reconcile sinners to Himself. “and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross” (Colossians 1:20). Jesus Christ, the eternal son of God took on flesh and lived a life of perfect obedience to God the Father – He did not sin in word, thought or action unlike all of humanity who sins every day. “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth” (1 Peter 2:22). He then voluntarily went to the cross and took the punishment we rightly deserve. “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). He defeated sin and death forever. Three days later he rose from the grave, ascended into heaven, where he reigns forever to save everyone who put their trust in Him alone. “He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).
SALVATION?
The question is what will you do with this good news. Will you reject God’s offer of salvation or will you humble yourself, see yourself as someone that has offended God by your sin and in need of a saviour? Because of sin, the only guarantee you have in this world is death. No matter how healthy or wealthy you are you cannot escape this reality. “Everyone is appointed to die once, and after that comes judgement” (Hebrews 9:27). Are you ready for that day? You can be! Turn from your sin (repent) and put your faith & trust in Jesus Christ alone. No good work can save you; only the finished work Jesus accomplished on the cross can! “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18). Then begin to grow as a believer by reading the Bible, joining a faithful church, and being much in prayer.
We would love to hear from you. If you have any questions please contact or join us at one of our services:
Goodwood Baptist Church
Sunday Service: 10am & 6:30pm.
Address: Corner of Milton and Fisher Street, Goodwood, Cape Town.
Tel: +27 (0)21 591 8041.
Email: goodwoodbaptist@gmail.com.
No comments :
Post a Comment