The Gospel

Let us begin examining this question by understanding who is the God of the Bible. The God of the Bible, who is the creator and sustainer of all things, is perfect in Holiness. In Habakkuk 1:13 we read that His eyes are too pure to look on evil and he cannot tolerate wrong. Though man was created in perfection because of his rebellion against God, he lost his right standing before Him (Genesis 3). The Bible calls man’s rebellion as “sin”. Thus the relationship between God and man was broken and we became his enemies.

Therefore man by nature is sinful (Romans 3:23). Most of us, though unwilling to admit that we are sinners, will freely accept that we do sin. Sin doesn’t only refer to unlawful practices such murder, adultery etc., but also to a small lie, lustful thoughts, anger and so on. Though these “lesser” sins would seem insignificant to us they are unacceptable to a Holy God. The God of the Bible is perfect in holiness and in contrast to His perfection all our righteous acts are but filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). All other religions teach that salvation can be attained through good works. But biblical Christianity alone states that man on his own, no matter how many good deeds he does, can never attain a right standing before God (Romans 3:10).

The Bible also states in Romans 6:23 that “…the wages of sin is death.” Notice that the word sin is used in a singular form. Even a single sin is punishable by death. Death refers to eternal separation from God and unending suffering and torment in Hell. Thus man’s position seems hopeless.

However, the God who is perfectly holy is also a God of Love. The Bible states that not only is Love one of God’s attributes – but that God is Love (1 John 4:16). And in demonstration of his love for us, He sent his only Son the Lord Jesus Christ to die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins (John 3:16). Christ was nothing short of God in human flesh and clearly claimed to be equal with the Father (John 10:30). He lived that perfect life that you and I can never satisfactorily achieve. And by his death on the cross He bore the punishment for our sins – even though he himself never sinned. On the third day He rose from the dead and demonstrated his power over death. Therefore based on Christ’s sacrifice, God the Father can forgive men without compromising on his perfect Holiness. By putting our sins on Christ’s account, God not only puts Christ’s death to our account, but also His perfect life to our account. All this happens at the moment when one puts his entire trust in Christ.

Many people assume that there are many paths to God and that each religion represents an aspect of the truth. But Jesus said “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). He didn’t claim to be to be one of the many equally legitimate paths to God, or the way to God for His day only. He claimed to be the only way to God – then and forever.

It is only in Christ where the forgiveness of sins can be found. Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”  Confessing Jesus as Lord means humbly submitting to his authority. Believing that he rose from the dead involves trusting in is his resurrection. True faith is always accompanied by repentance from sin. Repentance is more than feeling sorry for sin. It involves agreeing with God that you are a sinner and making a conscious choice to turn from sin as a whole. You cannot come to Christ if you still want to continue in your sinful ways. True faith also responds in on-going obedience to the word of God.

The Bible also warns that all who reject Jesus as their Lord will have to face Him as their judge. One day every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). But on that day it will be too late to accept him as your Savior. Therefore, if you have never truly repented of your sins and accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I urge with you to do so right now. Humbly confess that you are a sinner and plead with God to forgive you and save you from hell. Jesus promised “…and whoever comes to me I will never drive away” [John 6:37]. Even right now Jesus is calling you to accept him.

The message of the gospel is a clear command from the living God for sinners to repent of their sins and place their faith in Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”