The Gospel

For God so loved the world that he gave is one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

The Gospel : Why we need Jesus

When God created mankind, he created us in his image, to live in community with him. As a result of sin, we have been separated from God since Adam and Eve. Throughout the Bible, specifically the Old Testament, we learn of the lengths that had to be taken to repent and atone for sin. Sin was prevalent, however, and the constant disobedience of Israel showed the Lord that humankind was sinful and would remain that way.

The gospel is good news, though! The Lord, still desiring to be in community with us as we were created, decided to send Jesus- the Son of God- to earth as a man. For most of Jesus’ time on earth, he lived as any other man. He learned in the synagogues and lived in obedience to his parents (Luke 2:41-52). When he was around 30 years old, he began his ministry and, in the few years he taught prior to his death, he performed miracles and taught the people about the love of the Lord, how to live according to the Lord (Matthew 5-7 is a great place to start), and how they had distorted the law.

As a result of his ministry, Jesus was crucified. In his suffering, he refused to speak against the Lord and he forgave who were unjustly sentencing him to death (John 18:20-23, Mark 15:2-5, Luke 23:34). His sinless, human life was taken as the ultimate sacrifice (John 19:28-34). Three days later, he resurrected (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20), confirming his identity as the Messiah and the Son of God.

We ALL have sinned and we all fall short (Romans 3:23) as a result of living in a broken and sinful world. The Lord recognized our need and sent Jesus to be the sacrificial lamb to redeem us (John 1:29).

You may be asking, “Why? If we constantly sin, why would God do that?” I ask myself that. The truth is that God’s love for us is steadfast and extravagant (Lamentations 3:22-23). He created us in his image (Genesis 1:26-27) and loves us like his children (1 John 3:1). His grace is unending and, even if we don’t deserve it, he never gives up on us and there is nothing that can separate us from his love (Romans 8:38-39).

So how can you be saved?

By the grace of God, through faith. You cannot earn salvation from the Lord. We are called to do good and live like Christ, but being a good person is not what saves you.

Salvation requires faith, repentance, acceptance of the gift of salvation from God, and recognizing the Lord as your savior.

God’s grace has saved you because of your faith in Christ. Your salvation doesn’t come from anything you do. It is God’s gift. It is not based on anything you have done. No one can brag about earning it.

Ephesians 2:8-9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

The gospel offers an opportunity for life-changing transformation. Through the blood of Jesus, we are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17). You are loved by God. You are pursued by God. Pursue him back.

What’s next?

If you are ready to take this step, let God know. Talk to him. It can be as formal or informal as you’re comfortable with. Tell him your heart. You can say something like this:

Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and do not deserve this life you’ve given me. I believe You died and rose from the grave to make a place for me in Heaven. Forgive me for my sins and save me from the life I have known. Come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior. AMEN.

Be open and honest with the Lord. He loves you and desires a genuine relationship with you!

If you are not ready, remember you are so loved and the Lord is pursuing you! Contact me, find a church, find a mentor, ask your questions. The Lord doesn’t want you to hesistate but he is waiting for you with open arms!

(Prayer from New Vision Baptist Church Website)