What Is The Gospel?
The gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died for our sins and rose again, eternally triumphant over his enemies, so that there is now no condemnation for those who believe, but only everlasting joy. That’s the gospel.
The Greatest Good of the Gospel
The greatest good of the gospel is not forgiveness, justification, or eternal life — as good as these are. The highest, fullest, deepest, sweetest good of the gospel is God himself, enjoyed by his redeemed people. The gospel is the good news that God bought for us the everlasting enjoyment of God.
The Invitation of the Gospel
The best news in the world is that there is no conflict between our greatest possible happiness and God’s perfect holiness. Being satisfied with all that God is for us in Jesus magnifies him as the greatest treasure and brings us more joy — eternal, infinite joy — than any other delight ever could.
The Bible says that we ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and that what we deserve for sinning against a perfect holy God is death (Romans 6:23) but God shows us His love for us in this ... while we were still sinners Christ died for us! (Romans 5:8) So instead of giving us what we deserve God has chosen to give those who trust in Him what Christ deserves! That's why (Ephesians 2:8-9) says by grace you have been saved through faith, not by your works ... it is the gift of God!
So salvation is God's work! He is the one who chose you, He is the one who calls you, He is the one who saves you, and He is the one who keeps you. But, you have to surrender to Him. You have to not only 'believe in Him' (Romans 10:9-10) but confess that He is "Lord" (master / ruler) and repent (turn away) from your sins and trust in Christ alone to save you.
You don't need a pastor or a priest .. some special song playing, or anything else! If God is drawing you to Himself you can do it RIGHT NOW! Trust in Christ. Place all of your hope and joy in Jesus. Repent of your sin .. and God will save you!
Our Daily Need for the Gospel
“You never, never, never outgrow your need for this gospel. You don’t begin the Christian life with this and then leave it behind and get stronger with something else. God strengthens us with the gospel to the day we die.” –John Piper
The gospel is good news because it brings a person into the everlasting and ever-increasing joy of Jesus Christ. He is not merely the rope that pulls us from the threatening waves; he is the solid beach under our feet, and the air in our lungs, and the beat of our heart, and the warm sun on our skin, and the song in our ears, and the arms of our beloved.
A Life Worthy of the Gospel
Justifying faith does not produce perfection in this age, but it always produces a new direction in this age. It dethrones sin, enthrones God, and makes war on sin in our own hearts and bodies.
(from DesingGod.org)
