The Gospel

There is no greater news in all the world than this: that a holy God has made a way for guilty sinners to be forgiven, reconciled, and saved for ever — and that this salvation is a free gift, not a wage to be earned.

The bad news first: we are sinners

Before the good news can be sweet to us, we must be honest about the bad news. The Bible does not flatter man; it tells him the truth. Every one of us has sinned against God, in thought, in word, and in deed, and there is not one exception.

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

Our sin is not a small thing. It has separated us from God, and it carries a just and terrible penalty. God is holy, and He must judge sin.

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

No amount of good works, religion, church membership, baptism, or self-improvement can wash away a single sin, for the standard is the perfect holiness of God, and we have already fallen short of it.

The good news: Christ died in our place

Here is where the gospel — which simply means good news — breaks in like the morning. God did not leave us to perish. He loved us while we were still His enemies, and He gave His only begotten Son to bear our sin and to die in our place.

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

The Lord Jesus Christ — God manifest in the flesh, sinless and spotless — took upon Himself the full penalty that our sin deserved. He died upon the cross, was buried, and rose again the third day, conquering death for ever. This is the gospel:

"How that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures." (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

How the gift is received: by grace, through faith

Because salvation is a gift, it cannot be bought, earned, or deserved. It can only be received — humbly, by faith. This is the truth that sets a soul free from the endless treadmill of works and religion.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

To be saved, a sinner must turn from his sin to God, and trust the Lord Jesus Christ alone — not Christ plus works, not Christ plus religion, but Christ alone — as his own Saviour.

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." (Acts 16:31)

Will you come today?

The invitation of the gospel is wide open, and it is for you. Not for the good, for there are none; but for sinners who will come. If you know your need, do not wait. Call upon the Lord where you are, confess that you are a sinner, and trust the Lord Jesus Christ to save you.

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

He has never once turned away a soul who came to Him in faith, and He will not begin with you.

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