THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

The heart of Christianity consists in what God has done in His grace to bring sinful people into His holy presence. The Gospel message details this story:

1. THE GOD WHO CREATED THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH MADE HUMANITY TO WORSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM.

The Scriptures teach us that the world and everything in it was created by the one true God. (Gen 1) As the pinnacle of this creation, God made humanity in His image to worship and enjoy Him forever. He provided for their needs, gave them responsibility to oversee His creation, and fellowshipped with them. (Gen 2)

2. MAN HAS REBELLED AGAINST GOD AND BECOME A SLAVE TO SIN; AS A RESULT HE STANDS UNDER GOD'S HOLY WRATH AND JUDGMENT.

Humanity turned against its Creator, whether by active rebellion or passive indifference, and chose to go its own way, devoting themselves to their own pursuits, whether power, pleasure or any other. As a result, they were cut off from His life-giving presence and became corrupted by sin both spiritually and physically. Humanity’s corrupted nature quickly gave rise to specific transgressions against both God and each other. (Rom 3:9-18, 5:12-21)

Because God is Holy (Isa 6:1-5), meaning set-apart from all sin and evil, He must judge them for their rebellion. (Ex 34:6-7; Ezek 18:20) His judgment has begun in giving humanity over to physical death and allowing them, by their own choice, to be enslaved to the power of sin. (Rom 1:18-32) His judgment will reach its climax in condemning the guilty to everlasting punishment in Hell. (Rom 2:1-16; Rev 20:11-15)

3. JESUS CHRIST, THE UNIQUE SON OF GOD, HAS BEEN MADE BOTH LORD AND CHRIST TO SAVE THE REPENTANT AND CONDEMN THE WICKED.

However, in God’s mercy, He desired to redeem His creation whom He loves. To achieve this He sent His one and only Son, Jesus Christ into the world. (John 3:16) Jesus became a man, died for the sins of the world upon a cross, and then rose physically from the grave in victory over the powers of sin and death.

God the Father exalted Jesus to His right hand as Lord of Heaven and Earth to wait for the day when He will return to judge the living and the dead and establish God’s kingdom upon the earth.

4. WE MUST EACH TURN FROM OUR SIN AND BELIEVE IN JESUS AS LORD AND SAVIOR TO RECEIVE FORGIVENESS OF SINS AND THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

In this time before the final judgment, God offers salvation to those who will humbly turn from their sin and selfish pursuits to the Lord Jesus Christ in trusting loyalty. God does not desire nor accept mere outward service, show, or religious ritual; instead He commands whole-hearted devotion and persevering loyalty. Those who seek eternal life must deny themselves and follow after Christ.

Upon turning to follow Christ, God grants the believer forgiveness of sins, thus removing the sinner’s debt, and imparts His own Holy Spirit to renew and transform his life. This enables the believer to live a life of loving service to God and others which Christ will reward upon His return.

If you have come to recognize your own sin and need for salvation, turn to the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved. We here at Graham Bible desire to do everything we can to help you as you begin your walk with Christ.