September 13, 2024
Friday
What is the gospel? It is good news. Yet, it is also bad news. The gospel tells us that each and every one of us has earned a place in hell. It tells us that we are eternally doomed without forgiveness. The gospel tells us that everyone is already condemned to hell without saving faith. It tells us that this is a place of eternal torment. It tells us that everyone is separated from God without Jesus. It tells us that Jesus came to Earth, lived among people, taught, healed and was sacrificed for our sins. The gospel tells us that saving faith will unite us with Him so that His payment for sin becomes ours. The gospel tells us that saving faith is faith that changes us. We become a new creation. We are inhabited by the Holy Spirit.
The gospel is truly a mixture of good and bad news. There would be no need for the good news if there was no bad news. So, why are preachers telling only the good news without the bad? Without the bad news, there is no compelling reason to come to Jesus for salvation. Instead of Jesus healing our wounds, He has become more like a vitamin that makes us feel better. The Christian advantage becomes what we have on Earth without anything eternal being discussed.
A partial gospel is no gospel at all. The common sentiment today is that all people are good. The gospel says that all people are sinners. People want to believe they can absolved their own sins. The gospel says that Jesus paid for those sins without and help from us. Many preachers seem to be preaching what people want to believe. They tell the people how good they are. They tell people that by continuing to do good they will have salvation. Their mantra is that by believing in their own goodness the they will have salvation salvation. They stay away from the bad news and call it the good news. But it isn't, not according to the gospel.
Romans 6:23 (NASB 2020)
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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