“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 NKJV
Have you ever loved someone to the extent that you told them you could do anything to prove your love for them? If you have, did the thought of dying for them ever cross your mind? As humans, we are inclined to love others in ways that won’t cause any form of discomfort to us. Yet, we have an example who died a gruesome death for the people He loved.
The Greek word for “gospel” is “euaggelion” which means “good news”. It’s not a message of condemnation or one that focuses on your inadequacies. Instead, it’s good news, because it makes known God’s love for us and what He has done about our sinful nature.
We were all deserving of death and condemnation after the fall of man. And ever since, all our efforts could never cleanse us from sins, and neither could the sacrifices of animals. But the death of Jesus paid for every sin; past, present, and future. And by faith in Him, we are redeemed and receive eternal life (Romans 6:23).
The message of the gospel highlights two things; the utter helplessness of man and the total sovereignty of God. First, you must recognize that there’s nothing you ever do that can earn salvation from God. You receive it by trusting in the sacrifice of Jesus.
In Romans 1:16 (KJV), Paul described the gospel as the power of God unto salvation,
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
The gospel is a gift- God lavished His love on us in Christ and all you have to do is receive it (Ephesians 2:4). When you receive the gospel, you are declared righteous by God (2 Corinthians 5:21). Your righteous nature then enables you to walk in the Spirit and submit yourself to the influence of God.
When you believe in the gospel, you become sealed with the Holy Spirit. He is the assurance of the eternal life you have received (Ephesians 1:13). He is the evidence that God who started the good work of salvation in you is able to complete it, He is able to keep you from falling. (Philippians 1:6, Hebrews 10:14, Jude 1:20).
Finally, there is a way to respond to the message of the gospel; You must believe it, rejoice, and tell the world about it (Mark 16:15). This good news can never get old, therefore your reaction to it should always be thanksgiving.
DO THIS: Take some time to thank God for His love revealed in salvation and then tell someone this good news.
Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 13: 24 – 58