Introduction to Jesus
The message of Jesus Christ is indeed a message of love, acceptance, forgiveness, and salvation. However, have you ever wondered why we need forgiveness, salvation, and acceptance? What exactly are we saved from?
The truth is, through Jesus Christ, we can be saved from God.
We aren't used to hearing that. Yes, the true God of the Bible is Love. However, He is also Justice: perfect, holy, righteous justice. And you (and us, and everyone else except Jesus Christ) are a sinner. You are guilty of breaking God's law. According to the Bible, there is a just penalty for your sin. That penalty will be doled out mercilessly by God Himself: death, and after that, eternal and conscious torment in hell.
You say, “What do you mean? I've tried to be a good person, surely God can't be against me!” But think about this: have you ever lied, stolen, looked on with lust, used God's name in vain, acted out in anger, or coveted another person's posessions? If so, you will be found guilty. God is exacting, just like a court of law. A lifetime of righteous deeds will not negate even the smallest of your sins.
But because God is also a merciful God, He came into history through Jesus Christ. After living a perfectly righteous life before God, He died, and suffered unspeakable agony, paying in full the penalty for our sins! So that we might have His righteousness before God, not on the basis of our works but on the basis of faith in Christ. Then He rose again, eternally triumphant over all his enemies, so that there is now no condemnation for those who believe, but only everlasting joy.
The Gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ, the Righteous One, died for our sins. But in order to be saved, you must turn from your sins and put your faith and trust in Jesus for your salvation. You must accept the awesome truths that:
- God is Holy
- We are hopeless sinners
- Christ died and rose for sinners
- Our great salvation is enjoyed through faith in Christ.
That's the gospel. But believing the gospel isn't simply intellectual assent -- it is to treasure Jesus Christ as your unsearchable riches. What makes the Gospel good news is that it brings a person who is deserving of everlasting punishment into the everlasting and ever-increasing joy of Jesus Christ.
To learn about the Gospel in more detail, read 10 Essential Gospel Truths.
Please, if you have any questions or comments at all, we want to hear from you!
Finally, here are some other great resources if you would like to learn more:
- NeedGod.com:
Take a test to see if you qualify for heaven. - 2 Ways to Live:
An excellent introduction to the gospel online, by Matthias Media. - Stop!:
Grace Community Church hosts an excellent gospel summary. - GTY Issues & Answers:
Here you can find some frequently asked questions, and their answers, that you may have about our faith. (For instance, how can I know that the Bible is true?)
