What is the Gospel?

Where’s the joy?

Have you ever noticed that many people who seem to have it all: riches, fame, success, etc, are still susceptible to depression, anxiety, and hopelessness? Regardless of age, race, status, geography, and many other conditions, people still struggle to find purpose and joy. Why is this?

You were made for more.

The truth is, this world has nothing to offer that can perfectly satisfy your soul. This is because you are created for something more than this world can give. You were made to enjoy relationship with God. Only by being in right relationship with God can you find your true purpose, identity, peace, and everlasting joy. But there’s a problem... God is good.

God is good - why is that problem?

This is a problem because we are not good. Within half a minute we could list off several ways we have brought evil into this world. Lying, pride, stealing, gossiping, dishonoring parents, and worst of all, refusing to worship God as our Creator and Lord. These are just a few examples of the way we have done wrong against a perfectly good and kind God and His creation. Because God is good and just He will ensure that these wrongs are judged and dealt with accordingly.

The bad news...

Because these sins are first and foremost against Him who is infinitely good, they are eternal in their punishment. This eternal punishment is separation from God and His goodness forever in Hell. This is where we will spend eternity unless God does something to save us from this debt.

But wait, keep reading.

The good news

The best news in all of history is that God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to pay our debt in our place. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, left the throne of heaven to become a man and do what we could not. He lived a perfectly righteous life, suffered the wrath of God, and died, as a substitutionary sacrifice in our place. He takes our sin and offers us His righteousness. What’s more amazing is that He did not stay dead, but 3 days after dying on the cross, He was resurrected. This proved that He was God in the flesh, that God accepted the sacrifice, and that He has the power to give eternal life to whoever would come to Him for it.

How can we come?

God is so good that He gives this eternal life as a free gift. All we must do is confess that we are sinners against God, that we trust in His Son for our relationship with Him, and follow Jesus as Lord of our life. We disown our sin and choose instead to follow Jesus Christ as our Lord, Savior, Friend, and our highest prize. Afterall, He is the One our soul was created for. It is in Him alone that we can find the purpose, peace, and joy that we long for. Sin gives us death. Christ offers us life, and life abundantly.

Do you want to talk about this with someone? We would love for you to reach out with any questions you have. Are you wanting to follow Christ as Savior and Lord? Give us a call and we will help you understand the way to enter into this life.