The Gospel of Jesus Christ
I have created a special page for this blog entry.My blog is primarily dedicated to believers, and those who profess to know Christ (whether they do or not). I know that the majority of the time, people will find this site, because they are searching for something related to doctrine, or the end times, etc. Usually those are people who "believe" in the saving power of Jesus Christ. However, I believe there are many who read my blog, who are not yet believers. You think to yourself, "What's going on with all this stuff. Is it real? Does this guy really know God? Does he really hear His voice? Does God really love me?". The answer, yes, ABSOLUTELY, to all counts. Please, continue reading...
There are various blog entries here that you may want to read. Some of them are very provoking because I keep claiming that the end is near. To some, that is very terrifying, and it scares them. But, when you are "in Christ", there is no need to fear. The bible says that perfect love casts out all fear. In other words, to the degree that you know Christ's love, your fear will disappear. One particular blog entry you should probably read, is my testimony of how God works in my life, because He loves me. The bible says that the goodness of God leads us to repentance. When we see that there really is a God that loves us so much, we want to give up all for Him. So, I encourage you to read The Hope In Me, and see how God has been good to me.
The gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ is simply this...
- Mankind has fallen, and is perpetually sinful
- There is only one way that man kind can live eternally with a HOLY God, who despises sin. And that is if someone else dies in their place, because the only penalty for sin, eternally speaking, is DEATH. This is not a physical death, but a spiritual death. Spiritual death is far worse than physical death. Spiritual death lasts for eternity, just like eternal life. Furthermore, this spiritual death that lasts for eternity, is not just ceasing to exist. Oh, you will continue to exist, but you will be put away from the loving presence of the Almighty God. When you are put away from His presence (we are all in is presence in a measure right now), the level of despair will be so high, that it is UNBEARABLE. You might imagine the worst thing that could happen to you on this earth. Multiply it by a thousand times, and that is how much despair you will feel.
- God has provided a substitute for our REQUIRED death. That is to say, the ALMIGHTY God HIMSELF came down to be a man, to die on a cross, to atone for our sins, to rise again and defeat death for us. This death that He experienced was not just physical death, it was spiritual death as well. As it is written, Jesus experienced separation from the Father's presence, because all of our sin, was put upon Him. Contrary to some, Jesus did not suffer in hell, or in the lower parts of the earth, He was victorious, as he declared "It is Finished"
- All that is required on our part, is that we TRUST in that sacrifice ALONE for redemption from sin, and for eternal life. (John 3:16
) That we repent of our sins to God. Repentance is a change of heart. It is desiring to come back to where God wants us. Contrary to many, it is not the outward fruit of a changed heart. (2 Timothy 2:6) HOWEVER, it is only the beginning, and we should bear fruits of righteousness. But, we cannot trust in our own righteousness, and being good, because there is none good, no not one. But, Jesus Christ's blood can cleanse us from sin, and make us righteous. GLORY TO GOD. I have experienced this many times.
The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, meekness, faith, temperance (self control), etc. A person who has changed, will have a desire to learn about God by reading the bible, in hopes that they can learn how to please Him. This desire to please Him is not out of fear of punishment, but out of love. A person that claims to trust in the sacrifice of Jesus, and yet is afraid of being punished, is likely not saved. When I was saved, at eight years old, I was continually in fear before hand. When I finally trusted Him, the fear left, and I have never been afraid of losing my salvation ever since. However, I did come close when I began to backslide. But, the bible does say that we are to work out our own salvation with FEAR and TREMBLING. What this means is that we are seek Him, with dedication, and reverence, for a Holy God. For there will be many on that final day who claim to have known God, but He will tell them to depart, for He never knew them.
