The Gospel means “Good News” – and it certainly is. But in order for it to be Good News there has to be bad news . The bad news is that we are greater sinners than we think (Isaiah 64:6-7) and the good news is that Jesus Christ is a greater savior than we can ever imagine (Romans 5:6-11) or deserve.

The Bad News

The Bible tells us that a personal God created us to love, serve and enjoy fellowship and connection with Him. In fact, it was revealed in the New Testament that Jesus Himself created everything (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16).  But that relationship is broken because we’ve all sinned (Romans 3:23), in other words we’ve turned our backs on God and chosen our own way (Romans 3:10-12). This causes us to be separated from God (Isaiah 59:2) since God is 100% absolutely perfectly holy (Isaiah 6:3). God’s holiness and justice demand that all sin be punished by eternal death (Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 6:23). That’s why simply changing our patterns of behavior can’t solve our sin problem or eliminate its consequences (II Thessalonians 1:8-9). Just like a criminal trying to talk a judge out of the sentence that was about to be handed down. It’s too late. The crime has been committed and someone needs to pay. We need a better solution.

Now, the Good News

There is a solution – a perfect solution. God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to take the sins of the world including your sins – your selfishness, additions, dysfunctions – on Himself (2 Corinthians 5:21; John 3:16). He paid the penalty for that sin on the cross. He died for sinners like you and me (1 Peter 3:18). His death satisfied God’s demand for justice. You can now have a relationship with God through Jesus. John 14:6 tells us that Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to God except through me.’ And the good news keeps getting better – Jesus didn’t just die, but He rose again and is alive today. (Luke 24:6).

Jesus paid the penalty for your crimes! And all so you can live in the light and enjoy a fulfilled relationship with Him—forever! For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

Next Steps

Faith or believing in Jesus to save you for eternity is always accompanied by repentance from sin. Repentance is agreeing with God that you are sinful, admitting that you can’t save yourself by doing good (Ephesians 2:8-9) and making a 180 degree turn from that sin (Luke 13:3, 5; 1 Thessalonians 1:9). Someone once said, “Many people miss heaven by 18 inches – the distance from your head to your heart.” See because it isn’t enough to acknowledge or know certain facts about Christ or the Bible. Even Satan and his demons believe in the true God (James 2:19), but they don’t love and obey Him. True saving faith responds in obedience (Ephesians 2:10) and trust in Christ alone.

Have Questions?

Placing your faith in Jesus Christ is the most important decision of your life now and for all eternity. We are here to help you learn about faith in Jesus. Call us at 216-661-8210 or send us a message right now.