He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed.”
I Peter 2:24
This is the Gospel of Jesus Christ: the answer to this world’s meaninglessness; the solution to society’s divisions and strife; the promise of restoration, healing, and abundant life; the invitation to a personal relationship with Jesus; the only way to have peace with God. This is the Gospel indeed.
Professor Wayne Grudem offers a very simple summary of the Gospel:
“An explanation of the facts concerning salvation must include the following: (1) all people have sinned (Romans 3:23); (2) the penalty for our sin is death; and (3) Jesus Christ died to pay the penalty for our sins (Romans 5:8).” [1]
I quote the above not because we haven’t heard or known, but as a reminder of the simple and clear message of the Gospel. From any extensive systematic theology like that of Grudem’s, one will always find the simplicity of the Gospel message. Although there are many tenets of doctrine that come from the above three points, the simplicity therein summarizes the Gospel Story perfectly. And, today you are encouraged with the fact that the Gospel story is all-encompassing in explanation, unfathomably deep in meaning, and simple (meaning clear) in expression. And, the Gospel is indeed sacred in demonstrating the fullness of Jesus Christ, and our need for Him.
Mainstream media recently emphasized the following: at this present moment in our society, many church buildings remain empty, Bibles are being burned, and faith is under attack. While this present moment in our history can at times be very discouraging, I would add to the above appraisal, “yet, the Gospel message has not changed, diminished, weakened, nor grown outdated, but still powerfully holds the answer to life.” The Gospel of Jesus Christ! The story of Jesus’ love, and His answer to the brokenness of this world.
So, as you see our culture increasingly falling away from God, tell the story of the Gospel. Allow the Gospel into your daily conversation. Allow the grace and love of the Gospel to become your approach to everyone you meet. And, proclaim Jesus with your life. This present culture is in desperate need for the truth. And, the truth is alive in you, His follower.
So, do not be discouraged by this post-Church, post-Christian, and post-truth culture. Live out your faith in Christ through how you talk, act, and love. This is a great moment to make the Gospel known.
Today, rejoice in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He has brought you into His story. Go and live the story well.
Blessings,
Ken
[1] Wayne Grudem, Bible Doctrine – Essential Teachings of the Christian Faith (Grand Rapids: Zondervans, 1999), 296.
