Godspell ... Part II
"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."1
As noted yesterday, Godspell or God's good news is that the gospel is first of all a message about God and his infinite love for all mankind. Second, it is a message about sin and sin's tragic consequences. Fortunately, the gospel is also about the following:
3. A Message about Jesus Christ. God is not only a God of absolute holiness, but also a God of perfect justice. Because of this, all sin has to be judged, the just sentence of which is spiritual and eternal death. However, the gospel is also about how God is not only a God of absolute holiness and perfect justice but also a God of infinite love. Because of God's infinite love for us, he gave his own Son, Jesus Christ, who came to earth in the form of a man and willingly died in our place on the cross of Calvary to pay the penalty for all our sins. Because Jesus was without sin, he was the only one qualified to die to pay the penalty for our sins. Had there been any other way to save mankind, Jesus wouldn't have had to die for us.
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4. A Summons to Faith and Repentance. The really good news is that God's gift of forgiveness and eternal life is available to all who will accept it.
First, we need to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that he died in our place to pay the penalty for all our sins. "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved"2 states the Word of God.
Second, we need to confess our sins to God and ask for his forgiveness. God's Word also says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."3
Next, we need to repent. That is, we need to turn from sinful and selfish ways to follow God and his ways. Jesus said, "The Kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news."4 That is, we need to turn from sinful and selfish ways and make a commitment of the will, with God's help, to follow God and his ways.
Fourth, we need to receive Jesus as our Savior. God's Word says, "To all who received him [Christ], to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."5
Admitting and confessing our sins, believing that Jesus died for our sins, inviting him into our lives as Lord and Savior, accepting God's forgiveness and turning from our sinful ways to live God's way is what makes us a real Christian. This is what Godspell—God's good news is all about!
If you have never received Jesus as your savior, for help be sure to read "God's Invitation" at: http://tinyurl.com/6k49w
To be concluded ....
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for your wonderful gospel—for giving your Son, Jesus Christ, to die in my place to pay the penalty for all my sins, and to grant me your forgiveness and the gift of eternal life. Please help me to be sure that I have truly accepted Jesus as my Savior and have your forgiveness and gift of eternal life to be with you forever in heaven. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."
1. John 3:16 (NIV). 2. Acts 16:31 (NIV). 3. 1 John 1:9 (NIV). 4. Mark 1:15 (NIV). 5. John 1:12 (NIV).
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