Tag Archives: Gospel

The Good News: Part 1

Just what is it that sets apart the revelation of Christ’s gospel entrusted to Paul? I’m sure you’ll see what’s so special when you read the following brief synopsis of what it actually encompasses. Here it is,  a seven part series presented in the first person so that you might get a better sense of its glorious impact for each of us personally:

God the Father sent Jesus, God the Son, among us to bring the truth of His promise of eternal life for all those who believe (Romans 3:22). Jesus emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, being made in the likeness of men (Phil. 2:7). In so doing, He is able to sympathize with my weaknesses, having been tempted in all things as I am, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15).

He first suffered beyond what any of us can imagine at the hands of His accusers, and died an excruciating execution by crucifixion where He made propitiation (an appeasing sacrifice) for all the sins of humanity by taking the punishment for those sins upon Himself (Hebrews 2:17).

Jesus was then raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, and has given me the promise of eternal life in Him. Having received His promise by faith, I have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, and as a result also share in the likeness of His glorious resurrection (Romans 6:4-5).

(Excerpted from “Free from the Power of Sin: The Keys to Growing in God in Spite of Yourself”)

God’s promise: the great motivator

The gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ is in essence the promise of God to mankind. We receive that promise by faith. But prior to faith ever taking root, hope is first born in our heart through God’s promise. Hope always precedes faith because only hope provides us the motivation to believe. It is the catalyst by which faith is activated. Our faith pleases God, who freely imparts His righteousness as a gift of grace. Faith is much more than a superficial belief in God. We ultimately obtain the promise of the gospel by living our lives through what Paul calls the obedience of faith—the type of behavior which offers proof of a thriving faith.

(Excerpted from “Free from the Power of Sin: The Keys to Growing in God in Spite of Yourself”)