1 Corinthians 15:1-8 details the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ:
Moreover, brethren, I DECLARE UNTO YOU THE GOSPEL which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS according to the scriptures; and that he was BURIED, and that he ROSE AGAIN the third day according to THE SCRIPTURES: and that HE WAS SEEN of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
The message contains 6 clear truths:
1. Jesus Christ was a real historical figure.
2. Jesus died for our sins, that is, took our place of punishment for our wicked deeds and breaking of the law of God.
3. Jesus was buried.
4. After three days, Jesus rose again from the dead!
5. All the above was prophesied by the Scriptures.
6. There were many witnesses of the resurrected Jesus.
The ‘good news’ begins with bad news: we are all condemned criminals in the sight of God. The breaking of God’s law is called sin. The law of God (especially the 10 Commandments) is like a mirror which reveals our filthiness. If we are honest, we know have at least once stolen, lied, dishonoured our parents, blasphemed, put something else in the place of God, and more.
“for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23
Being legally guilty in the court of heaven brings a terrible sentence upon us – eternal death in the lake of fire!
“For the wages of sin is death” Romans 6:23a
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8
As we’ve just read, it is by God’s mercy he saves us. Jesus took our death penalty for us when He gave his life and shed his precious blood for our salvation!
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:” 1 Peter 3:18
“in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” Ephesians 1:7
Complete pardon, eternal life, freedom from condemnation are all available in Christ. This is a free gift on offer from the Father!
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Ephesians 2:8
Fear not – there is a way out! We can be spared eternal damnation, but not by good works, attending church, being baptised, giving money, hoping that my good outweighs my bad.
“not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us,” Titus 3:5
A gift is to be received. How can we do so?
“testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 20:21
Repentance is a change of mind about the whole gospel, including Jesus Christ, myself, and eternal matters. But the major emphasis of repentance is in regards to sin.
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” Acts 3:19
“John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judæa, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.” Mark 1:4-5
Faith is trusting Jesus for my salvation, like you would trust a surf lifesaver to rescue you from drowning. Call upon the name of Jesus Christ, believing he died and rose again for you, and has the power to save you from sin and hell.
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13
“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.” Acts 16:31-32
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2
Will you receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour today?
“He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:18
Location
22 Hume St, Goulburn NSW 2580
Contact
Pastor Hallard Caines
0403 945 455
Services
Family Worship Service
Sundays 10am
Bible Study & Sunday School
Sundays 11:30am
Prayer Meeting
Wednesday 7pm
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
