In my previous posts regarding humanity and sin, one may conclude these notions from the Bible paints a grim picture. What hope is there that such a wretched and selfish people could become worthy of redemption? Most would turn a blind eye to the warnings found in Scripture regarding where sin leads. Others might skip past the bad parts seeking for some better news but having no basis for appreciation or understanding.
The Bible, though written by many and over a vast period of time, is one cohesive story. This is the key to understanding the Christian religion. Although it consists of several stories, there is one central theme: God and His relationship with creation, particularly mankind. The fall of mankind is outlined in Genesis and the redemption in Christ is the focus of four books of the Bible called the Gospels.
The Gospels show how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament story through constant reference to the Scriptures. The authors assume a high degree of familiarity with the Old Testament Scriptures by the way they refer to them. They do this in multiple ways: direct quotes, subtle illustrations, and narrative parallels. One major claim made by the Gospels is identity of Jesus, which is key in understanding our redemption in Him.
Remember that what separates us from God is our sin. No matter how much good we do, no matter how closely we keep the law, we’ll never reach perfection. Despite what many think, perfection IS demanded of us. Again, this is the bad news but the gospel (good news) gives us the source of our salvation, our justification of perfection.
The gospel is a gift from God, not of human origin but of divine. But what is it exactly? The apostle Paul alludes to it in a letter to his disciple “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display His perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.” (1 Tim. 1:11, 15–16)
In essence, Christ paid the cost necessary to justify those who’s faith and hope of salvation rests solely in Him. This is the defining characteristic of Christianity, making it unique among other world religions. There is nothing one must do in order to earn this gift. Though it begins with God’s work on the heart, one can test themselves by asking “Am I a sinner, who deserves God’s judgment?” If you can honestly answer “YES!”, then you’ve been made open to the Truth outlined in Scripture.
Becoming a Christian is not about being better than others. The gospel is for those who admit they are weak and in desperate need to be rescued. If you’ve found this helpful please share this understanding with someone, calling them to believe in Jesus AND teaching them to observe all things that Jesus has taught His people. Point them to Christ, His law, and where to learn from Him (the Bible).
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit…For those whom He foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified….For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:1-4,29-30,38-39
Thoughts 