What is the Gospel?

1. OUR SINFUL CORRUPTION

If you were to die right now, where would you spend eternity? There is only one of two places where we will go when we die. Heaven or Hell. Of course, no one is perfect. We have all done bad things — whether it be a lie, a lustful thought, or a loathsome crime against humanity. The Bible says in Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” We may consider ourselves to be “pretty good” compared to someone else, but each of us falls short of the perfection of God. I John 3:4 teaches, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law:” Because we have broken God’s law — by stealing, cheating, committing adultery, being disobedient to your parents, and many other things — there is a consequence, and it's a serious penalty.

2. OUR SEPARATED CONSEQUENCE

Though our own sins separate us from God, He does not want anyone to die and go to Hell. John 3:16 proclaims, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Jesus willingly shed His sinless blood and gave His life as a sacrifice on the Cross for you and me. He died, victoriously rose again from the grave, and now freely offers to us the ONLY REMEDY for sin! You cannot buy your way to Heaven, nor can you earn it through other alternatives such as good works or baptism (as other religions teach). It is ONLY through Jesus. God’s Word is clear: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works,” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

3. OUR SAVIOUR'S CROSS

Just like a criminal must pay for his crime, a sinner must also pay for the debt of his sin. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death...” Romans 5:12 teaches us that death has come “by sin” and death has “passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” According to Revelation 21:8, “death” here refers to spending eternity in Hell: “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.” To die in our sins without Jesus Christ is to spend an eternity in Hell. This is sobering news, BUT THERE IS HOPE!

4. OUR SIMPLE CHOICE

God promises in Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Jesus stands with His arms opened wide in love, waiting for you to come to Him by faith and accept Him as your Saviour! According to the Bible, if you were to receive Jesus, where will you go when you die? The exciting answer is Heaven! But, if you were to reject Jesus and never accept what He did on the Cross for you, where will you spend eternity? The sobering answer is Hell. God loves you and wants you to be with Him. What will you choose to do? Why not call upon the Lord right now and ask Him to save you?