The Gospel of Jesus Christ

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In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-3; 14)

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus. (Matthew 1:18-25)

When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16-17)

Jesus Christ lived a sinless life on earth and performed many miracles, highlighting His power over nature, disease, demons, and death. His miraculous works included calming storms, walking on water, feeding the multitudes, healing the sick, casting out devils, and raising the dead. He preached the Gospel of the kingdom of God, saying “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the Gospel.” (Mark 1:15). The central theme of the Bible’s New Testament is God’s love for you as an individual. This love was revealed through Christ’s coming into the world and living among humankind, and through His dying on the cross and rising from the dead. By Christ’s death, God offers you forgiveness for your sins, and by His resurrection, the promise of everlasting life.  

Because of our rebellion against God, you and I are in danger of eternal separation from Him. This separation will mean being banished from the presence of God, Who is Holy and the source of all good. It will also mean eternal punishment as we suffer the consequences of our sin, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). But there is Good News! God has provided a Savior, Jesus Christ, Who can rescue every sinner who trusts in Him. No matter what you’ve done, He can save you! Jesus Christ became the Savior of sinners (that includes you and me) by coming down from Heaven, living a sinless life, and dying on the cross for our sins. In John 14:6, Jesus declares, “'I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.”

The only way for us to be saved from our sins and their punishment, is to turn to God in repentance and place our faith in Jesus Christ. To repent is to realize and acknowledge that we are in serious trouble. To place our faith in the Lord Jesus as Savior is to believe that He fully paid the price of our forgiveness and cleansing by bearing our sins in His own body on the cross. The message is this: that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9-10)

Come to Christ now, just as you are, and receive God’s free gift of salvation. For God so loved the world (that includes you and me), that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

You can invite Jesus Christ into your life right now by praying to God something like the following:

Dear Lord, I know that I am a sinner and that I need Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ died in my place to pay the penalty for my sin and that He rose from the dead. I now invite Jesus to come into my life as my Savior. Thank You for making me Your child. Help me learn to please You in every part of my life.