A Core Message of Love, Redemption, and Grace
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of profound love, redemption, and grace. At its heart, it tells us that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). This act of love demonstrates God’s desire to restore the broken relationship between humanity and Himself, a relationship fractured by sin.
The Problem of Man’s Separation from God
The message starts by acknowledging God’s perfect holiness (Isaiah 6:1-4) and man’s inherently unholy nature (Romans 3:9-18, 23). Due to Adam’s disobedience (Genesis 3:1-19), man has inherited a sinful nature (Romans 5:12-21), leading to separation from God and facing His condemnation (Ephesians 2:1-3). Without intervention, man’s fate is hell. However, God seeks to redeem and reconcile a specific group of people to Himself, while also upholding justice by punishing sin.
The problem for humans is that no one could endure the fair punishment for their sin. Therefore, in order for justice to be served for sin while also providing a free pardon for those who are redeemed, a sinless substitute would be necessary, who would be willing to endure the deserved punishment (Isaiah 53). This requires God to be gracious enough to accept a substitute in place of the sinner. Additionally, God would need to provide a mediator who could represent both God and humans and still withstand the full punishment required by God. The apostle Paul writes In 1 Timothy 2:5, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”
The Solution that God Provides to Reconcile Men to Himself
… have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
Philippians 2:5-11
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Redemption comes through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, where He paid the penalty for our sins. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death, offering us complete forgiveness of sin, the gift of salvation and the promise of eternal life with Him. This mercy and grace are freely offered to all; it cannot be earned through deeds but is received by the gift of faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). “It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy (Romans 9:16).
Grace is the unmerited favor of God towards us. It is by grace that we are saved, through faith. This means that our salvation is not something we can achieve on our own but is a gift from God, stemming from His love for us, despite our imperfections and failures.
Responses to Common Questions
Q: How can a loving God allow suffering?
A: Suffering in the world is a result of sin and the brokenness it brings. God’s love is shown in that He has provided a way out through Jesus Christ and promises to be with us in our suffering, offering comfort and hope. In the future, He will restore all things and end suffering forever (Revelation 21:4).
Q: How can Jesus be the only way to God?
A: Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). This exclusivity comes from Jesus being sinless and the only one qualified to address the problem of sin and offer a way to be reconciled with God through His sacrifice. It’s an invitation to everyone, regardless of their background.
Q: Isn’t it narrow-minded to believe in only one religion?
A: Believing in the truth of the Gospel doesn’t mean we disrespect others with different beliefs. It means we have found hope, love, and grace in Jesus Christ that we believe is unique and universally needed. Our call is to share this message respectfully and lovingly with others.
Q: How can I be sure of my salvation?
A: Salvation is secured solely through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone, not by our works or merits. If you genuinely trust in Jesus’ sacrifice for your sins and accept Him as your Lord and Savior, you can be sure of your salvation because it’s based on God’s promise, not your performance (1 John 5:13).
Q: What does it mean to live as a Christian?
A: Living as a Christian means following Jesus in every area of life, being transformed by His love, and guided by His teachings. It involves a relationship with God that grows deeper with time, influencing our actions, decisions, and interactions with others to reflect God’s love and grace.
This core message and these responses aim to address the heart of the Gospel and common questions with clarity, compassion, and truth, rooted in the hope that is found in Jesus Christ.
