Basic Gospel 101

May 22

(Acts 10:39-43 NIV) “They killed him by hanging him on a tree, {40} but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. {41} He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen--by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. {42} He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. {43} All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

(Luke 24:44-48 NIV) ““He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms." {45} Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. {46} He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, {47} and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. {48} You are witnesses of these things.””

The gospel is an amazing gift from God, and we are commanded to share it. It’s not complicated, and its presentation does not have to be perfect. The Holy Spirit does the calling, the persuading, and the saving. Our part is witnessing to its reality in our lives and declaring it. God created us to be in relationship with Him, but we have all sinned and gone our own way. Knowing we were lost, God came to Earth in Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins. He was crucified. He died and was buried, but God raised Him from the dead and many saw Him. Christ’s death paid the penalty for our sin. His resurrection proved that God accepted His payment. Everyone who believes and accepts His grace and mercy can receive forgiveness of sins through his name and be saved. Jesus is alive, and we are saved through our relationship with Him. Do you believe this? It’s a yes or no answer. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day