The Good News of Jesus Christ
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1
The gospel is good news about who Jesus Christ is and what he has done for us. We can discover our need for this good news by considering the answers to the following questions:
Who made us?
The Bible tells us that the world and everything in it exist because God created it. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1), and God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good (Genesis 1:31).
What is our problem?
The Bible tells us that Adam and Eve, the first human beings that God created, rebelled against God (Genesis 2:16-17; Gen 3:1-24). Because of their sin, all of us have a sin nature (Romans 3:10-20; 5:12-14; 8:7). God is righteous, holy and just and He will judge us according to our sins (Matthew 12:36-37; Hebrews 9:27; I Peter 4:5; Revelation 20:11-15). Following judgment, those found with sin will face separation from God in Hell (Matthew 25:41).
How do people try to solve this problem?
Many look at themselves and come to the conclusion that they are pretty good and certainly not as bad as others. They feel that God will look at them favorably and they will be in Heaven. The Bible tells us that this type of thinking is wrong. God requires perfection and reveals that is is impossible for us to live a sinless life. (Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:1-3).
How does God solve this problem?
God sent his son, Jesus Christ to take on the penalty of our sins and in doing this satisfied the judgment of God on our behalf (John 3:16-17, Romans 3:24-25). Those who receive this gracious gift will not be judged according to their sins, but according to the righteousness of Jesus (Romans 8:1, John 5:24). God promises that those who receive this gift will not be separated from God but will live eternally with him in the new heavens and new earth (Ephesians 2:4-9; Revelation 21-22)
How should I respond to this good news?
There are two steps, faith and repentance. Faith in Christ means that you acknowledge that Jesus is God’s son, He died for your sins, you are forgiven and rely on Jesus Christ alone for your salvation (Romans 5:6; Hebrews 7:25). Repentance requires that you realize you are a sinner, have genuine sorrow for your sins, renounce your old ways of thinking and acting and desire to follow Christ as your Lord (Ephesians 2:10; Romans 12:1-2, II Corinthians 5:17).