Gospel (Summary)

This page provides a summary[1]^, [2] of the Christian “faith which was once for all handed down [delivered ESV] to the saints” in NT Scripture (Jud 3)—which is “the gospel of the grace of God” (Act 20:24), “the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation” (Eph 1:13), “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Rom 1:16), and “the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2Ti 3:15). We will start “in the beginning” (Gen 1:1) and build in a logical and orderly manner (Pro 24:3) so you understand the relationship between God, Satan, humanity, and sin—and why we need a “Savior” (Luk 2:10–11; Tit 1:4; 3:4; 2Pe 1:1, 11; 2:20; Jud 24–25; Act 13:23; 1Jn 4:14; Act 5:31; 2Ti 1:10).

THERE IS A GOD

In days and centuries past, men understood and acknowledged that there was a God, even if they chose not to obey Him (Act 17:23; Rom 1:20–22; cf. 2Co 4:4). But in today’s modern, so-called “enlightened” society dominated by public opinion and the science of man, we must reassert that foundation before we can even begin with the Gospel message. Therefore, know that “there is a God” (Psa 58:11; Dan 2:28; cf. Gen 1:1; Deu 4:29; Psa 14:1–3; 19:1–3; 53:1–3; 90:2; 115:15; 145:18; Pro 1:7; 3:5–7; 9:10; Isa 55:6; Jer 29:13; Luk 12:5; Joh 1:18; Act 17:22–29; Rom 1:20–21; 1Co 8:6; 1Th 1:9; Heb 11:6; 1Jn 4:8; Rev 3:20; 4:11). There are no other gods (little g; Isa 44:8; 45:5–6, 18, 21–22; 46:9; Deu 4:35, 39; 32:39; 1Ki 8:60; 1Ch 16:26; Psa 96:5; Joe 2:27; 1Co 8:4; 1Ti 1:17; 2:5; Rom 1:20–25). God is not a force, a feeling, or an “it”; He is a spiritual being of immense holiness, righteousness, love, purity, power, and intelligence far beyond anything we can comprehend (Isa 6:3; 55:8–9; Pro 3:19; Rev 4:8; 1Pe 1:16; 1Jn 4:8–10).

God introduces Himself in the very first verse of the Bible (Gen 1:1) and is identified by the word “Elohim,” which conveys the quality or nature of being divine—that is, having the essential nature of deity. His name is given as “YHWH”[3] (Gen 2:4; Exo 6:2–3) in the original Hebrew texts of the Old Testament (OT).[4] It is also written as “Yahweh,” “Jehovah”/“Jehovah,” and “Lord” in various English translations (Gen 2:4; Exo 6:2–3).[5] God’s name is also given in idiom form as “I AM WHO I AM” or simply “I AM” (Exo 3:13–14; cf. Joh 8:58).[6]

He alone is “holy” (Lev 19:2; Rev 4:8; Act 7:33; 1Pe 1:16; Isa 6:3; Psa 11:4; 29:2; 103:1), perfect, omnipotent (all powerful), omnipresent (everywhere present), omniscient (all knowing—past, present, and future), and eternal (Joh 1:1–2; 8:58; 17:5; Rev 1:8, 17–18; 2:8; 21:6; 22:13; Heb 1:10–12; 13:8; 1Pe 1:20; Exo 3:13–14; Col 1:17; Jas 1:17; Isa 9:6; 43:13; 55:8–9; 1Jn 3:20; Rom 11:33–36; Gen 18:14; Psa 19:7; 90:2; 147:5; Pro 8:22–30; Jer 32:27; Mic 5:2). There is nothing unclean whatsoever in Him (1Jn 1:5; 3:5; Jas 1:17; Isa 6:3; Rev 4:8–10; Psa 5:4; 145:17; Tit 1:2; Heb 4:15; 1Pe 1:19; Num 23:19; cf. Gal 5:9), for “God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all” (1Jn 1:5; cf. Rom 3:4; 9:14; Mat 4:16; 17:2; Luk 1:79; Joh 1:5; 3:19; 8:12; 12:35, 46; Mic 7:8; Job 12:22). Yes, God is the great “I AM.” He is “the Lord of hosts” (see Psa 24:10; 46:7, 11; 48:8; 84:1, 3, 12; Isa 1:9). Nothing can surprise Him or catch Him off guard, and there is nothing that He doesn’t know, for “nothing is hidden” from God.[7] Furthermore, nothing is impossible with God (Mat 19:26; Mar 10:27; 14:36; Luk 1:37; 18:27; Gen 18:14; Num 11:23; Jer 32:27). He “upholds all things by the word of His power” (Heb 1:3), and it is He who created and sustains all life, for without God, there can be no life. “God is love” itself (1Jn 4:8, 16), and He is majesty defined. Amazing!

GOD IS SPIRIT

Those who mock God and refuse to believe that He exists because “science can’t prove it”[8] fail to understand that “God is Spirit” (Joh 4:24; cf. 2Co 3:17), “who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see” (1Ti 6:16; cf. 1Ti 1:17; Joh 1:18; 5:37; Mat 17:2; Rom 1:20; Col 1:15–16). He is not bound by space and time, as we are in this physical universe. Therefore, we must find God through faith, as it is written:

• “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is [i.e., that He exists] and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Heb 11:6; Heb 7:25; 11:27; Joh 1:18; 5:36; 10:25, 30, 32, 38; 12:38–40; 14:7–11, 20; Col 1:15–19; 2:2, 9; Rom 1:19–20; 2:15; Psa 19:1–4; Act 14:16–17; Jas 4:8; Rev 3:20);
• “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me” (Rev 3:20);
• “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jer 29:13; Jer 24:7; Deu 4:29; 30:2, 10; Luk 11:9–10; Act 8:37; 17:27; Psa 91:15; 119:2, 10, 145; Isa 55:6–7; Hos 5:15; Amo 5:4; Zep 2:3; Joe 2:12; contrast with Mat 15:8; Psa 14:1; 53:1; 1Co 1:18–24; 2:14); and
• “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him,
  To all who call upon Him in truth” (Psa 145:18).

THE BIBLE IS GOD’S WORD

The Bible is God’s Holy Word, supernaturally given to us through human writers inspired by the Holy Spirit (2Ti 3:16–17; 2Pe 1:19–21; Heb 4:12; 1Co 2:12–13; 14:37; cf. 2Sa 23:2; Mat 4:4; Joh 14:26; 16:13; 17:17; Act 1:16; 1Th 2:13), and it was written for our benefit (Rom 15:4; cf. Pro 5:23; Psa 19:8; 119:16, 105).[9] Every word is, therefore, inspired and inerrant in the original languages;[10] Scripture is without error, without contradiction, doesn’t change, and is never broken (Psa 119:89, 152, 160; Heb 13:8; Joh 10:35; Mat 5:18; Isa 40:8; 1Pe 1:25). It is written that God doesn’t change His mind and also that “God is not a man, that He should lie” (Num 23:19; cf. Rom 3:4; Tit 1:2; Heb 6:18; 13:8; Jas 1:17), so we can trust God and know that every single syllable and word of Scripture is there for a reason and will come true.[11]^, [12] It is through Scripture that we know and understand God, along with His laws and rules for us, His plans for humanity, and our eternal destiny.

YOU MUST DENY REASON AND LOGIC TO DENY GOD

Please understand that God is not asking you to just “blindly believe” in Him. He has provided much evidence and proof of His existence. In fact, the Bible provides overwhelming evidence for God (through fulfilled prophecies, etc.), and many other disciplines provide supporting evidence that what the Bible says is indeed true—through fields such as archaeology, geology, literary history, and world history).[13] One comes to faith after a logical, rational, and reasoned evaluation and examination of all the available facts as well as from hearing the Gospel explained (what this book is doing; Rom 10:17). In summary, God has revealed Himself to us through:

1. Evidence of creation as seen in nature (Rom 1:18–20; Act 14:16–17; Psa 8:3–4; 19:1–6; Isa 40:26; Job 38:1–42:6),
2. Scripture—God’s Holy Word, the Bible (2Ti 3:16–17; Joh 5:39; Heb 4:12; Pro 30:5),[14]
3. His Son—Jesus Christ (Col 1:15; Heb 1:1–4).

We also have the testimony of:

4. Our “conscience” (Rom 2:15; cf. Rom 13:5; 2Co 1:12; 5:11; 1Ti 4:2; Heb 10:22; 13:18; 1Pe 3:21), and
5. The “striving” of the Holy Spirit (see Gen 6:3; cf. Joh 16:8; Mat 3:28–29).

Therefore, those who deny God are “suppressing the truth in unrighteousness” and are “without excuse” (see Rom 1:18–20). They are doing so against an overwhelming mountain of evidence that speaks to (“witnesses”; see Act 14:16–17; Rev 11:3–11) and confirms His existence, and they are also doing so against their own inner conscience (Rom 1:18–20; Act 14:17; Psa 19:1–4; cf. Rom 2:14–15; Act 17:23–30), which testifies to them that, yes, “there is a God” (Rom 1:20–25).

GOD’S CREATION

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (i.e., this universe; Gen 1:1; cf. Gen 1:1–2:25; Exo 20:11; 1Ch 16:26; Pro 3:19–20; 8:22–30; Psa 8:3–8; 33:6; 75:3; 102:25; 104:24; 115:15; 121:2; 124:8; 136:5; Isa 45:12, 18; Jer 10:12–13; 51:15; Neh 9:6; Joh 1:3, 10; Act 4:24; 17:24; Col 1:16–17; Heb 1:2, 10; 3:4; Job 38:1–42:6; Rev 4:11). He created everything we see (sun, moon, stars, earth, galaxies, and even light itself) by simply speaking them into existence (Gen 1:3; Heb 1:2–3; 11:3; Psa 33:6). Furthermore, this physical universe was made out of spiritual things (spiritual matter, if you will; see Heb 11:3; cf. Col 1:16; Rom 4:17), which we cannot see and which the science of man cannot measure (Rom 8:24–25; Heb 11:1; cf. 2Co 5:7), and it is actually the spiritual things that are eternal. As we see it written, “For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2Co 4:18)—this material world will “pass away” at the end of time (Mat 5:18; 24:35; cf. 1Co 7:31; 1Jn 2:17; Psa 102:25–27; Isa 34:4; 51:6; Heb 1:11–12; 2Pe 3:7–13; Rev 21:1). God also established laws (physical, religious, and moral; see 1Co 14:33; Pro 3:19; 8:22–31; 24:3; Exo 20:3–17; Mat 22:36–40; Joh 14:15) that govern this universe and must be obeyed—for He is God, and we are not (Psa 8:4; 144:3; Isa 40:17; Joh 15:4–5; Gal 6:3; Job 38:1–4).

WE ARE NOT ALONE

Know that we are not alone in the universe. God also created spiritual beings called “angels” (see Gen 28:12; 32:1; Job 4:18; Psa 91:11; 103:20; Mat 4:11; Jud 8; 1Ti 3:16; Rev 12:7; cf. Eph 6:12). Satan, “the devil” (see Gen 3:1, 14–15; Mat 4:1–11; 16:23; 1Ch 21:1; Job 1:6–12; Rev 12:9; 20:2, 7), was the chief angel (Rev 2:13; 12:7–9; Rom 16:20; 2Co 11:14; 1Ti 5:15), but due to his pride, he rebelled against God, and some of the angels followed him in rebellion (Mat 25:41; Jud 6; Rev 12:7–9). This world is now, therefore, in the midst of a raging spiritual war[15] (Eph 6:10–17; cf. Gen 3:15; 1Pe 5:8; 2Co 10:3–5; Joh 8:44; Dan 10:13; 12:1; 1Th 2:18; Jas 4:7; Rev 12:7–17), for Satan opposes everything good and of God. Since humans were created “in the image of God” (Gen 1:27), Satan also opposes humanity and wants to destroy as many as possible, including you (Gen 3:15; Luk 8:12; 1Pe 5:8; Jas 4:7; Eph 6:11; Rev 2:10; 12:9; 20:10; cf. Job 1:6–2:10; 1Th 2:18).

Make no mistake: Satan is a real spiritual being. He is described as—

• “A liar” (Joh 8:44; cf. Act 13:10),
• A “deceiver” (see Rev 12:9; 13:14; 19:20; 20:3, 8, 10),
• Your “adversary” (1Pe 5:8),
• Your “accuser” (Rev 12:10; cf. Zec 3:1; Job 1:6–12; 2:1–6),[16]
• The “tempter” (Mat 4:1–3; 1Th 3:5), and
• Your “enemy” (see Mat 13:39; Luk 10:19; 1Ti 5:14; cf. 1Pe 5:8; Eph 6:11; Jas 4:7; Rev 2:10; 13:6–8; 20:7–9; Job 1:13–22; 2:7–10)

—and he does everything possible to try to “destroy,” “blind” (trick), and “deceive” you out of eternal life (see 2Co 4:4; 11:3; Joh 10:10; cf. Joh 8:44; Eph 6:11; 1Pe 5:8; Jas 4:7; Rev 12:9, 12; 20:10). He does this by getting you to think that God doesn’t exist (2Co 4:4) or by getting you to disobey God in some form or fashion (Gen 3:1–7; Mat 4:1–11). Furthermore, the devil is not some fanciful cartoon character in red tights with a pitchfork; that illusion is designed to deceive many by causing them not to take him seriously. Please don’t ignore Satan and his “spiritual forces of darkness and wickedness [evil]” (see Eph 6:12) just because you cannot see them.

HUMANITY AND SIN

Next, God created all life: plants and animals on land, in the sea, and in the sky. He also created humans “in the image of God[17] … male and female He created them” (Gen 1:27; cf. Gen 5:2; Mar 10:6; Act 17:28–29; Psa 8:4–8; 95:6; 100:3; Pro 22:2; Isa 54:5; Mal 2:10) from the “dust from the ground” and “breathed” life into them (Gen 2:7; cf. Gen 3:19; 18:27; Psa 24:1; 89:11; 100:3; 103:14; 138:14–15; Isa 29:16; 64:8; Eze 37:1–10; Job 4:19; 33:6; Ecc 3:20; Rom 9:20; 1Co 15:47; 2Co 4:7; 5:1–4).[18] Humans were created with an eternal soul or spirit[19] that lives on even after the body dies (returns to dust); the only question is where—either heaven or hell (see Mat 10:28; 16:26; 25:31–46; Mar 8:36–37; Luk 12:5, 20; 16:19–31; 2Pe 2:9; Rev 20:12; Ecc 12:7; Dan 12:2–3; cf. Heb 9:27).[20]

God placed the first humans, Adam and Eve, in the “garden of Eden” and gave them a few simple rules to obey (Gen 2:8, 15).[21] All they had to do was believe, trust, and obey God (Gen 2:16–17). God also gave man free will to “choose” (Jos 24:15; Deu 30:19; Isa 7:15; Pro 1:22–31; cf. Rev 22:11, 17; Psa 119:30; Isa 65:12; Luk 10:42; Joh 6:67–68) whom to believe and obey (Him or Satan), for without free will, there can be no love.[22] Unfortunately, humans disobeyed God (i.e., sinned; see Gen 3; Rom 5:12, 19), and as a result, we now live in a “fallen” (Rev 14:8; 18:2; cf. Mat 7:25; Luk 10:18; 1Ti 3:6; Psa 5:10; 36:12; 57:6; Pro 28:18; Isa 3:8; 14:12; 21:9; Lam 5:16)[23] world with sin, suffering, corruption, disease, and death.[24]

We are not born in so-called “original sin”; [25] we (each of us) pursue “evil [sin] from our youth” (see Gen 8:21). Understand also that we are not being “blamed” for Adam and Eve’s sin (Eph 2:1).[26] While we do inherit their sinful nature[27] (1Jn 2:16; 1Co 15:45–49; cf. Num 11:4, 34; Mat 5:28; Rom 13:14; Gal 5:17, 24; Eph 2:3; Tit 3:3; 1Pe 1:14; 2:11; 4:2–3; Jud 16–18), each of us chooses to commit sin of our own free will after we come of age and are able to know better[28] (Gal 6:5; Rom 1:18–32; Heb 10:26; Mat 12:31–32; Joh 9:41; 1Ti 1:13; 2Pe 3:3; Jas 1:13–15; Jud 16, 18; Rev 22:11; 9:20–21; 16:9; 16:11; cf. Lev 4:2, 13; Num 14:29; Isa 7:16). Therefore, our sins are our own (Jas 1:13–15; Eze 18:20) and result from our own choices, behavior, and actions, not from Adam’s or Eve’s, not because “the devil made me do it,”[29] not because “God made me this way,” or any other excuse.

WE ARE ALL SINNERS

Scripture further tells us, “There is none righteous, not even one,” “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (i.e., we are all sinners before God; Rom 3:9–20, 23; Gal 3:22; Psa 53:1–3)—so please fully realize that you are a sinner, whether you want to think so or not, and it is that sin which creates a separation between us and God (Isa 59:2; Eph 2:12; 4:18). Please do not make the mistake of thinking, Well, it’s just a teeny tiny sin, so that can’t separate me from God and keep me from heaven, right? What we see as sin is not what God sees as sin; we grossly underestimate the seriousness and severity of even the smallest sin when compared to an unimaginably holy and just God. What we think is the severity of sin is not what God says is the severity of sin. It is only from what is written in the Word of God that we must come to an understanding of sin.[30] We just cannot fully comprehend the true nature and severity of our sin in this fallen world, but one day, we will see all sin for the true abomination and horror that it really is (Rev 6:15–17). The true weight of sin will then be realized and understood by all, even those who claim they don’t need or believe in God (Rom 14:11; Php 2:9–11). Once again, please realize that it is not shameful to admit that you are a sinner before God; He already knows that—He knows all things! It actually takes strength of character, courage, and humbleness of heart (Mat 5:4) to confess that you’re a sinner and to come before God to ask forgiveness. What is truly shameful is remaining in your sins, which is almost always due to stubbornness and pride.[31]

THE PENALTY FOR SIN

God further tells us that the penalty for sin is “death”[32] (1Co 15:56; cf. Gen 2:17; Mat 18:8; Eph 2:1; Jas 1:15; Rom 6:23; 8:2; Rev 2:11), which is also described as eternal separation from God (2Th 1:9; Mat 7:23; 25:41), for only in God can “light” (Joh 1:4–5, 8–9; 3:19–20; 8:12; 9:5; 12:35–36, 46; Act 26:18; 2Co 4:6; 6:14; Eph 5:8; 1Th 5:5; 1Ti 6:16; 1Pe 2:9; 1Jn 1:5; cf. Mic 7:8; Job 12:22) and “life” be found (Joh 1:4; 3:16–17; 5:39–40; 6:33, 35, 47–48, 51, 63, 68; 10:10; 11:25–26; 14:6; Rom 4:17; 6:23). Away from Him is only “darkness” (Mat 25:30; Act 26:18; Col 1:13; Jud 13; 2Pe 2:4, 17; cf. Mat 6:23; 8:12; 22:13; Luk 11:34; Joh 1:5; 3:19; 8:12; 12:35, 46; Rom 2:19; 13:12; 1Co 4:5; 2Co 6:14; Eph 4:18; 5:8, 11; 6:12; 1Pe 2:9; 1Jn 1:6; 2:8; Pro 4:19) and “death” (Rev 2:11; 20:6, 13–14; 21:8; cf. Luk 1:79; Joh 5:24; 8:51–52; Act 2:24; Rom 5:12–14; 6:9–10; 1Co 15:21–26, 54–56; 2Ti 1:10; Heb 2:14–15; Jas 1:15; Rev 1:18). Note again that what we think should be the penalty for our sins is not what God says is the penalty for sin (all sin, large or small). What we think about this matter is not relevant; we must go by what God has told us in His Word (the Bible).

THE DAY OF JUDGMENT (HEAVEN AND HELL)

The Bible tells us that “God is love” (1Jn 4:8–10, 16; cf. Joh 3:16–18; Lam 3:22–23) and that He is “good,” “holy,” “righteous,” “faithful,” “merciful,” “full of grace,” “compassionate,” “patient,” “true,” and “perfect” (Lev 19:2; Psa 119:137; 1Co 1:9; Luk 6:36; Joh 1:14; Exo 34:6; 2Pe 3:9; 1Jn 5:20; Mat 5:48; cf. 2Sa 7:28; Psa 23:5–6; 57:3; 86:15; 2Jn 3; Tit 1:2; Rom 3:4; Lam 3:22–23; Jer 29:11; 1Ch 16:34). But we also read that He is a God of—

• “Justice” (Isa 30:18; Mat 12:18; Luk 7:29; 18:7; cf. Rom 11:22; Heb 12:29),
• “Wisdom” (Pro 2:6; 3:19–20; 23:23; 24:3; Jer 10:12; Luk 7:35; Col 3:16; 2Ti 3:15; Jas 1:5; 3:13–17; Rev 7:12; cf. Psa 136:5; Pro 8:22–29),
• “Law” (Psa 19:7; Luk 2:23–24, 39; Rom 7:25; cf. Heb 8:10; 10:16), and
• “Order” (1Co 15:23; Tit 1:5; cf. 1Co 14:33, 40; Act 11:4; 21:24; Jdg 6:26)

—and He will only allow Satan’s and humanity’s rebellion (sin) to continue for a while. “He has fixed a day” (Act 17:31; cf. Jud 14–15) still yet to come called “the day of judgment” (2Pe 2:9; 3:7; Mat 10:15; 11:22, 24; 12:36; Luk 9:26; 1Jn 4:17; cf. Mat 8:12; 10:26–28; 12:41–42; 13:40–43; 16:27; 25:31–46; Luk 10:12, 14; 11:31–32; Joh 5:22, 24, 26–29; Act 17:30–31; 24:25; Rom 2:2–3, 5–16; 12:19; 14:10–12; 1Co 4:5; 2Co 5:10; Php 2:10; Col 3:25; Gal 6:7–8; 2Ti 4:1; 2Th 1:6–10; Heb 6:2; 9:27; 10:27, 30; 12:29; 2Pe 2:4, 9; 3:1–13; Jud 6, 14–15; Rev 2:11; 3:5; 6:14–17; 11:15–19; 14:7; 19:1–5; 20; 20:10–15; 21:8, 27; 22:12; Psa 1:5; Ecc 12:14; Dan 7:9–10; 12:2–3), “in which He will judge the world [everyone] in righteousness” (Act 17:31; cf. Gen 18:25; Psa 7:11; 96:13; Act 10:42; Rom 2:5, 16; 2Ti 4:8; 1Pe 2:23; Rev 16:7).[33]

This “day of judgment” will also be the very same Day that “the last trumpet” (1Co 15:52; cf. 1Th 4:16–17) of God sounds[34] and Jesus returns[35] (Mat 24:36; Act 1:11; 2Th 1:7–8; Jud 14; Rev 1:7). On that Day, He will appear in skies of “flaming fire” above for everyone to see and in the absolutely awesome, stunning, and indescribable full “power” and “glory” of God Almighty as He comes with “many thousands of His holy ones [angels],”[36] as it is written, “When the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus” (2Th 1:6–10; Jud 14–15; 24–25 Mat 16:27; 25:31–46; Luk 9:26; 2Co 3:18; 2Th 1:7–10; Tit 2:13; Rev 12:10; 15:8; 19:1; cf. Mat 24:30, 36–42; Luk 17:24; 21:27; Act 1:9–11; 22:6, 11; 26:13; Joh 14:1–3, 23; 1Co 15:52; 1Th 3:13; 4:13–18; 5:1–5; 2Th 2:1, 8; 1Ti 6:16; Heb 9:28; 12:29; 2Pe 3:1–10; 1Jn 3:2; Rev 1:7; 4:8; 22:12, 20). It will also be the “last day” (Joh 6:39–40, 44, 54; 11:24; 12:48; cf. Mat 16:27; 24:36–51; 25:31–46; 1Co 1:7–8; 15:22–25; 50–55; Php 1:10; 1Th 3:13; 4:15; 5:2, 23; 2Th 1:6–10; 2:1; 2Pe 3:7–13; Jud 14; Dan 7:9–11; Rev 1:7; 21:5; 22:20), the climax of human history (Rev 19:9; 20:11; 21:5), the very end of time itself that ushers in eternity (Mat 28:20; 25:46; Rev 22:5), and “the end, when He [Jesus] hands over the kingdom to the God and Father” (1Co 15:22–28; cf. 2Pe 3:1–13).

At that time, God has promised to “make all things new” (see Rev 21:1–5), eradicate all sin and sinful things from His creation (Psa 50:3; 97:3; Heb 10:26–31; 12:29; cf. 1Jn 2:17; Exo 24:17; Mal 3:2), and restore it and all those who chose to obey Him[37] to “glory” (2Ti 2:10; Php 3:20–21; cf. 2Co 4:17). Heaven will be where God and “righteousness dwells” (see Rev 21:3–4; 22:3; 2Pe 3:11–13) and where there is no more corruption, sin, suffering, disease, and death (1Co 15:26, 35–57; Heb 2:14–15; Rev 7:16–17; 20:14; 21:1–22:21; cf. Php 3:20–21; 1Jn 2:25; 3:2; Col 3:4; Jud 21; 2Pe 1:4; Joh 17:24; Rom 8:18, 29; 2Co 4:17; 5:1–8; Rev 1:18; 19:20; 20:10; 2Ti 1:10; Isa 25:8; Hos 13:14).[38]

WE WILL ALL STAND BEFORE GOD FOR JUDGMENT

On Judgment Day, everyone who has ever lived will be resurrected in immortal (but not all glorified/heavenly) bodies (Rom 6:5; 8:30; 2Co 3:18; Php 3:20–21; Col 3:4; cf. 1Jn 3:2; Act 24:15; Joh 5:25; 1Th 2:12; 4:16; 1Co 15:40–57; 2Co 5:1–4), and God will separate everyone into two groups: the “saved” and the “lost” (explained shortly; see Mat 25:31–33). “We will all stand before the judgment seat of God” (Rom 14:10; cf. Mat 25:31–32; 2Co 5:10; Jud 14–15) in the general assembly of humanity before the Supreme Court of the Lord (Rev 20:11–15; Mat 25:34–46; Dan 7:9–10). At that time, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall give praise to God” (Rom 14:11; cf. Rom 15:11; Psa 72:11; Rev 5:14; 19:5); also written thus: “At the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Php 2:10–11). Jesus is the Lord God Himself, and even those who did not believe in God and Jesus or obey the Gospel will bow down and declare that Jesus is Lord.[39]

Then judgment will happen. “Books [will be] opened” (see Rev 20:12; cf. Dan 7:9–10; Php 4:3; Rev 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:15; 21:27), in which every thought, word, and deed you have ever had, said, and done in your life are recorded, and “each one of us will give an account of himself to God” (Rom 14:12; cf. Mat 12:36–37; Gal 6:5; 1Pe 4:5) and “be recompensed for his deeds in the body [flesh]” (2Co 5:10; cf. Gal 6:7–8; Col 3:24–25; Joh 5:29; Rom 14:10–12; Rev 2:23; 20:12–13; 22:12). At that time, “There is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Accordingly, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops” (Luk 12:2–3; cf. Luk 8:17; Mar 4:22; Mat 12:36–37; Eph 5:12). Remember, “nothing is hidden” from God (see Mar 4:22; Luk 8:17; cf. Mat 6:6–8; 10:26–27; Luk 12:2–3; 16:15; Joh 2:24–25; Act 15:8; 1Jn 3:20; 1Co 4:5; Rom 2:16; Heb 4:3, 12–13; Job 28:24; 34:21–23; 5:21; Psa 139; Pro 15:3; Isa 29:15; Jer 16:17; 23:24; Ecc 12:14; 2Ch 16:9; Rev 6:15–16)—not your “thoughts” (see Mat 9:4; 12:25; Mar 8:17; Luk 5:22; Psa 139:2; Isa 66:18; Eze 38:10; Heb 4:12) and not even the deep, dark “secret” things of the human “heart” (see Rom 8:27; Luk 16:15; 24:38; 1Co 4:5; Eph 5:12; 1Ch 28:9; Act 1:24; 5:3; 15:8; Heb 4:12–13; Jer 11:20; 12:3; 17:9–10; Psa 44:21; Ecc 12:14; Pro 24:12; Rev 2:23; 1Sa 16:7; 1Jn 3:20; cf. Rom 2:16; Luk 8:17; Mar 2:6–8; 4:22; Joh 2:24–25; Psa 139:1–4). He even knows the “motives” behind our actions (1Co 4:5; Pro 16:2; cf. Joh 2:24–25; Pro 21:2; Heb 4:12–13; Job 31:4; 34:21–22; Jer 23:24; Ecc 12:14; Psa 139:1–4).

The “saved”[40] (Mat 10:22; 19:25; Luk 7:50; 13:23; 23:35; Joh 3:16–17; 5:34; 10:9; Act 2:21, 47; 4:12; 15:11; 16:30–31; Rom 5:9–10; 8:24; 9:27; 10:9, 13; 1Co 1:18; Eph 2:8–9; 1Ti 2:4; Tit 3:5; 1Pe 4:18) will be those who can stand before God on that great Day and be declared “righteous” (Mat 13:43, 49; 25:37, 46; Luk 1:6; Rom 5:19; 1Pe 4:18; cf. Rom 5:17; 8:10; 1Co 1:30; Php 3:9), “justified” (Rom 3:24; 5:1, 9; Tit 3:7), and “holy and blameless” (Eph 1:4; 5:27; Col 1:22; cf. 2Pe 3:14; Act 24:16; 1Co 1:8; Php 1:10; 2:15; 1Th 5:23; Jud 24; Rev 14:5)—that is, “without sin” (Heb 4:15), declared “NOT GUILTY” of sin[41] (see Heb 9:28; Jud 24; Rom 6:10; 8:3). The “saved” will be “raised up” (see Joh 6:39–40, 44, 54) to “eternal life” (Mat 19:16, 29; 25:46; Mar 10:29–30; Luk 18:30; Joh 3:14–17, 36; 4:13–14; 5:24; 6:27, 35–40, 47; 10:28; 17:1–3; Act 13:48; Rom 2:7; 5:21; 6:22–23; Gal 6:8; 1Ti 1:16; 6:12; Tit 1:1–2; 1Jn 2:25; 5:11–13, 20; Jud 20–21; cf. Joh 6:58; Rom 1:16; 2Pe 1:11; Rev 21:1–8; 22:1–5, 17) with God in heaven for eternity (see Joh 6:39–40, 44, 54; cf. Joh 3:15–16; Mat 25:21, 23, 34, 46; Rom 8:18; 1Co 15:42–57; 6:14; 2Co 3:18; 4:17; 5:6–8; Php 3:20–21; Col 3:4; 1Pe 5:6; 1Jn 3:2; Heb 9:28; Rev 21:3–4).

The “lost”[42] (Mat 10:6; 18:11; Luk 15:6; 19:10) will be those who chose to remain in their sins. They will be declared “unrighteous” (1Co 6:9–10; Gal 5:19–21) before God—that is, “GUILTY” of sin (Rev 22:11; 9:20–21; 16:9; 16:11)—because they did not obey God and refused “the free gift of God [which] is eternal life in Christ Jesus” (Rom 6:23; cf. Eph 2:8–9; Rom 3:24; 5:15–17; Joh 4:10; Act 8:20) through “the forgiveness of sins” (Col 1:13–14; cf. Jer 31:34; Psa 103:12; Isa 1:18) that God offered (through Jesus Christ). The “lost” will then be banished to hell for eternity (this is “eternal death”; see Mat 13:49; 25:31–46; Mar 9:44–49; Luk 16:26; 2Th 1:9; Rev 14:10–11; 20:15; 21:8; cf. Jud 15; Psa 1:5–6; 37:37–38; 73:17–19) along with “the devil and his angels” (Mat 25:41; cf. Rev 20:10) who sinned (rebelled against God). The “lost” do not go into annihilation[43] or nothingness after death (see Mat 10:28; 16:26; 25:46; Mar 8:36–37; Luk 12:20; 16:19–31; Act 24:15; Heb 9:27).[44]^, [45]

HELL IS A REAL PLACE OF TORMENT

Make no mistake: Hell is a real, literal place of eternal “torment” (see Mat 8:12; 13:42, 50; 22:13; 2Pe 2:4; Jud 13; Rev 14:11; 19:20; 20:10–15). It is not a place you want to go to for even an hour, let alone for eternity. Hell is described as:

• A “place of torment” (Luk 16:28; cf. Rev 14:11),
• “Eternal punishment” (Mat 25:46),
• “The lake of fire which burns with brimstone” (Rev 19:20; 21:8),
• “The eternal fire” (see Mat 18:8; 25:41; Jud 7),
• “The outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Mat 8:12; 22:13; 25:30), and
• “The second death” (Rev 21:8).

Please understand that hell wasn’t created or intended for humans. It was “prepared for the devil and his angels” (Mat 25:41) who rebelled (disobeyed, sinned) against God (Rev 12:7–8; Jud 6; Eph 6:12)—humans were never supposed to end up there. If you end up in hell, it will have been by your own “choice” (see Jos 24:15; cf. Rev 22:11, 17; Pro 1:29; Joh 6:67–68) by not believing in or obeying God. God forces no one to come to Him, but He has “made known” in advance (Joh 15:15; Rom 16:26; Eph 1:9; 3:5; cf. Act 17:30–31; 13:38; Luk 24:47; Rom 5:6; 9:17; Gal 4:4; Col 1:23; 1Ti 3:16; Heb 9:26; 1Pe 1:20) what will happen to those who “chose” to remain in sin, disobeyed Him, and liked the things “of this world”[46] (see Mat 4:8; 13:22; Mar 4:19; Luk 4:5; 12:30; Joh 3:31; 8:23; 12:25; 15:19; Act 4:26; 1Co 1:20, 27–28; 2:12; 3:19; 5:10; 7:33–34; 2Co 4:4; 7:10; Gal 4:3; Eph 2:2; 1Jn 2:15–17; 2Pe 2:20; Rev 6:15; 13:11; 17:2, 5; 18:3–11; 23; 19:19; cf. Mat 6:19–21, 24; 16:24–26; 18:7; 19:16–24; Mar 8:34; Luk 8:4–8; 9:23; 14:26–27; Joh 12:31; 13:1; 14:30; 16:11; 17:6, 14–16; 18:36; Rom 12:2; Col 3:1–2; Php 3:19–20; 1Ti 6:9–10; 2Ti 4:10; Gen 19:26) more than Him.

Please also understand that God sends no one to hell—you send yourself there by refusing “the free gift of God,” which is “redemption” (Eph 1:7; Col 1:14), “salvation” (Act 4:12; 13:26, 47; 16:17; 28:28; Mar 16:20; Luk 1:77; 19:9; Rom 1:16; 10:10), and “eternal life” through Christ. God actually “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1Ti 2:4), “not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2Pe 3:9).

THERE ARE NO “SECOND CHANCES” AFTER DEATH

Please further realize your spiritual state is fixed and unchangeable for all eternity when you die (Luk 16:26)—you either die “righteous” (without sin, “holy and blameless”), or you die “unrighteous” (a sinner, wicked, ungodly). There is no further remedy after death (i.e., “second chances”; Heb 9:27; Luk 16:19–31); you must prepare to stand before God in judgment before you die or before Jesus returns, whichever comes first.[47]

THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE

God is described as “the righteous Judge” (2Ti 4:8), and unlike in human courts of law, God can’t be swayed or convinced to change His mind by excuses or clever arguments of counsel, nor can He be bribed (Gal 6:7; cf. 1Co 1:20; 3:19; Gal 6:3; Job 38:1–3; Deu 10:17; Act 8:20; 2Ch 19:7; Pro 11:1; Col 3:24–25; Joh 5:29; Rom 14:10–12; Rev 2:23; 20:12–13; 22:12). There will be no discussing, arguing, pleading, wrangling, or negotiating with God on Judgment Day, trying to convince Him that you aren’t a sinner and that you deserve to be in heaven because you were basically a “good person.”[48]^, [49]^, [50] Additionally, race, creed, color, money, wealth, fame, power, political affiliations, birth heritage, prestige, advanced degrees, titles, and fancy initials placed before or after your name have no standing whatsoever before the Lord, who judges all equally, “righteously”[51] (see Gen 18:25; Isa 11:3–5; Psa 7:11; 9:8; 35:24; 72:2; 96:13; 98:9; 145:17; Act 17:31; Joh 5:30; 7:24; 8:15–16; 2Ti 4:8; 1Pe 2:23; Rev 16:5; 19:11; cf. Luk 16:15; 1Co 4:5; Gal 3:22; 1Sa 16:7; Jer 11:20), and “impartially”[52] (see Gen 18:25; Gal 2:6; 1Pe 1:17; Rom 2:11; 10:12; 11:32; Col 3:25; Job 34:19; Pro 22:2; Eph 6:9; Act 10:34–35; 15:9; 2Co 5:10; Deu 10:17; Isa 11:3–5).

You also cannot buy, earn (through works of merit), or purchase forgiveness of sins (and eternal salvation), for that is by the grace of God only through faith in and obedience to His Son, Jesus Christ. Only those covered by “the blood of Christ” (Eph 2:13; Heb 9:14; 1Pe 1:19; 1Co 10:16) will be “saved.”[53] Nothing and no one sinful or unclean will be allowed to enter heaven (1Co 6:9–10; Gal 5:19–21; Eph 5:3–5; Joh 8:21; Mat 13:41; cf. Heb 12:29; Rev 9:20–21; 20:12–15; 21:1–8, 23–27; 22:15; Luk 12:5). In fact, the entire purpose of the Gospel is to explain how you can stand before God on Judgment Day with your sins forgiven and be granted entrance into heaven (“Paradise”; Luk 23:43; 2Co 12:4; Rev 2:7). We are told that “ignorance” of God’s laws and of how He has enabled each of us to stand before Him without sin will not be an excuse on Judgment Day (see Act 17:30; cf. Hos 4:6; Rom 10:2; 2Co 2:11).[54] Therefore, this book is declaring the Gospel to you accurately and completely so you too can have “eternal life” (as opposed to eternal death)—if you so choose.

THE WORLD IN AWFUL SLEEP

Scripture warns us explicitly and repeatedly to “be on the alert” (Mat 24:36–25:13; Mar 13:35–37; Act 20:31; 1Co 16:13; Eph 6:18; 1Th 5:2–4; Rev 3:3; 16:15) for Jesus’ return, as “the day of judgment” will arrive suddenly (i.e., “quickly”[55]; Rev 3:11; 22:7, 12, 20), “like a thief in the night” (1Th 5:2; cf. 2Pe 3:10; Rev 3:3; 16:15), and when it is unexpected by nearly everyone (Mat 24:37–44; 25:1–13, 19; Luk 12:40; 17:26–36; 1Th 5:1–3; cf. 1Pe 3:20; Heb 11:7).[56] I do not want you to be uninformed, lest you be deceived by the many false teachings and fake prophecies about end-times Bible prophecy (eschatology) that are absolutely rampant today.[57] The list of such seems almost endless and way too long to fully mention here, but it includes the following:

• Dispensational premillennialism: the belief that Jesus’ return will only be to “rapture the church” before the start of a “seven-year great tribulation” period, the rise of “The Antichrist” person, the Battle of Armageddon, and so on—and then after all that—a new thousand-year (millennial) reign here on earth.
• The “AD 70 Theory”—the false doctrine of Preterism.
• Waiting for more signs and wonders in the skies (e.g., “blood moons,” etc.) to indicate Jesus’ return is nearing.
• Waiting for a “Third Temple” to be built.
• Waiting for the four horsemen of the apocalypse to go forth.[58]
• Waiting for more “wars and rumors of wars” to indicate the end is near.[59]
• And on and on the list of fake prophecies goes…

The false prophecies have one purpose: to lull you into complacency, causing you to procrastinate and delay in taking all of this “God and Jesus stuff” seriously and put off repenting and turning to the Lord today with a humble and contrite heart. Please understand that all Bible prophecy has already been fulfilled except that of (and subsequent to) Jesus’ return. Yes, Jesus’ return can now occur at any instant—all the prophetic preconditions that were to precede His return have already been met![60]^, [61]

I realize that statement will come as a complete shock to nearly everyone (even most professing Christians), so for the avoidance of any doubt whatsoever in what I’m saying here (and to repeat): Understand that at this moment in history, the very next prophetic event to occur will be “the last trumpet” of God sounding as Jesus returns and He appears in skies of “flaming fire” above for all to see in the absolutely awesome, stunning, and indescribable full “power” and “glory” of God Almighty with all His holy angels and saints. And just like that—suddenly and unexpectedly by nearly everyone—Judgment Day will have arrived! Furthermore, the events of that Day will unfold “quickly” (rapidly, Rev 22:7, 12, 20), and there will be no more time to “prepare to meet your maker,” to “get right with God,” or to change your eternal destiny (either heaven or hell). Yes, Jesus’ return can happen at any instant now!

BE ON THE ALERT

Again I say: We must “be on the alert,” for there will be no more signs and wonders in the skies (or elsewhere) preceding Jesus’ return and the arrival of Judgment Day. The only warning you will ever get is the one you are getting right now by reading this book as the Gospel is preached to you (Mat 3:7; 24:36–44; 25:10; Mar 13:32; Luk 12:40; 17:28–30; 2Pe 3:10; 1Th 5:2; Rev 3:3; 16:15; 22:12, 20; 2Co 5:20; Col 1:28; cf. Heb 11:7; 1Pe 3:19–20; 1Co 9:16; Exo 19:21; Isa 21:6–12; 62:6; Jer 6:17; Eze 3:17–21). Repent and turn to Christ right now—not tonight, tomorrow, or next week (Luk 12:16–21; Jas 4:13–16; cf. Jas 1:10–11; Eph 5:15–16; 1Pe 1:24; Psa 39:4–5; 90:9–12; 102:11; 144:4; Pro 27:1; Ecc 3:1–2).

Do not be “tricked” (see Luk 20:23; Eph 4:14) or “deceived” (see Rom 7:11; 16:18; 2Co 11:3–4, 13–15; Eph 4:14; 5:6; 2Th 2:3; 1Ti 2:14; 2Ti 3:13; Tit 1:10; Jas 1:16; 1Jn 2:26, 3:7; 2Jn 7; Rev 12:9; 13:13–14; 18:23; 19:20; 20:3, 8–10; cf. Mat 4:1–11; Mar 13:22; Act 5:3; 8:9–11; 2Co 2:11; 11:14; Gal 6:7; Eph 6:11; Col 2:4, 8; 2Th 2:9–12; 1Ti 4:1; 1Pe 5:8) into thinking you have more time as you wait to see the fake end-times prophecies of man occur before you take this Gospel and Jesus stuff seriously (2Pe 3:3–10). Do not wait until you see some future “Bible prophecy” event occur or until some mythical so-called “The Antichrist” person appears (Mat 24:36–51; 25:13; Mar 13:35; 1Th 5:1–6). Do not fall victim to the false prophecies of man! The only reason Jesus hasn’t returned yet and you are still able to read this is because “the Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2Pe 3:9; cf. 2Pe 3:4; 1Pe 3:20; Lam 3:22–23; Jer 29:11), and He is giving time for more people to turn to Him and receive forgiveness of sins (Rom 5:6, 8; 1Pe 1:20; Act 26:18; Joh 3:16–17; 1Th 1:9; 5:9; Tit 3:4; Lam 3:22–23; Jer 29:11).

OUR HOPE—JESUS CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD, OUR SAVIOR

So far, we have been in “the domain of darkness” under “bondage” and held “captive”[62] to sin, Satan, and death and headed for judgment (see Col 1:13; Act 8:23; Rom 7:14; 8:2; Gal 4:3; Luk 4:18; Eph 4:8; 2Ti 2:26; cf. Joh 8:31–32; Psa 107:10–11). But now we start to turn away from death and toward “eternal life” (Mat 19:16, 29; 25:46; Mar 10:29–30; Luk 18:30; Joh 3:14–17, 36; 4:13–14; 5:24; 6:27, 35–40, 47; 10:28; 17:1–3; Act 13:48; Rom 2:7; 5:21; 6:22–23; Gal 6:8; 1Ti 1:16; 6:12; Tit 1:1–2; 1Jn 2:25; 5:11–13, 20; Jud 20–21; cf. Joh 6:58; Rom 1:16; 2Pe 1:11; Rev 21:1–8; 22:1–5, 17) as we come to the “good news” (Luk 1:19; 2:10; Act 8:12; 13:32; Rom 10:15; Heb 4:2, 6; Isa 41:27; 52:7; 61:1) of the Gospel and the “hope” that we have in Jesus Christ (Mat 12:21; Act 23:6; 26:6; Rom 5:2; 8:24; 12:12; 15:12–13; Gal 5:5; Eph 1:12, 18; Col 1:5, 23, 27; 1Th 5:8; 2Th 2:16; 1Ti 1:1; 4:10; Tit 1:2; 3:7; Heb 6:18; 11:1; 1Pe 1:3, 21; 3:15; 1Jn 3:3; cf. Job 27:8; Psa 31:24; 33:18, 22; 38:15; 39:7; 62:5; 71:5; 119:166; 139:5; 146:5; Jer 17:13). We are moving “out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1Pe 2:9; cf. Mat 4:16; Luk 1:78–79; 2Co 4:6; Joh 1:5; 8:12; 9:5; 14:6; Rev 21:24; Isa 60:1–3).

We read in Scripture that God “desires all men [people] to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1Ti 2:4) and that He “is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish [in judgment] but for all to come to repentance” (2Pe 3:9). So God—out of His:

• “Love” (see Joh 3:16–18; 1Jn 4:8–10, 16; Eph 1:4–5; 3:17–19; 5:2; Rom 5:8; 8:35, 39; 2Co 13:14; Gal 5:6; 2Jn 3; Jud 21; cf. Lam 3:22–23),
• “Peace” (Eph 6:15; Mat 5:9; Luk 1:79; 19:38; 24:36; Joh 14:27; 16:33; Rom 16:20; Php 4:7, 9; Col 3:15; 1Th 5:23; 2Th 3:16; Isa 9:6),
• “Patience” (see 2Pe 3:9, 15; Rom 2:4; 9:22; 1Ti 1:16; 2:4; 1Pe 3:20; cf. Gen 6:3; Exo 34:6; Num 14:18; Psa 78:38; 86:15; 103:8; 145:8; Isa 30:18; Neh 9:17; Joe 2:13; Nah 1:3; Jon 4:2; Lam 3:22–23; Rom 3:25; Rev 2:21),
• “Kindness”[63] (Rom 2:4; 11:22; Eph 2:7; Tit 3:4; 1Pe 2:3; cf. Eph 1:5, 9; Gen 39:21; Exo 20:6; Lam 3:22–23; Psa 13:5; 23:6; 31:7; 86:15; 100:5),
• “Compassion” (Mat 9:13, 36; Rom 9:15; Jas 5:11; cf. Exo 34:6; Lam 3:22–23; Psa 103:8),
• “Gentleness” (2Co 10:1; Psa 18:35),
• “Faithfulness” (see 2Ti 2:11–13; Rom 3:3; 1Th 5:24; 2Th 3:3; Isa 25:1; Lam 3:22–23; cf. Num 23:19; Heb 6:18; Mat 24:35; Psa 89),
• “Mercy” (see Mat 5:7; Mar 5:19; Luk 1:50, 54; Rom 9:15; Eph 2:4; 1Pe 1:3; 2:10; Jas 5:11; Jud 21; cf. Psa 86:15; 103:11; Lam 3:22–23), and
• “Grace” (Joh 1:14; Eph 1:7–8; 2:5, 8; Rom 1:7; 3:24; 5:2, 15; Luk 2:40; Act 11:23; 13:43; 20:24; 1Co 1:3–4; cf. Psa 86:15)

—has provided a way for us to “stand before the judgment seat of God” (Rom 14:10) on the Day of Judgment with our sins forgiven (Mat 26:28; Luk 1:77; Act 2:38; 10:43; 13:38; Col 1:14; 1Jn 2:12; Rom 4:7), that is, declared “NOT GUILTY” of sin (Heb 9:28; Jud 24; Rom 6:10; 8:3). He sent us a “Savior” (Luk 2:10–14; Joh 4:42; Tit 1:4; 3:4; 2Pe 1:1, 11; 2:20; Jud 24–25; 1Jn 4:14; Act 5:31; 13:23; 1Ti 2:3–4; 2Ti 1:10; cf. Joh 3:14–17), who is Jesus Christ, to save us from our sins so we can be “reconciled” to God (see Rom 5:10; 2Co 5:18; Eph 2:16; Col 1:19–23) and have “the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago” (Tit 1:1–2; cf. Tit 3:7; Joh 3:16–17).[64]

JESUS OF NAZARETH (GOD’S ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON)

Jesus Christ[65] (Mat 1:18; Mar 1:1; Joh 1:17; 17:3; Act 8:12; 9:34; 10:36, 48; 20:21; Rom 1:4, 5–8; 3:22; etc.)—“Jesus of Nazareth” (Mat 26:71; Mar 1:24; Luk 4:34; 18:37; Joh 1:45–46; Act 10:34–43; cf. Mat 2:23; 21:11; Mar 1:9; 10:47; 16:6; Act 3:6; 4:8–12; 22:6–8; 24:5)—is a man who lived approximately two thousand years ago. Jesus was born in Bethlehem[66] (Mat 2:1–6; Luk 2:4, 15; Joh 7:42) and raised in Nazareth (Mat 2:19–23; 4:13; 21:11; Mar 1:9, 24; Luk 2:4; 4:34; Joh 1:46) in the region of Galilee (Mat 2:22; 3:13; 4:12, 18, 23; 19:1; 21:11; Mar 1:28; Luk 4:14; Joh 4:54; 7:52).

Jesus was supernaturally born of a “virgin” (Mary; see Mat 1:18–25; Luk 1:26–34) by the power of God via “the Holy Spirit” (Mat 1:18–20; Luk 1:34–35). Matthew traces His biological genealogy (Mat 1:1–16) back to Abraham on His mother’s side (Mary), while Luke traces His legal genealogy (Luk 3:23–38) back to Adam on His father’s side (Joseph). Many eyewitnesses documented and confirmed His life, including the twelve disciples/apostles, some of whom also lived and traveled with Him during His three-year ministry on earth. Even skeptics and atheists concede that there is overwhelming historical evidence that the man Jesus of Nazareth did indeed live exactly as told in Scripture.

The Bible also tells us that Jesus was (and is, for He lives!):

• “Sent” by God (Joh 4:34; 5:23, 30; 6:38; 8:42; 16:27–28; 17:8, 25),
• “His [God’s] only begotten Son” (see Joh 3:14–17; Isa 9:6),
• “The Messiah” (see Mat 1:1, 16–17; 2:4; Joh 1:41; 4:25–26; cf. Dan 9:25–26),
• “Lord and Christ,” “The Christ,” “The Christ of God” (see Mat 16:13–16, 20; Mar 8:29; Luk 4:41; 9:20; 23:35; 24:46; Joh 7:42; 11:27; 20:31; Act 2:36; 3:20; 9:22; 17:3; 18:5),
• “The Savior of the World” (Joh 4:42; 1Jn 4:14; Luk 2:10–14; Joh 3:14–16; Tit 1:4; 3:4; 2Pe 1:1, 11; 2:20; Jud 24–25; Act 5:31; 13:23; 1Ti 2:3–4; 2Ti 1:10),
• “The Son of God” (Mat 4:3, 6; 26:63–64; 27:43, 54; Mar 1:1; 3:11; 15:39; Luk 1:35; 4:3, 9, 41; 22:70; Joh 1:34, 49; 5:25; 10:36; 11:4, 27; 1Jn 5:20; Rom 1:3–4; cf. Mat 16:13–16; Mar 1:11; Luk 3:22, 38; Joh 3:18; Act 13:33; Heb 1:5; 5:5; Gal 4:4),
• “The Son of Man” (Mat 8:20; 9:6; 10:23; 12:40; 13:37, 41; 16:13, 27; 26:63–64; Mar 14:62; Joh 5:27; 6:27; 8:28; 9:35; 12:23; Act 7:56),
• God in the “flesh” (Joh 1:14; Rom 1:3–4; 8:3; 1Ti 3:16; Heb 2:14–17; 1Jn 4:2–3; 2Jn 7; cf. Mat 1:20–23; Gal 4:4; Php 2:5–8; Col 2:9; Heb 2:7–9; Isa 7:14)—God incarnate, the Great “I am” (Exo 3:14)—that is, God Himself (Joh 8:58; 10:30; 14:9; 2Co 4:4; Col 1:15; 2:9; Heb 1:3),
• Fully God and also fully man (Joh 1:1–2; 3:34; 8:58; 10:30; 14:9; 16:15; Col 1:15, 19; 2:9; cf. 1Ti 3:16),
• Our “Rock” (Mat 7:24–27; 16:18; Luk 6:46–49; 1Co 10:4; cf. 2Sa 22:2–3; Psa 18:2, 46; 31:3; 42:9; 62:2, 6; 71:3; 144:1),
• Our “Redeemer” (Job 19:25; Psa 19:14; 78:35; Pro 23:11; Isa 41:14; 43:14; 44:24; 63:16; Jer 50:34; cf. Tit 2:14; Gal 3:13; 4:5; 1Pe 1:18), and
• “‘Immanuel,’ which translated means, ‘God with us’” (Mat 1:23).

JESUS WILLINGLY GAVE HIMSELF FOR YOUR SINS

“While we were still helpless, at the right time” (Rom 5:6), Jesus was “born under the [OT Mosaic] law,” and He completely “fulfilled” that Law for us (see Gal 4:4–5; Mat 5:17–20; cf. Rom 8:3; 10:4; Mat 3:15–17; Luk 2:22–24, 27, 39; Joh 15:10; Gal 3:17–24). While He was “tempted in all things as we are,” He lived a perfect and sinless life, remaining “without sin” (Heb 4:15) as “a lamb unblemished and spotless” (1Pe 1:18–19; cf. 1Pe 2:22–24; 3:18; 2Co 5:21; Heb 2:18; 9:14; 1Jn 3:5; Rom 8:3; Eph 5:2; Isa 53:9). He is the only person ever to do so; everyone else who has ever lived has sinned (Rom 3:10, 23).

While Jesus was without sin, He was obedient to the will of God the Father (Mat 26:42; Mar 14:36; Joh 4:34; 5:19–26, 36; 6:38; 8:28; 10:32; 14:31; 15:10; 17:4; 19:30; Rom 5:19; cf. Mat 16:23; Mar 8:33), even “obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Php 2:8; cf. Heb 12:2; Mat 16:21; 20:18–19; 27:31–50; Act 2:23; 5:30; 10:39; Eph 2:16). He was crucified at Calvary for our sins (yours and mine; see Mat 20:28; 26:28; Joh 1:29; Act 5:31; 10:43; 13:38; 26:18; Rom 5:6–8; 8:3; Gal 1:4; 3:3; Col 1:13–14; 2:14; 1Pe 2:24; 3:18; Tit 2:14; Heb 9:26–28). For this reason, He was given “the name which is above every name” (Php 2:9–11; cf. Heb 1:4, 2:9). It is through Jesus’ death that we can receive “the forgiveness of our sins” (see Act 2:38; Eph 1:7; Col 1:14)—if we so “choose” (Jos 24:15; Deu 30:19; Isa 7:15; Pro 1:22–31; cf. Rev 22:11, 17; Psa 119:30; Isa 65:12; Luk 10:42; Joh 6:67–68).

Please realize Jesus wasn’t forced to go to the cross; He willingly “gave Himself up for us” (see Eph 5:2, 25; Gal 2:20; cf. Joh 10:11–18; 15:13; Mat 20:28; 26:53; Isa 53:7–8) to pay the penalty for our sins (Eph 1:7; Rom 5:8; 6:23; 1Co 6:20; 1Pe 2:24; 2Co 5:21; Rev 5:9; Tit 2:14; 1Jn 2:2; Isa 53:5). As it is written, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him” (Joh 3:16–17). And Jesus did all this so you could be with Him in heaven for eternity. Amen.

THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Moreover, Jesus didn’t come to Earth the first time dressed in the fine purple linen attire of kings or the business suit of commerce. He wasn’t born in a lofty palace but in a lowly manger (Luk 2:7, 12, 16), and He didn’t come to the religious and political rulers or self-professing “elites” of that day (Mat 9:12–13; Luk 5:31–32; Mar 2:17; cf. Luk 15:7; 16:15; Joh 9:40). He came as:

• A “humble” (see Php 2:5–11) and Suffering Servant (Gen 3:15; Isa 53:7, 10–12; Mat 20:28; 27:22–50),
• A sacrificial “Lamb of God” (see 1Pe 1:19; 2:22–24; 3:18; Joh 1:29, 36; Act 8:32; Rev 5:6, 8, 12–13; 22:1, 3),
• A lowly “Shepherd” (see Mat 2:6; 25:32; 26:31; Heb 13:20; 1Pe 2:25; 5:4), to gather His “lost” and broken “sheep” (Mat 10:6; 18:11; 25:32–33; Luk 15:6; 19:10; Joh 10:11, 16, 26–27; 21:16–17; Psa 100:3), and
• A friend of sinners (Mat 9:10–11; 11:19; Luk 5:30; 7:34; 15:1–2; 19:7), “despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isa 53:3; Psa 22:6), and “pierced through for our transgressions” (Isa 53:5).

He came to “rescue” (Col 1:13; Gal 1:4; cf. 1Th 1:10; 2Ti 3:11; 4:18; 2Pe 2:9) and “redeem” us (Tit 2:14; cf. Gal 3:13; 4:5; 1Pe 1:18; Job 19:25; Psa 19:14; 78:35; Pro 23:11; Isa 41:14; 43:14; 44:24; 63:16; Jer 50:34) from “the domain of darkness” (Col 1:13; cf. Mat 4:16; Luk 1:78–79; 2:32; 22:53; Joh 1:5; 3:19; 8:12; 12:35, 46; Act 26:18; Rom 2:19; 2Co 4:6; Eph 5:8, 11; 6:12; 1Th 5:4–5; 1Pe 2:9; 1Jn 1:5–6; 2:8–11; Psa 107:10–14; 119:105; Isa 42:6–7; 60:1–3; Mic 7:8), for we were under “bondage” and held “captive” (see Act 8:23; Rom 7:14; Luk 4:18; Gal 4:3; Eph 4:8; 2Ti 2:26; cf. Psa 107:10–11) to sin, Satan, and death. He fully and completely defeated Satan and his “spiritual forces of darkness and wickedness [evil]” (paraphrase; see Eph 6:12) for us at the cross (Gen 3:15; Luk 10:18; Joh 12:31; 16:33; 19:30; Rom 8:37; Eph 1:20–22; Col 2:14–15; Heb 2:14; 10:10–13; 1Co 15:24–26; 54–57; 2Ti 1:10; 1Jn 3:8; 4:4; 5:4; Rev 1:17–18; 12:7–13; 15:2; 20:14; 21:4).

WHY DID JESUS HAVE TO DIE?

Why did God have to send His Son to die on the cross for us? Simply put, it is because humanity could not (and cannot) save itself—we cannot pay the penalty (make atonement) for our sins because we are all sinners (Rom 3:10–11, 12, 23; cf. Gen 8:21). We needed a “Savior” (Luk 2:10–14; Joh 4:42; Tit 1:4; 3:4; 2Pe 1:1, 11; 2:20; Jud 24–25; 1Jn 4:14; Act 5:31; 13:23; 1Ti 2:3–4; 2Ti 1:10; cf. Joh 3:14–16), as only a perfect, spotless, unblemished (by sin) blood sacrifice[67] could make atonement for us to God, take away our sins, and offer us “the hope of eternal life” (Tit 1:2; 3:7; cf. Joh 1:29; 3:16–17; 1Jn 1:7; Eph 2:13; Heb 7:27; 12:13; 1Pe 2:24; Rev 1:5) as God had originally intended for humanity. Jesus was that “lamb unblemished and spotless” (1Pe 1:19); as it is written, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (Joh 1:29).[68]

OUR HOPE OF ETERNAL LIFE IN HEAVEN

After His death on the cross, Jesus was “raised from the dead” (Act 3:15; 4:10; Joh 2:22; 21:14; Rom 6:4–5, 9–11; 7:4; 1Co 15:20; 1Th 1:10; cf. Mat 27:57–28:10; Mar 16:1–13; Luk 24:1–53; Joh 10:18; 11:24–25; 20:1–21:14; Act 1:22; 2:22–24, 32; 4:2, 33; 10:41; 13:30–34; 17:3, 30–31; 26:23; Rom 1:4–5; 4:24; 8:11; 10:9; 1Co 15:3–8, 12; 2Co 4:14; 5:15; Gal 1:1; Eph 1:19–21; Col 1:18; 2:12; 1Th 4:14; 2Ti 2:8; Heb 13:20; 1Pe 1:3–5, 20–21; 3:21) after “three days” (see Mat 12:40; 26:61; 27:63; Mar 8:31; 10:34; cf. Act 10:40; 1Co 15:3–8), and He “ascended into heaven” (Joh 3:13; Act 2:34; cf. Act 1:9–11; Joh 20:17; Eph 4:8, 10), where He is now “seated at the right hand of God [the Father]” (Col 3:1; cf. Mat 22:44; Mar 12:36; 16:19; Luk 20:42; 22:69; Rom 8:34; Heb 1:3, 13; 8:1; 12:2; 1Pe 3:22; Eph 1:20–21; 4:10; Act 2:34; 7:55–56), ruling and reigning in His kingdom (Mat 22:44; 26:64; Mar 14:62; 16:19; Luk 22:69; Eph 1:20–22; Act 1:9; 7:55; Rom 8:34; Col 3:1; 1Pe 3:21–22; Heb 1:13; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2; Rev 1:5; 3:21; 19:15; Psa 110:1; cf. Mat 28:18; Col 1:15–16; 2:10, 15; Php 2:9–10; 1Ti 2:5; Heb 7:25), “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come” (Eph 1:20–21; cf. Heb 2:8).

After His resurrection (and before His ascension), Jesus interacted with and was seen by hundreds of people, thereby proving that He was not a mirage, a ghost, or fake[69] (Act 1:3; 2:32; 3:15; 5:30–32; Mat 28:9–17; Mar 16:1–14; Luk 24:36–43; Joh 20:19–20, 24–29; 21:14; 1Co 15:3–8). Christianity is the only religion with a “living God”[70] (see Mat 16:16; Act 14:15; Rom 9:26; 2Co 3:3; 1Ti 3:15; 4:10; Heb 3:12; 9:14; 10:31; 12:22; cf. Mat 22:32; Mar 12:27; Luk 20:38; Joh 8:58; 1Th 1:9; 1Co 15:12–22). His resurrection gives us “our hope” (see 1Co 15:19–20; 2Co 1:9–10; 1Ti 1:1; 4:10; Heb 10:23; 1Pe 1:13), for by it, He proved that He conquered death. Furthermore, He has gone to “prepare a place for you” in heaven (Joh 14:1–3; cf. Joh 6:39–40, 44, 54; 14:18–23, 28; Rom 8:17; Php 1:23; 3:20; 1Th 4:13–18; 2Th 2:1; Heb 9:28; 1Jn 3:2–3; 1Co 15:50–57; 2Co 5:6–8; Rev 3:21; 21:22–23; 22:3–5) so “that where I [Jesus] am, there you may be also” (i.e., in heaven; Joh 14:1–3; cf. Joh 6:39–40, 44, 54; 14:18–23, 28; Rom 8:17; Php 1:23; 3:20; 1Th 4:13–18; 2Th 2:1; Heb 9:28; 1Jn 3:2–3; 1Co 15:50–57; 2Co 5:6–8; Rev 3:21; 21:22–23; 22:3–5).

JESUS WILL BE YOUR JUDGE (AND MAYBE YOUR ATTORNEY)

As explained in the prior section “The Day of Judgment,” Jesus is coming again to earth one final time, physically and bodily (Act 1:9–11; 1Th 4:16; 2Th 1:7), to get all those who believed in Him and obeyed His Gospel (this will be explained shortly), and the next time He comes it will not be as a tiny baby in a manger but as the Judge of all humanity, as it is written, “This is the One [Jesus] who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead” (Act 10:42; cf. Act 17:31), for God has given “all authority” to Him (Mat 28:18; cf. Mat 11:27; 16:27; 25:31–33; Luk 10:22; Joh 3:35; 5:22–27; 13:3; 17:2; Act 10:42; 17:31; Rom 2:16; 14:9; 1Co 15:27; 2Co 5:10; Eph 1:20–22; Php 2:9–11; Col 1:16–19; 2Th 1:6–10; 2Ti 4:1, 8; Heb 1:2; 2:8; 10:30; 1Pe 4:5; Rev 20:11–12; also cf. Mat 9:6; Mar 2:10; Luk 5:24; Psa 9:7–8; 50:3–6; 96:13; 98:9). But know this: Jesus can also be your Attorney on the Day of Judgment (1Ti 2:5; 1Jn 2:1). How do you get Jesus as your attorney? You do so by believing in Him (through faith) and becoming obedient to His Gospel. Friend, do you realize what it means to have the Judge also act as your Attorney? It guarantees that you will receive a verdict of “NOT GUILTY” of being a sinner on Judgment Day, even before the trial starts! How amazing is that, and this brings us to the “good news” part of the Gospel.

THE “GOOD NEWS” OF THE GOSPEL

Jesus “did not come[71] to judge the world, but to save the world” (Joh 12:47; cf. Joh 3:17) and to be “the Light of the world” (Joh 8:12; cf. Joh 1:4–8; 3:19–21; 9:5; 12:34–36; 1Jn 1:7; 2:9–10; Rev 22:5). He came to “save” (see Joh 3:16–17; 5:34; 10:9; Act 2:21, 47; 4:12; 15:11; 16:30–31; Eph 2:8–9; 1Ti 2:4; Rom 5:9–10; 8:24; 9:27; 10:9, 13; 1Co 1:18; Luk 7:50; 13:23; 23:35; 1Pe 4:18; Tit 3:5; Mat 10:22; 19:25) those who are “sinners” (1Ti 1:15), just like you and me, not the self-righteous (Mat 9:12–13; Luk 5:31–32; 9:56; Mar 2:17; cf. Luk 15:7, 10; 16:15; Joh 9:40).

The heart of the “good news” of the Gospel is that God has told us that He will accept His Son’s death on the cross as full payment (“atonement,” “atoning sacrifice,” “propitiation”) for all of our sins (Mat 26:28; Luk 24:47; Act 2:38; 3:19; Joh 3:16–18; Rom 3:25–26; 5:8–10, 21; 8:1; 1Co 15:3; Eph 1:6–8; Col 1:13–14, 20–22; Heb 2:17; 8:12; 9:26–28; 10:17; 1Pe 2:24; 3:18; 1Jn 1:7; 2:2; 4:10; Rev 1:5; cf. Psa 51:7; 103:12; Isa 1:18; 43:25; 44:22; Jer 31:34; Mic 7:18–19)—if we believe in Him as our Lord and Savior, are obedient to His Gospel, and remain faithful.[72] His shed blood paid the penalty for our sins (Heb 9:14, 22; 1Pe 1:18–19; Rev 1:5; 1Co 6:11; 1Jn 1:7), and it is only by and through His shed blood that we can receive the “forgiveness of sins” (Mat 26:28; Luk 1:77; Act 2:38; 5:31; 10:43; 13:38; 26:18; Col 1:14; cf. Jer 31:34; Psa 103:12; Isa 1:18). God then allows us to be covered by Jesus’ perfect “righteousness” (2Co 5:21; 1Pe 2:24; 1Co 1:30; Php 3:9; cf. Rom 3:21–26; 4:13; 5:19, 21; 10:3–4, 10; Gal 3:11) so we can stand before Him on Judgment Day with our sins forgiven (Heb 2:17; 9:26–28; 10:17; 1Jn 1:7; 2:2; 3:36; 4:10; Rom 3:25; 5:21; Mat 26:28; Col 1:13–14, 20–22; Eph 1:7; Rev 1:5).

In effect, we “put on” (Gal 3:27 ESV; Rom 13:14; Eph 4:24; Col 3:10) Jesus’ “righteousness” (1Co 1:30) like a “white garment” so we will be clothed in it on Judgment Day (see Gal 3:27; Rev 3:4–5, 18; 4:4; 7:13–14; cf. 2Co 11:2; Rev 6:11; 7:9, 13; 19:14; 16:15). The white clothes signify that you have been cleansed from all sin (Psa 103:12; Isa 1:18; 43:25; Jer 31:34; Rev 7:14; 14:4). Christ’s righteousness is actually counted as our own (Rom 5:17; 8:10; 1Co 1:30; 2Co 5:21; Php 1:11; 3:9) because Jesus took our sins on Himself: “He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him [God] holy and blameless and beyond reproach” (Col 1:22; cf. 1Th 5:23).

Being covered by Jesus’ righteousness and “brought near [to God] by the blood of Christ” (Eph 2:13), being “reconciled to God” (Rom 5:10–11; 2Co 5:18–20; cf. Eph 2:16; Col 1:20–22), and no longer being “an enemy of God” (Jas 4:4; cf. Act 13:10; Col 1:21; Rom 5:1, 10–11; 8:7; Joh 15:23; Gen 3:15; Jas 4:4) are the only things that will matter on Judgment Day[73]—not whether you think you are a “good person” (Pro 12:15; 14:12; 16:25; 26:12; 30:12; Gal 6:3; cf. Jer 17:9; Rom 3:10, 23; 12:3, 16; Luk 18:11; 1Co 3:18; 1Jn 1:8; Mat 9:13; Mar 2:17), attend church regularly (Mat 15:8; Mar 7:6; 12:33; Pro 15:8; 21:3; Isa 1:11–17; Hos 6:6), or do good works (Eph 2:8–9; Rom 3:27; 4:2–5; Gal 2:16) in a vain attempt to “earn” salvation or gain favor with God. It is only through Jesus that we can be declared “righteous” (see Mat 13:43, 49; 25:37, 46; Rom 1:17; 5:19; 1Pe 4:18; Heb 10:38; 12:23; Rev 22:11), “justified” (Rom 3:24; 5:1, 9; 8:30; 1Co 6:11; Tit 3:7), “glorified” (see Rom 6:5; 8:30; 2Co 3:18; Php 3:20–21; Col 3:4; cf. 1Jn 3:2; Act 24:15; Joh 5:25; 1Th 2:12; 4:16; 1Co 15:40–57; 2Co 5:1–4), and “holy and blameless” (see Eph 1:4; 5:27; Col 1:22; cf. 2Pe 3:14; Act 24:16; 1Co 1:8; Php 1:10; 2:15; 1Th 5:23; Jud 24; Rev 14:5) in the sight of God and have the hope of “eternal life” in heaven (Joh 12:46; Mat 11:28–30; 20:28; Act 2:21; 10:35, 43; Rom 1:16; 9:33; Tit 2:11; Rev 22:17).

THERE WON’T BE ANY “GOOD PEOPLE” IN HEAVEN

Please realize that God does not offer you the hope of salvation (eternal life in heaven) because there is some inherent goodness in you or because you are better than others, for there is “nothing good” (Rom 7:18) in any of us who have lived or will ever live, except Christ—we are all just sinners before God, deserving of (eternal) death (Rom 3:10–18, 22–23; 6:23).[74] The only reason some will be in heaven while others will be in hell is that they chose to accept salvation through Christ by having a humble and contrite heart, repenting of their sins, placing their faith and trust in Jesus (believing in Him), and then becoming obedient to His Gospel. That’s it. There is no other difference.

Heaven is not for the proud and boastful, and there won’t be even one single “good person” in heaven.[75] The only ones there will be those who knew they were a sinner in need of a Savior, who humbled themselves before God, and who were saved by the love, kindness, mercy, and grace of God. That’s right: Heaven will only be full of sinners who are covered by the righteousness of Jesus! And while God didn’t have to save any of us, He thought that you were so valuable that He gave His only Son over to death for you (and me; Joh 3:16–17) so we could be together with Him in heaven for eternity. Amazing! Aren’t you glad and grateful that “the Lord, the Lord God, [is] compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth” (Exo 34:6; cf. Num 14:18; Psa 86:15; 103:8; 145:8)? Amen!

THE “GOOD NEWS” SUMMARIZED

In summary, “our faith and hope are in God” (see 1Pe 1:21) through Christ, not in man or the things of this world, for the things of this world offer no hope of eternal life. The “good news” of the Gospel includes all of the following:

• We have forgiveness of sins (all of them!) by the shed blood of Christ on the cross, so we are “set free” and no longer in “bondage,” held “captive,” and “slaves of sin” (see Eph 4:8; Joh 8:31–32; Rom 6:17, 20; 8:2; Gal 4:3);
• Jesus has “reconciled us to God,” so we are no longer “enemies” of God (see Rom 5:10; 2Co 5:20);
• Jesus conquered death at the cross for us (1Co 15:53–57; Rom 5:12–21; Heb 2:14–15; Rev 20:13–14);
• Jesus will return once more, physically and bodily, in the full “might,” “power,” and “glory” of God Almighty to get all those who “called on the name of the Lord” (see Act 2:21; 22:16; Rom 10:13; 1Co 1:2; cf. Gen 4:26; Isa 12:4; Psa 91:14–15; 105:1; 116:4, 13, 17) according to the instructions given in Scripture and who were obedient to His Gospel; and
• He will “raise you up” (see Joh 6:39–40, 44, 54) to “eternal life” on Judgment Day to be with Him in heaven forever (“Paradise,” Luk 23:43; 2Co 12:4; Rev 2:7) as He abolishes death and “wipes away every tear” (Rev 21:4).

YOU HAVE A CHOICE (DARKNESS INTO LIGHT)

So, friend, you now have some choices to make that will stand for all eternity. God gave you free will to choose whom to believe and obey.[76] We are told, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Pro 1:7; cf. Mat 10:28; Luk 5:26; 23:40; Joh 9:31; Act 9:31; 10:2, 22; 13:16, 26; 2Co 5:11; 7:1; 1Pe 2:17; Rev 14:7; 19:5; Psa 19:9; 111:10; Pro 1:29–30; 2:5; 9:10; 14:27; 19:23; 23:17; 31:30; Job 28:28), and it is only from God’s wisdom that you can obtain eternal life. Moreover, we can only find God’s wisdom in the Bible. Scripture also tells us that “men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil” (Joh 3:19; cf. Joh 1:5; Psa 107:10–11). You can continue your sinful behavior (i.e., darkness) if you choose to, but God, through Christ, can “set you free” from being held “captive” and a “slave to sin” (see Eph 4:8; Rom 6:6; 8:2), for as it is written, “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (Joh 8:31–32).

You must first decide whether God exists or not (Heb 11:6), for He is the author of all life. Only in God can “light” and “life” be found; away from Him there is only “darkness” and “death.”[77] Next, you must “choose” (Jos 24:15; Deu 30:19; Isa 7:15; Pro 1:22–31; cf. Rev 22:11, 17; Psa 119:30; Isa 65:12; Luk 10:42; Joh 6:67–68) between God (and life) or sin, Satan, and death (2Co 4:4). You must actively choose to disown Satan, who is your father while you are in sin (Joh 8:38, 41, 44, 47; Jos 24:15; 1Jn 3:8–10; Act 13:10; cf. Mat 5:6; Rev 22:11), and accept and follow (believe and obey) God and His Christ Jesus.[78] Those who do so “become children of God” (see Joh 1:12–13; 11:52; Act 17:29; Rom 8:14–16, 21; 9:8; Php 2:15; 1Jn 3:1–2, 10; 5:2; cf. Mar 14:36; Gal 3:26; 4:6–7; 2Co 6:18)[79]—you are actually adopted into God’s family instead of remaining in Satan’s (Rom 8:15–17, 23; Eph 1:5; 2:19).

Jesus said, “Follow me” nineteen times,[80]^, [81] and He said, “Come to me” eight times,[82] most famously as, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Mat 11:28–30; cf. Rom 6:21–23; Joh 8:31–36).[83] Are you willing to turn from “worthless idols” (Jer 18:15 NKJV; Jon 2:8 NKJV) or wanting to be your own “god” to serve the “living and true God” (1Th 1:9)?

It is largely “pride” (see 1Jn 2:16; Pro 11:2; 16:5, 18; 29:23; Gal 6:3; Jas 4:6), along with a continued desire to satisfy “the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life” (1Jn 2:16), that causes one to deny God and reject the Gospel. It also causes man to wrongfully (and arrogantly) think that he is his own god (Psa 14:1; 53:1; Pro 14:12; 16:18; 1Co 1:18–25; 2:14; 3:19). It is further written that some will think that the Gospel and all this “Jesus stuff” is “foolishness”[84] (see Rom 1:21; Mat 7:24–27; 1Co 1:18–24; 2:14; 3:18–20; Luk 24:25; 2Co 4:3; 2Th 2:10; Psa 14:1).[85] You must choose to accept and follow either the ways and “the wisdom of the world”[86] (1Co 1:20; cf. 1Co 3:19; 1:27; Jas 3:14–15; Pro 14:12; 16:25; Rom 3:4; 1Jn 2:15), which lead to eternal death (Pro 14:12; 16:25), or “the wisdom from above” (“the wisdom of God”; Jas 3:17; 1Co 1:20–21; cf. Eph 3:10; Act 5:29; Jas 1:5; 3:15; Pro 23:23), which is also “the wisdom that leads to salvation [eternal life]” (2Ti 3:15; cf. Pro 1:7; 3:5–7; Mat 7:24–27). One must discard the wisdom of man to find God and eternal life (Rom 3:4; cf. 2Co 4:4).

So, will you keep thinking yourself “wise in your own eyes” (see Isa 5:21), or are you ready to admit you’re a sinner in need of a Savior and humble yourself, get down on your knees before God, and acknowledge Him for who He is, repent of your sins, and ask for forgiveness? I fully understand that it’s not easy to humble yourself before God and admit that you’re a sinner, but friend, that’s the truth! You can’t run or hide from that fact (Rom 3:10, 23; Rev 6:15–17; Pro 14:12; 16:2, 25; Jer 17:9)! Unfortunately, by the time most people realize that Jesus is real and that He is God who offered forgiveness for their sins, it will be too late.

FORGIVENESS OF SINS IS OPEN TO EVERYONE

Salvation (forgiveness of sins and “eternal life”) is open to “everyone” (Mat 7:8, 26; Luk 6:47; 12:8; Act 2:21; Rom 1:16; Gal 3:22; cf. Mat 24:14; 25:32; 28:19; Mar 13:10; Luk 2:30–32; 24:47; Joh 6:37; Act 1:8; 10:35; 13:47; 17:30; 20:21; Rom 3:29–30; 11:32; 16:26; Gal 3:8, 22, 28; Tit 2:11–12; Rev 12:5; 22:17; Gen 22:18; Isa 2:2) equally (Gen 18:25; 1Pe 1:17; Rom 2:11; 10:12; 11:32; Col 3:25; Job 34:19; Pro 22:2; Eph 6:9; Act 10:34–35; 15:9; 2Co 5:10; Rev 19:11; Deu 10:17) and “impartially”[87] (see Gen 18:25; Gal 2:6; 1Pe 1:17; Rom 2:11; 10:12; 11:32; Col 3:25; Job 34:19; Pro 22:2; Eph 6:9; Act 10:34–35; 15:9; 2Co 5:10; Deu 10:17; Isa 11:3–5).

And unlike man, who seldom forgives and never forgets, and who often holds a grudge and seeks revenge for years, decades, and even generations, God offers complete forgiveness for any and all sins (Mat 12:31–32; 26:28; Mar 3:28; Luk 12:10; 24:47; 1Jn 1:7; Eph 1:6–8; cf. Mat 9:6; Mar 2:10; Luk 5:24), no matter what they are or how long you have committed them, for He is a God of amazing “love,” “peace,” “patience,” “kindness,”[88] “compassion,” “mercy,” and “grace.” On Judgment Day, He will remember your sins no more as if you had never committed them (Heb 8:12; 10:17; Act 2:38; 3:19; Rom 8:1; Col 1:13–14; Eph 1:6–8; cf. Psa 51:7; 103:12; Isa 1:18; 43:25; 44:22; Jer 31:34; Mic 7:18–19; cf. Mat 5:4[89]), and He will also raise you up to eternal life in heaven with Him as He makes all things new and when sin, corruption, disease, pain, suffering, and death are abolished for all eternity.[90]

But to approach God, you must admit you’re a sinner and come to Him in humility (Jas 4:6; Pro 11:2; 29:23)—right now, today—and receive the wonderful gift of eternal life through Christ, offered out of God’s kindness, compassion, mercy, and grace. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. … Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you” (Jas 4:8–10; cf. Heb 4:16; 7:19, 25; 10:22; Psa 34:18; 145:18; Lam 3:22–23). He offers this forgiveness through the “good news” of “the gospel of the grace of God” (Act 20:24), which is also “the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mar 1:1), “for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Rom 1:16; cf. Joh 3:16, 18, 36; 6:35, 37–40; 12:46; Mat 11:28–30; 20:28; Act 2:21; 10:43; Rom 9:33; Tit 2:11; Rev 22:17).

GOD’S MERCY AND FORGIVENESS ARE MASSIVE

Yes, God’s lovingkindness, grace, and mercy are massive! Remember that God can use anyone:

• He used a murderer to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt (Moses, Exo 2:11–12).
• He used a prostitute to help protect the Israelites (Rahab, Jos 2:1–24).
• He used another murderer who became a great apostle (Paul, Act 22:20).[91]

The apostle Paul had persecuted and even helped put to death some of the very first believers in Christ, and yet Jesus forgave him. Then Paul went on to become one of the greatest saints of all time. God can do just the same for you. Don’t let guilt or shame stop you from coming to Jesus; He has already taken all your sins on Himself (Rom 5:8; 8:3; 2Co 5:21; Isa 53:4–6, 9–12; Gal 3:13; Eph 5:2; 1Pe 3:18)—if you let Him. Maybe you have some deep, dark secrets or deeds that no one knows about, but friend, He already knows about them all, for “nothing is hidden” from God—not your “thoughts” and not even the deep, dark, “secret” things of the human “heart,” and as mentioned previously, He even knows the “motives” behind your actions. Let Jesus take all your sin and guilt. Don’t decide for yourself that you can’t be forgiven for what you have done—let Jesus decide! Or maybe you’re trapped in an addiction like I was. It doesn’t matter what kind, for they are all the same at the core: lack of hope combined with chemical dependency. But Christ can also take all that away from you and give you hope in return. Amazing![92]

Peter once asked Jesus how many times he should forgive those who sinned (Mat 18:21–22), probably expecting to hear a relatively small number. Peter even suggested the number seven (i.e., a small number of times that we as humans think is reasonable). However, the Lord answered with the number “seventy times seven” (i.e., 490). Now, the actual number given here isn’t the important part;[93] what’s important is the magnitude of the number—it’s an ENORMOUS number, far higher than anything that Peter might have even remotely imagined in his own mind! This demonstrates how great God’s love, compassion, forgiveness, mercy, and grace are for us (Eph 3:14–21; cf. Joh 3:16–18)—far greater than what the mind of man thinks is reasonable and far beyond what we would expect from any human.

TODAY IS THE DAY OF SALVATION

Jesus invites all who are “thirsty” (Joh 7:37–38; Rev 22:17; Tit 2:11; 1Ti 2:4; cf. Joh 3:16, 18, 36; 6:35, 37–40; 12:46; Mat 11:28–30; 20:28; Act 2:21; 10:43; Rom 1:16; 9:33) to come to Him. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” (Mat 7:7–8). God “desires all [people] to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1Ti 2:3–4), “not wishing for any to perish [in judgment]” (2Pe 3:9). Do you want to drink from “the fountain of the water of life” offered by Christ (Rev 21:6; cf. Mat 11:28–30; Joh 4:10; 7:38; Rev 22:1, 17)? You can make that choice right now, today, as it is written: “Behold, now is ‘the acceptable time,’ behold, now is ‘the day of salvation’” (2Co 6:2; cf. Heb 3:8–15; 4:7)—if you choose God and life over sin and death, today. None of us may get tomorrow or even this afternoon (Luk 12:16–21; Jas 4:13–16; cf. Jas 1:10–11; Eph 5:15–16; 1Pe 1:24; Psa 39:4–5; 90:9–12; 102:11; 144:4; Pro 27:1; Ecc 3:1–2).

If you find these words stirring your heart, please don’t ignore them and keep putting things off. That is a sign that God is calling out to you right here and right now. Don’t harden your heart to that calling (like Pharaoh did). We should greatly heed the warning given in Scripture that there comes a time when God will no longer strive to reach those who have hardened their hearts beyond the point of no return. As the Lord says, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever” (Gen 6:3). It is the Holy Spirit who is trying to “convict” (Joh 16:8) you of your sin(s), and it is He who is striving with you to come to repentance and turn to the Lord Jesus as your Savior—right now.[94] If you keep resisting the pleadings and striving of the “Spirit of truth” (Joh 14:17; 15:26; 16:13), there remains no other recourse for you to be saved (i.e., led into truth and salvation).[95]

The “wide gate and broad way”[96] (paraphrase; see Mat 7:13–14) is to just go on in life as you always have, in sin and lusting after the things “of this world,” without regard for God or others. That is also the worldly, popular way: I’m gonna get what I can get now, by any means possible, for I only care about me and mine. And when I die, so what? It’s all over, and I go into nothingness. But that “broad way,” which the vast majority of humanity chooses, leads to eternal death, and as I have explained previously, you will not go into “nothingness” when you die. Death is not an extinction event (our ending); it is the separation of the soul from the body. Your soul lives on forever; the only question is where—in heaven or hell. And here’s the amazing part: You get to decide[97] which of those it is by either accepting or rejecting Jesus. If you want “eternal life” in heaven, you will have to stop pursuing the things “of this world,” repent of your sins, turn from your own selfish, lustful, sinful desires, and instead pursue the things of God and His Christ.

IT TAKES COURAGE

Understand that going forward to “eternal life” in Christ will take “courage,” “strength” of character, “boldness” (for the truth and Christ), personal “discipline,” moderation, “self-control,” and “endurance”/“perseverance”; you may even face “persecution,” “trials,” “tribulations,” “suffering,” “hardship,” and other difficulties in choosing to go forward in and with Christ and in standing for the truth of the Gospel in a massively corrupt and wicked world. As it is written, “You will be hated by all nations because of My [Jesus’] name” (Mat 24:9; cf. Mat 10:22; Mar 13:13; Luk 21:17).[98]^, [99] You may even have to leave a life of ease and luxury, depending on the will of God. Others may try to talk you out of it, or they may laugh at and mock you, saying, Why are you dumb enough to believe all that God and Jesus stuff? You will almost certainly face ridicule, mocking, taunting, insults, and jokes against you, but you must go forward in “courage” if you want eternal life with God and His Christ Jesus in heaven.[100]

And lastly, while it often seems to be “cool” to be one of the “rebels,”[101] in this particular (spiritual) war it is eternally wiser to be one of the “saints” (Mat 27:52; Act 9:13, 32, 41; 26:10; Rom 1:7; 8:27; 12:13; 15:25; Eph 1:1; Rev 5:8; 8:3–4; 11:18; 13:7; 20:9; etc.), for God and His Christ (and His saints) will prevail (Gen 3:15); indeed, He has already prevailed! Christ has already won complete, total, and final “victory” (1Co 15:54–57; 1Jn 5:4) for us over sin, Satan, and death at the cross (Luk 10:18; Joh 12:31; 16:33; Rom 8:28–39; Eph 1:20–22; Col 2:14–15; Heb 2:14; 10:10–13; 1Co 15:24–26; 2Ti 1:10; 1Jn 3:8; 4:4; Rev 1:17–18; 11:15; 12:7–13; 15:2; 20:14; 21:4; cf. Gen 3:15; Mat 16:18; Psa 125:1–2; Isa 54:17; Joh 10:27–29; Heb 12:28)—“It is finished” (Joh 19:30; cf. Gen 3:15; Luk 10:18; Joh 12:31; 16:33; Rom 8:37; Eph 1:20–22; Col 2:14–15; Heb 2:14; 10:10–13; 1Co 15:24–27; 54–57; 2Ti 1:10; 1Jn 3:8; 4:4; 5:4; Rev 1:17–18; 12:7–13; 15:2; 20:14; 21:4)[102]—and there is nothing whatsoever that anyone or anything on, under, or above the earth can do to change that (Rom 8:28–31, 37–39; cf. Rom 14:11; Php 2:10; 2Th 1:6–10; 2Ti 2:13; Rev 19:11–21; 20:10–15; 22:20).

SOME COMMON OBSTACLES

Listed below are some common stumbling blocks that can hinder one from seeking and following Jesus and becoming obedient to the Gospel:

• Laziness:
  • Sheer neglect of one’s eternal soul (e.g., Esau)
  • Indifference (lack of taking time to even bother to consider your eternal destiny)
  • Being unwilling to spend the time to read, study, and learn what is written in the Bible[103]
• Pride:
  • Intellectual arrogance (thinking the Bible can’t be true or is “foolishness,” science has disproved the Bible, you know more than God, God can’t mean this or that when He said so in His Word, etc.)
  • Thinking you can approach God however you want or however you think or feel it should be done (instead of abiding by God’s instructions)
  • Denying the existence of God[104]
  • Thinking of oneself as a so-called “elite” person or group
  • Thinking you can argue or negotiate with God on Judgment Day and convince Him that you were a “good person” (or thinking you will get a “second chance” after death)
• Moral Issues:
  • Considering oneself to be basically a “good person” (e.g., “I didn’t commit any ‘really bad’ sins, such as murder, rape, robbery, etc.”)
  • Thinking you don’t need a Savior (see prior item) and that everyone goes to heaven (well, the “good people” anyway)
• Social Concerns:
  • Just following the crowd
  • Not wanting to look bad in the face of what’s “popular” in society
  • Trying to conform to societal norms
• Fear:
  • Following the crowd again
  • Concern of being ridiculed for confessing faith in Jesus
  • Prioritizing ease and security above following Christ
  • Not wanting to be separated or isolated from what’s popular
  • Afraid of the hardship that following Jesus might bring

I hope you don’t let any of those stumbling blocks prevent you from seeking eternal life in Christ. Nothing whatsoever can be more important to you!

GOING FORWARD IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH

To continue further from this point, you must be fully convinced in your own mind that Jesus is, in fact, who He said He was: God in the “flesh,” “the Christ of God,” “the Son of God,” “the Messiah,” and our “Savior” (Mat 1:1, 16, 20–23; 3:17; 14:33; 17:5; 26:63–64; Mar 1:1, 24; 5:7; 9:7–8; Luk 1:35; 2:11; 3:22; 9:20, 35; Joh 1:1–2, 14, 34, 36, 41; 3:16–17; 4:25, 42; 5:32; 8:58; 10:30; 20:31; Act 2:36; 5:31; 17:3; Rom 1:3–4; 8:3; Gal 2:20; 4:4; Php 2:5–8; Col 1:15; 2:9; 1Th 1:9; 1Ti 3:16; 2Ti 1:10; Tit 3:4; Heb 2:7–9, 14–17; 4:14; 2Pe 3:18; 1Jn 4:2–3, 14; 5:12, 20; 2Jn 7; Jud 25; Rev 1:17; 2:8; 22:13; cf. Isa 7:14).[105] You have free will to “choose” (Jos 24:15; Deu 30:19; Isa 7:15; Pro 1:22–31; cf. Rev 22:11, 17; Psa 119:30; Isa 65:12; Luk 10:42; Joh 6:67–68) whether to believe that or not and to accept or reject Jesus. If you don’t want to be with Jesus in this life, you don’t have to be, but understand that if you don’t want Him in this life, you won’t be with Him in the next life either—and the next life is eternal.[106]

I hope you are not like the majority of humanity (Mat 7:13) who consider the Gospel message to be “foolishness.” And I pray that you desire to repent of your sinful ways, become obedient to God through the Gospel of His Son, Jesus Christ, “call on the name of the Lord” (see Act 2:21; 22:16; Rom 10:13; 1Co 1:2; cf. Gen 4:26; Isa 12:4; Psa 91:14–15; 105:1; 116:4, 13, 17) “in spirit and truth” (Joh 4:23–24; cf. Psa 145:18; Jud 3), “wash away your sins”[107] (Act 22:16; cf. Act 2:38), and then “walk in newness of life” (Rom 6:4; cf. 2Co 5:17) toward “eternal life” in heaven. If so, I’ll see you in the next chapter.

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