Our Hope

So far, we have been in “the domain of darkness” under “bondage” and held “captive”[1] to sin, Satan, and death and headed for judgment (see Col 1:13; Eph 4:8; Joh 8:31–32; Rom 8:2; Gal 4:3). 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).

A SAVIOR

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. 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”[2] (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).[3]

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

Jesus Christ[4] (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[5] (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 “anointed” one of God (Luk 4:18; Act 10:38; Heb 1:9; cf. Joh 6:27),
• “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),
• “The Holy One of God” (Mar 1:24; Luk 4:34; Joh 6:69; cf. Act 2:27; 1Pe 1:15; 1Jn 2:20; Rev 16:5; Psa 71:22; 78:41; 89:18; Isa 29:23),
• 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),
• “Lord” and “King” (Mat 12:8; 22:44; Joh 1:49; 18:37; Luk 6:46; Act 2:34–35; 10:36; 15:11; 17:24; Rom 10:12; 1Ti 1:17; 6:15; Rev 17:14; 19:16; cf. Eph 1:20–21; Heb 2:8; Rom 14:11; Php 2:9–11; Rev 20:11–15),
• “High Priest” (see Heb 3:1; 4:14; 5:5; 6:20; 8:1; 9:11; cf. Heb 10:19–23),
• “The Word” (Joh 1:1, 14; cf. 1Jn 1:1; Rev 19:13),
• “The good shepherd” (Joh 10:11, 14; cf. Heb 13:20),
• “The chief corner stone” (Mat 21:42; Mar 12:10; Luk 20:17–18; Act 4:11; Eph 2:20; 1Pe 2:6–8; cf. Rom 9:33; 1Co 3:11; Gen 49:24; Psa 118:22; Isa 8:14; 28:16),
• “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),
• “The bread of life … which came down out of heaven” (see Joh 6:33–58; cf. Joh 3:13; 1Co 10:16–17; Php 2:6–8),
• “The resurrection and the life” (Joh 11:25–26),
• “The true God and eternal life” (1Jn 5:20),
• “The one and only God” (Joh 5:44; cf. Jud 25),
• The “living and true God” (1Th 1:9),
• “The Prince of life” (Act 3:15),
• “Wonderful Counselor” (Isa 9:6),
• “Mighty God” (Isa 9:6),
• “Eternal Father” (Isa 9:6),
• The “Prince of Peace” (Isa 9:6),
• “A lamb unblemished and spotless” (1Pe 1:19; cf. Joh 1:29, 36; 1Pe 2:22–24; 3:18; Act 8:32; Heb 9:14; Rev 5:6, 8, 12, 13; 22:1, 3),
• “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (Joh 1:29),
• “The righteous Judge” (2Ti 4:8; cf. Mat 16:27; 25:31–46; 28:18; Joh 5:22–23, 27; 3:35; 17:2; Act 10:42; 17:31; Rom 2:16; 2Co 5:10; 2Th 1:6–10; 2Ti 4:1; 1Pe 4:5),[6]
• “Appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead” (Act 10:42),
• “The way, and the truth, and the life” (Joh 14:6),
• “The door” to heaven (see Joh 10:1–10; Luk 13:24),
• The only “name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (Act 4:12),
• The “one mediator also between God and men” (1Ti 2:5; cf. Rom 8:34; Heb 2:18; 4:16; 7:24–25; 9:24; 10:19–23; 13:6),
• Our “Advocate” (1Jn 2:1),
• “Our Passover” (1Co 5:7),
• 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),
• “The image of the invisible God” (Col 1:15; cf. 1Ti 1:17),
• “The radiance of His [God’s] glory and the exact representation of His nature” (Heb 1:3; Joh 1:14),
• “The true God and eternal life” (1Jn 5:20),
• “The Beginning of the creation of God” (Rev 3:14),
• “The Alpha and the Omega” (Rev 1:8; 21:6; 22:13),
• “The first and the last” (Rev 1:17; 2:8; 22:13), 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. Mat 3:15–17; Luk 2:22–24, 27, 39; Rom 6:14; 7:4, 6; 8:3–4; 10:4; Gal 2:19; 3:17–25; 5:18; Eph 2:14–15; Heb 7:18). 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; cf. Rev 22:11, 17; Pro 1:29; Joh 6:67–68; Deu 30:19).

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).

JESUS WAS RAISED FROM THE DEAD

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[7] (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”[8] (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 chapter “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 (explained shortly). When He returns the next time, it will not be as a tiny baby in a manger; it will be suddenly and unexpectedly (by most) 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, “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.”[9] He will come next time 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—if you so “choose” (Jos 24:15; cf. Rev 22:11, 17; Pro 1:29; Joh 6:67–68; Deu 30:19). How do you get Jesus as your attorney? You do so by believing in Him (through faith) and becoming obedient to His Gospel (as explained in upcoming chapters). 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

Salvation is “the free gift of God” (Rom 6:23; cf. Eph 2:8; Rom 3:24; 5:15–17; Joh 4:10; Act 8:20) and is open to everyone (Act 10:34; 17:30; 20:21; Mat 7:8, 26; 24:14; 25:32; 28:19; Mar 13:10; Luk 6:47; 12:8; 24:47; Joh 6:37; Rom 16:26; Tit 2:11–12; cf. Act 2:21; 14:16; Gal 3:8, 28; Gen 22:18; Isa 2:2; Rev 12:5; 22:17) equally[10] (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).

Jesus “did not come[11] to judge the world, but to save the world” (Joh 12:47) 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 sinners, 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). 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).

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.[12] 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[13]—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).[14] The only reason some will be in heaven while others will be in hell is that they chose to accept “the free gift of God [which] is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 6:23) 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.[15] 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);[16]
• Jesus has “reconciled us to God,” so we are no longer “enemies” of God (see Rom 5:10; 2Co 5:20);[17]
• Jesus conquered death at the cross for us (1Co 15:53–57; Rom 5:12–21; Heb 2:14–15; Rev 20:13–14);[18]
• 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.”[19]

In the next few chapters, we will learn more about Jesus, and then I will explain how Scripture tells us we are to approach God and receive “the forgiveness of our sins” (see Act 2:38) along with “the free gift of God [which] is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 6:23).

[1] Also, “slaves to sin” (Rom 6:6; cf. Gal 4:8; Joh 8:34–36; Rom 6:16–20; 16:18).

[2] Also “lovingkindness” (Gen 19:19; Psa 6:4; 13:5; 17:7; 23:6; 25:6–7; Lam 3:22–23).

[3] Now, some will surely ask: What about those who have never heard about Jesus? My response is: You have heard about Him (via this book), so now what will your response be? Trust in God to handle the big picture (Gen 18:25).

[4] Jesus (Ἰησοῦς, Iésous) is the transliteration of the Greek name Joshua (Jehoshua, Yeshua) into English; the name means God saves or God is salvation. Christ is not Jesus’ last name; it is a title that means “the Messiah” or the “anointed” one of God (also “the Christ of God, His Chosen One”; see Joh 1:41; 4:25; Luk 4:18; 9:20; 23:35; Act 10:38; Heb 1:9; and “the Christ, the Son of the living God,” Mat 16:13–16). Christ and anointed are the same word in Greek and the same as messiach or Messiah in Hebrew.

[5] As was prophesied in Scripture before His birth (Mic 5:2).

[6] That God judges righteously is not new or unique to the NT (see Gen 18:25; Isa 11:3–5; Psa 7:11; 9:8; 35:24; 72:2; 96:13; 98:9; 145:17; 1Sa 16:7; Jer 11:20).

[7] See the chapter “Was Jesus Really Raised from the Dead?”

[8] All other world religions have a dead god or one that is simply an impersonal “force” or feeling.

[9] See the chapter “The Day of Judgment” for verse references.

[10] See the section “The Righteous Judge” in the chapter “The Day of Judgment.”

[11] The first time.

[12] This is explained further in the chapter “The New Testament Plan of Salvation.”

[13] This is not meant to diminish in any way the acts of kindness, service, or charity we may do here in this world; I’m referring specifically to one’s status and salvation before the Lord on the Day of Judgment.

[14] In the same way, God didn’t choose the Israelites because they were better than others, because there was some inherent good in them, or because they were righteous in some way; in fact, just the opposite is stated in Scripture (Deu 9:4–6; cf. Deu 9:1–29). God continually called them “rebellious” (Deu 9:7, 23–24), “stubborn,” and “stiff-necked” (Exo 32:90; Deu 9:6–7, 23–24; 2Ch 30:8; Neh 9:16; Act 7:51). They were chosen so God has an “inheritance” (Deu 9:26, 29; cf. Col 1:18) among the peoples of the Earth and so they could act as the forerunner to prepare the world for the Christ. When it comes right down to it, they were not any different, in essence, than you and me (Gal 3:22), so we all have the very same hope of eternal life in heaven with God and His Christ Jesus.

[15] There aren’t any “good people” in the church either, for that matter (Rom 7:18); although some church members may act like they are better than others, that is just hypocrisy.

[16] See also the chapter “Come, All Who Are Thirsty.”

[17] See the chapter “What Happens at Baptism.”

[18] We will be raised immortal, and the suffering, disease, corruption, and curse in our bodies (and creation) will be undone.

[19] See the chapter “All Things Made New.”