Gospel means "good news", but before we get to the "good news", we have to face the bad. The Bible says that we're all born into sin (Psalm 51:5) and someday we'll have to face a Holy God on Judgement Day. There, we will have to make an account for every single thought and action done in our life (Matthew 12:36). At this point, you're saying, "I'm a good person. I'll do just fine, I think." You may do "okay" according to your standards, but on Judgement Day, we'll be judged according to God's standards. Have you stolen anything? Despite it's value? That's stealing and you would be considered a thief in God's eyes. Have you ever lied? Of course you have - everyone has! That's considered being a liar, no matter how few of times you've lied. Ever hated someone? God considers that murder! (1 John 3:15) Ever looked at someone with lust? Jesus said that “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matthew 5:27-28) Have you ever used God's name as a curse word? Even say, "OMG"? That's called blasphemy and God says, “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain." (Exodus 20:7) God will not only judge us on our actions, but also our thoughts! Could you imagine if someone was able to place a computer chip in your brain that would record every single private thought that's ever crossed your mind? Then that movie would be played for your friends, family, boss, and complete strangers - how embarrassing and terrifying! God knows every single thought you've ever had in your entire life, so even if you've never acted it out, you'll still be held accountable for just thinking it! (Psalm 139:1-3)
If you hadn't of guessed already, God's standards are also known as the Ten Commandments. How did you do? Not so great, huh? Me neither. Now you're wondering, "What's the point? I could NEVER live up to THOSE standards!" and you'd be right. We all deserve Hell because NO ONE can live up to those standards. Except one - Jesus. Jesus came to Earth, fully man and fully God, born of a virgin, to live a sinless life so sinful man could be reconciled to God. He was whipped, beaten, mocked, and finally nailed to a cross where He died, taking on the brunt of His Father's wrath all to pay for YOUR SINS - past, current, and future. Jesus died taking YOUR punishment for YOU and rose again, defeating death and saving you from an eternity in Hell. When Jesus took on those sins, a legal transaction was made. He took on our vile, wretched sinfulness and we can take on His holy, sinless righteousness so that on Judgement Day, all God sees when He looks down on us is Jesus' righteousness and not a speck of sin. Our debt to God is PAID IN FULL. (John 19:30)
What an amazing gift! But this gift in particular cannot be earned. There is absolutely NOTHING you can do to save yourself! No amount of works, praying, going to church, fasting, or tithing can get you to Heaven. The Bible makes it very clear that all our righteousness is like filthy rags to Him - filthy rags! (Isaiah 64:6) That way God receives all the glory and no one else! (Ephesians 2:8-9) The ONLY way to receive this gift is to first repent; apologize to God for our sinfulness and then turn away from that very sin that was to drag us down to Hell (Luke 13:5). Second, put your faith and trust in the Savior who died for you; Jesus Christ of the Bible. Then, as the Bible says, you be made a new creation, with a new heart, with new desires (2 Corinthians 5:17). No longer will you desire to sin, but you'll desire to be righteous like Jesus. This doesn't mean you're now considered "perfect" by any means. God knows we're fallible! The only difference is that WHEN (not if) we do sin, we are already forgiven and those sins will not be held against us on the day of Judgement. (Romans 8:1)
Carefully consider these things because we are not guaranteed tomorrow. (James 4:13-14) Get right with your Creator before you have to face Him. The day of salvation is TODAY. (2 Corinthians 6:2)
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
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