Articles
The Gospel Word
The Gospel Word
We know the center figure of God's Bible is His Son, Jesus the Christ. He is spoken of as THE WORD, and has been active from the beginning. (John 1:1-3)
"And He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things HAVE BEEN CREATED BY HIM AND FOR HIM. and HE IS BEFORE ALL THINGS, AND IN HIM ALL THINGS HOLD TOGETHER." (Colossians 1:15-17)
Jesus, The Word, has been a part of the Father's work from the creation on to present time. When the proper time came, Jesus was miraculously born of woman and lived a short time on the earth. (Matthew/Mark/Luke/John) After His death, burial, resurrection, He was raised from the dead, was seen for forty days on the earth (by many including HIs apostles), and returned to heaven to sit at His Father's right hand. (Luke 24; Acts 1)
What we call the gospel age now began, as we find the Apostles first preaching His Gospel in Acts chapter 2. Salvation now became a reality. Because of Jesus' sacrifice and love, the Gospel had the power to save the faithful upon their obedience. (Acts 2:36-39) On that special day in Jerusalem about 3000 Jews obeyed that Gospel, and were saved from their sins. The Lord added them to His church (Acts 2:47); they were now a part of His Kingdom, the body of Christ. God's saving plan had its beginning just as He planned long before.
"He is the head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the first born from the dead; so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fulness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace THROUGH THE BLOOD OF HIS CROSS, through Him, I say whether things on earth or things in heaven." (Colossians 1:18-20) (Romans 5:1-9)
The Gospel, God's plan to save man from his sins, has now been in power for over 2000 years; and has the same power to save today as it did on that day in Acts chapter 2. What a wonderful plan He gave us as a result of love from the Father and The Son. Without that we would be helplessly lost without any hope of heaven, and an eternal life with Him. But God loves us enough to make our hope a reality; by our obedience to that wonderful plan His Own Son put into place.
Have you obeyed that plan, and have you remained faithful since that day? He has promised each of us a place with Him one day, but only if we do things His way. (2 Peter 3)
"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." (1 Peter 3:9)
"Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven; but HE WHO DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN." (Matthew 7:21)
I trust you will consider the things our Lord has given us, and make any changes necessary in your life to have the hope He has provided. Isn't heaven our ultimate goal in life?
Ross
