Sad to say, but true, many Christians today are aware of only half a gospel message, that is the forgiveness of sin part.
Salvation is not just reconciliation (forgiveness) of sins and Jesus dying for us. Salvation is also receiving a New Life. Truth is we are not saved by the death of Jesus; we are saved by the life of Jesus. Scripture teaches “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (I John 5:12) Forgiveness is a solution for sin; however, only life is the solution for death. Forgiveness alone cannot make a dead man alive; a dead man needs new life. “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) Well, there it is!
In Romans 5:10, it says “For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son; how much more having been reconciled shall we be saved through His life!” You see, eternal forgiveness and eternal life go together. You can’t have one without the other; otherwise it is only temporal life.
It’s a two-part gospel…reconciliation and life. These two belong together and we need both, but don’t mistake one for the other nor think they are the same.
Jesus died for us (reconciliation)…to give His life to us (born again/New Life) … to live His life through us. That’s the good news. Jesus does it all; He is the provision and the provider. Many accept the provision, but that is not the gift. The provision was His shed blood; the gift is His life. His death freed us from the penalty of sin; His life frees us from the power of sin. We don’t fight for victory; we already have victory. It is total victory in Jesus. Well, there it is again!
Isn’t the Gospel message wonderful?
LIFE LESSON: As born again believers we are to offer up our bodies to Him as living sacrifices which is our spiritual service of worship, and He does all the rest in and through us. That’s the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth; so help me God! On the cross Jesus said, “It is finished.” Praise be to God. “Therefore, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2) His work now fully completed. Praise be to God again.
Through our faith in the risen Savior we have received reconciliation and life.
He is risen indeed!
Thank you for your continued prayers, encouragement, and financial support. Growing in His Grace