Good News
The Christian gospel (literally “good news”) is summed up in one of the most famous verses in the bestselling book of all time, the Bible:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (chapter 3, verse 16).
When we read the Bible it is clear that when God the Father gifted his precious Son Jesus to die on the cross mankind was not universally and automatically redeemed – you and I are called to respond individually. Being “born again” is a much maligned term, but Jesus himself said: “very truly I tell you, no-one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” John 3:3. This is a process of life renewal which can start now and secure a joyful eternity.
Bad News
In order to receive this most precious of gifts we need first to understand our need – the Bible says that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Many of us can measure ourselves by others and think we aren’t too bad, but when we measure ourselves against a perfect holy God, none of us look too good! Jesus said in his famous “Sermon on the Mount” that it is not just murder that is sin, but also anger and contempt, it is not just adultery but even lustful thoughts, not just the blatant lie but anything short of utter truthfulness which brings condemnation. In Romans 6:23 we are told “the wages of sin is death”. Our relationship with God is broken, and our future doesn’t look too good, so where can we find rescue?
Can religion save us?
Most religions (and sadly some which even claim to be Christian) call on mankind to strive to do his best, and to somehow attain to a goodness which will earn a place in heaven. Most religions offer guidelines for living, some wisdom through which we are to become a better person and to please God. People sometimes “turn over a new leaf” and try to start again, but sadly our sinful human nature just resurfaces, and we can rarely live up to the person we want to be, and we can never live up to God’s standard. Paul (one of the most religious zealots of his day before he met Jesus) sums up our dilemma in the book of Romans: “I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.”
How is Jesus Christ unique?
The Bible offers something quite different! “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). Our acceptance by God is not dependent on our goodness, but on God’s goodness and mercy! Our sin calls for our judgement and condemnation, so we are called to repent (be truly sorry and resolve to turn away from all our wrongdoing), and he offers forgiveness through accepting the sacrifice of his Son Jesus who died in our place on the cross. All other religious leaders are dead and gone, but not only did he die for us but our Saviour rose again from the grave and still lives! That’s why Christianity is all about living in a relationship with God, not about being enslaved to religious rules.
The great exchange
The apostle John wrote; “if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8,9. By believing and trusting in him, the great barrier of sin between us and our Heavenly Father is completely removed! We can be “born again”, so that when God looks upon us he doesn’t see our sin, but the righteousness of his perfect Son – “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
New life now and beyond
Jesus said; “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” John 10:10. To enjoy this new life we have to be prepared to hand over the steering wheel of our lives, as it were, to obey and let Christ be at the centre, trusting that he loves us and wants the very best for us. He promises he will guide us by his word (the Bible) and his Holy Spirit who he promises will come and live in us. We are to die to our old sinful ways empowered by God himself, and our real life is waiting to be discovered – Paul put it this way: “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ”. And he continues to remind us that this is only the beginning, there is a joyful eternity waiting beyond the grave; “When Christ who is your life, appears, then you will also appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:3,4).
This is a very simple attempt to summarise God’s amazing good news of redemption, there are many fuller and deeper explanations available in books and online. However, there is no better way of discovering more than to read God’s Word, the Bible for yourself.
Can we help?
Whilst the Bible is the first source of guidance for any Christian (we have lots of them), there is also a wealth of literature available to help us understand it and be inspired, from historical context to stories of faith today, all ultimately to help us to meet with Jesus Christ in a personal and life-changing way. It is a key goal of Kilkenny Christian Bookshop to help people come to that place, and if we can help you with questions, point you to a book, or simply pray for you, we would be delighted to try to help. If you are already a Christian, we would be delighted try to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus too. We have many books geared to help you teach your children too.