We live in a world full of voices – superstar podcast hosts, insatiable rolling news feeds, endless entertainment and information. “Like, subscribe and share” is the mantra of our age. In the middle of all this noise, one message has remained unchanged for 2,000 years and still has the greatest influence throughout the world and across all cultures: the gospel (good news) of God concerning His Son, Jesus Christ, as announced in the Bible.
But why should we spend time exploring the gospel of the Bible?
Here is a statement giving you a flavour of what it is all about:
The Bible’s central claim is that God, who made the universe, stepped into history in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ – who lived, died, and rose again to deal with sin and its consequences for all mankind and, in so doing, to provide salvation and forgiveness as a gift from God.
If that statement is not true, you can stop reading as there is nothing here for you. But if it is true, then there is nothing more important for your time and attention today.
Something is clearly wrong, not just on the world stage, but personally, in our sense of isolation and our search for meaning and significance, along with the many other big questions that stare us in the face. We know there must be reasons why we break promises, hurt people we love, fall short of what is right and veer towards what is wrong, and why our latest achievement or purchase leaves us feeling so empty.
The gospel of the Bible takes all of this seriously. It names it – sin! But it does not leave us there. It tells us of real forgiveness for our sin and new life through Jesus’ sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection.
Perhaps you have heard some of this before in church, online, or from a friend, and tuned out. Fair enough. But do not confuse the social construct of religion with the gospel. The core message of the Bible is not about institutions, politics, or moral superiority. It is about a God who loves the broken, the disappointed, the hurting, in fact all of us, regardless of our failures or achievements. It is about a Saviour who is available to all. It is about real transformative change for life and for eternity. It is for you!
Exploring the gospel means asking questions: What if this is true? What if God is real? What if there is a love that does not depend on my performance, my past, or my perfection? What if there is an answer to my sin, and real hope for the future?
Ask your hard questions. Be sceptical. Be open. Spend the time exploring. Consider the message.
If it is true, you cannot afford to ignore it.