The central message of all the Bible can be summarized in one word: Gospel. The word simply means ‘Good News’, and it is the good news of what Jesus has done for us. This Gospel is seen throughout the Bible in several key themes.

God made you and loves you

The good news starts with the fact that you are not an accident, but that you are purposely made and loved by God. God is our Creator, and because of that, He knows and loves us more than we could ever fathom.

 Genesis 1:27, So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

John 3:16, 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.

Every person has a sin problem

 In order to have good news, that means there needs to be some bad news. That bad news is the fact that every person has a sin problem. This means that we all have done wrong, and we fall short of the perfect standard required to go to heaven. Not only that, but our sin has a penalty, and it is eternal separation from God in a place called hell.

 Romans 3:23, For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23a, For the wages of sin is death…

 Jesus paid the penalty for your sin

 This is where the good news become so great. Because God loves us so much, He did not leave us hopeless and helpless. But He sent Jesus to face the penalty we deserved to pay. Jesus did that through His death on the cross, and His resurrection from the grave three days later.

 Romans 5:8, But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

I John 4:10, In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (payment) for our sins.

 Trust in Jesus to be your personal Savior

 This act of Jesus for us is a gift, and just like any gift, all you need to do is receive it. You cannot work for it, earn it, or deserve it; it is freely extended to all. To receive this gift of forgiveness from Jesus, all you must do is ask. Acknowledge that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believe that Jesus is God, and that His death on the cross has paid your sin penalty. Ask Him to forgive and save you.

 Romans 6:23b, …but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 10:9, That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

This is the Gospel, the greatest news the world has ever heard. If you have never asked the Lord to forgive and save you, would you do so now? It is the greatest decision you could ever make. If you do make this decision, we would love to hear from you and help you on this new journey with Jesus Christ. Let us know at: mehoopanybaptistoffice@gmail.com