The Gospel of Jesus Christ must be the bad news of the conviction of sins before it can be the Good News of redemption; live can be lived only in absolute and disciplined submission to its authority.
Charles “Chuck” Colson
History to Understand the Word of God
This letter of Paul was sent to the churches at the Galatia. Galatians were Celtic people who lived in Gaul before migrating to Asia Minor. The letter was sent because Paul heard the news that people were going astray from the Gospel of Christ. And were now living faith by works lifestyle.
Furthermore, Paul established his title as an apostle with a message from God and defended the true Gospel of Jesus. Moreover, he expressed how perplexed he was that the people are easily enticed by false teaching.
Bible Reading
Today’s devotional reading is from the Letter of Paul to the Galatians 1:6-10. Please, read our recent devotional from the Frist Letter of Paul to the Corinthians 3: How do we, as Church, become divided?
What is the Real Gospel?
If unbelievers would ask you what is the Gospel, how would you explain it to them? Would you tell them about the Israelites and how God saved them from Egypt? Or would you cite some parables that Jesus taught? Perhaps, share with them the idea that God is love and wants everything good for us?
Most people who confess that they are Christians do not really know what the Gospel is. It is a sad fact. Another factor I noticed is that people are more focused on the rewards of becoming Christians that they forgot the first step on becoming one. Galatians 1:6 is a verse applicable to those who are persuaded easily.
How to know the Gospel of Christ?
Before I tell you what the Gospel is, let us first consider if we are worthy to receive the Good News. A person must be in a certain state before he or she can accept the Gospel. And this state is not created by us but through the Holy Spirit. If it was up to us, we will never surrender our pride. The disposition I am talking about is when one becomes aware of the gravity of sin and that no matter what we do we cannot save ourselves.
It is the works of the Holy Spirit that gives one the strength to repent. When our stony hearts are converted to a heart of flesh. Moreover, we should confess our sins, and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. Once you have done this, go to your local church and inquire about Baptism and for support.
Because once you knew that you are a sinner and accepted Jesus, the devil will surely be hunting you to lead you astray and back to your old habits again. You will be needing support from fellow believers and a source where you can know more about your Saviour. Finally, live out a spirit-led lifestyle.
This is the True Gospel
So what is the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Let me start with John 3:16, for God so love the world that He gave His only Begotten Son. So that whoever believes in Him may not perish but have life eternal. Jesus, born of a virgin, lived a sinless life and fulfilled the Law. Furthermore, he bore our sins when he was crucified and physically died on the cross. On the third day, He physically resurrected in fulfillment of God’s words through the prophets. Jesus will come again to judge both the living and the dead.
Reflection
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV
- How do you share the Gospel of Jesus?
- Do you share it often?
- What was your situation when you accepted the Gospel?
- Do you know that you are a sinner?
- How did your life change when you accepted Jesus?
Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven. We thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour. He bore our sins and received your wrath when we should be the ones punished, but because you love us you offered your Son in our place. O, Lord Jesus, lead us through the Holy Spirit, to be your worthy followers; to live a life that is led by you and inspired by the words of God.
All these we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
