No. 342 - God Gives Salvation Through Christ

The Gospel of Christ

God Gives Salvation Through Christ

 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.” 

Starting Prayer 

Dear Father, as I reflect on the great love You have shown by giving Your Son, Jesus, help me to truly understand the depth of Your grace and the gift of salvation through Christ. Open my heart to receive Your Word today. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Background 

John 3 is a chapter rich in teachings about the new birth and God’s plan for salvation through Jesus Christ. In a conversation with Nicodemus, a Pharisee, Jesus reveals the necessity of being born again to see the kingdom of God. The most well-known verse, John 3:16, summarises God’s love for humanity and His provision of salvation through Jesus. This verse is a cornerstone of Christian faith, expressing how God's justice and mercy come together in the gift of His Son.

Be Encouraged 

We must understand that God, being just, is not obligated to save sinners. As violators of His law, we are justly condemned. Only those who have perfectly obeyed God's law deserve the blessings of salvation. But from this standpoint, everyone stands condemned because "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Despite this, God's nature is not only just but also loving and merciful. He does not wish for anyone to perish but desires all to come to repentance and be saved (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4).

God's solution to this dilemma of justice and mercy is found in Jesus Christ. Through Jesus, God offers us the gift of salvation. Jesus is the only one qualified to be our mediator, the bridge between sinful man and a holy God (1 Timothy 2:4-6, NKJV). By His sacrifice, Jesus met the law's demands for perfect obedience and took upon Himself the punishment we deserved for our sins. He lived the perfect life we could not live, and although He did not deserve to die, He willingly suffered the penalty for our sins so that we might be saved.

Application 

Through Christ, God gives forgiveness. Jesus' perfect life and sacrificial death make it possible for God to forgive our sins while upholding His justice. The Bible tells us, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" (Ephesians 1:7). What an incredible gift this is! Jesus bore our sins in His body, suffered the punishment we deserved, and through His death, we are offered the righteousness of God. The justice of God was satisfied, and His mercy was extended to us through the sacrifice of Christ.

As we meditate on this truth, let us be filled with gratitude and awe. God’s love for us is beyond measure, and His gift of salvation through Christ is the greatest expression of that love. Let this truth motivate us to live in a way that reflects our gratitude for His grace and to share this good news with others who need to hear it.

Invitation 

Dear reader, God's offer of salvation through Christ is extended to you today. If you have not yet committed your life to Christ, I encourage you to visit a nearby church of Christ to learn more about how to obey the gospel. Through faith (Hebrews 11:6), repentance from sin (Acts 2:38; 17:30-31), and baptism for the forgiveness of all past sins and your salvation (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38), you can receive the righteousness that Christ has provided. God will add you to His church, where you will continue to grow in your knowledge of Him and live according to Christ's commandments (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:47). Do not delay—accept God's gift of salvation today. Share this message with others so that they too may experience God's love and grace.

Concluding Prayer 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the amazing gift of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to live in gratitude for Your grace and to share the good news of salvation with others. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

May the Lord bless your day.

 

Theodore J. Quist 

Evangelist 

Church of Christ 

Abokobi - Accra 

Ghana

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