| THE SIMPLE GOSPEL (GOOD NEWS)
WHAT GOD WANTS FOR US
To be His children: "Behold, how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!" I John 3:1a. To be in His image: "For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers..."Romans 8:29 To be one with Him: Jesus prayed, "...that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me." John 17:21. To be His friends: "You are my friends, if you do what I command." John 15:14 (NIV)
WHAT SIN IS
Rebellion: "Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice... For rebellion is as the sin of divination..." I Samuel 15:22-23a (NASB) Lawlessness: "Everyone who sins also commits lawlessness. Sin is lawlessness." I John 3:4. Death: "The soul who sins, he shall die." Ezekiel 18:4.Separation from God: "Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior..." Colossians 1:21 (NIV).
WHAT GOD DID ABOUT SIN
"...But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation..." Colossians 1:22 (NIV). "Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends..." John 15:13. "Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ... But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us... For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we will be saved by his life." Romans 5:1,8,10. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO NOW
Confess Jesus and believe: "That if you confess with your mouth "Jesus is Lord" and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." Romans 10:9-10 (NIV). Repent (turn away from sin): "Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:38.
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