The Gospel

The Bible says that each of us have sinned – that is, we have done things we know we should not do. God created each of us to reflect His purity and perfection, but we went our own way instead. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

The Bible says that our sin has caused us to be separated from the very same God Who loves us and created us. Isaiah 59:1-2 says, “Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you.”

Though God loves us unconditionally, He is just and righteous and He must punish sin. Because we have sinned, we are destined to be punished for that sin in eternity. Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death.” Punishment for our sinful choices is death. God created us to spend eternity with Him in heaven, but our sin must be punished.

The best news anyone can ever know, and why I am sharing this with you now, is that Jesus, Who is God’s Son, came to this earth to allow Himself to be punished for humanity’s sin – my sin and your sin. He would die in our place. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Though Jesus was perfect and never sinned when He walked this earth, He died on the cross to show how much He loves us and how our sin must be punished. John 3:16 says, “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.”

Though Jesus paid for our sins on the cross, each person must receive this personally. Other religions seek to show how people can work hard to make themselves acceptable to God. The Bible says we can never work hard enough. We can only accept what Jesus did on the cross. He did what we could not. The Bible teaches this is salvation and it is a gift that God offers to every person. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Christ.”

After Jesus died on the cross for our sins, God raised Him physically from the dead three days later. This proved to the world that Jesus was (and is) the Son of God and that He did what He said He would do – die for the sins of humanity. 1 Corinthians 15:1 says, “Christ died for our sins… He was buried… He was raised on the third day.”

Now, anyone can have their sins forgiven and be right with God through Jesus Christ. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through me.”

How can you receive His gift of salvation?

Acknowledge you are a sinner. Your sin has separated you from God.
Turn from your sins and ask for God’s forgiveness. This is an act of repentance.
Receive what Jesus did on the cross – He paid for your sins. He wants to forgive your sins. He wants to make you right before God. Jesus says in Revelation 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in…”

Have you ever turned from your sins and received what Jesus did for you on the cross? If you haven’t, or you aren’t sure, you can simply pray this prayer, from your heart to God:

“Dear God, I know that I’m a sinner. But, Jesus, you died for sinners. I believe You died on the cross for me. Please forgive me. I receive Your salvation. I want to live for You.”

CONGRATULATIONS, THE BIBLE SAYS YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD! You should tell others you have received Christ as soon as possible. Matthew 10:31 says, “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.”

Please reach out (email: josh@doveministries.org) and allow me to send you a free book entitled “Starting Strong: Beginning Your Journey with Jesus Christ.” If you live in the Richmond, VA area, I would love to personally invite you to the church I pastor as well:

Mount Vernon Baptist Church
11220 Nuckols Road
Glen Allen, VA, 23059
www.mountvernon.church

Our weekend worship times are Sundays at 9:00am and 10:30am. We gather on Wednesdays at 6:30pm for a midweek Bible study. Please know there are many other activities and events that you are welcome to attend. I hope to see you soon.

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