Amazing Atoning Grace

Many people believe Grace and Gospel are synonymous (the same thing), and, in a way, they are. The definitions of these deep, profound words are, for us today in this age, I believe, too simplistic... basic, unsophisticated, adolescent. The Christian (Bible) definition of Grace = “unmerited favor” while the definition of Gospel = “good news.” Many believe the Gospel and Grace “began” with Jesus and the four “gospel” accounts of His ministry.

Ripe For Wrath

But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Matt. 24:37 

So, the second coming of Jesus the Christ will be preceded by a reappearance of events in society as occurred in the days of Noah before the Flood. What kind of “events?” Well, #1, Gen. 6:5... “The wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

Two Gospels? How about FOUR?

Paul said, The ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the Gospel of the Grace of God. Acts 20:24 

Moreover, brethren, I declare to you THE Gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved; that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. 1 Cor. 15:1-4
Believe... and nothing else!

The Cross Is Not A Fashion Statement!

"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree!" Gal. 3:13
The cross is the symbol of the shame and suffering of Jesus' crucifixion. It is itself, also, a curse. Wearing a cross as a mere piece of jewelry, is a form of sacrilege--reducing the sacred symbol of Christ's sin-atoning sacrifice to a mere ornament. The cross is not a fashion statement, but the emblem of our Lord's suffering and death. To treat it lightly, is to trample upon the solemn truths of Calvary, where the Son of God bore the wrath of the Father in the place of His elect people. Such careless use dishonors the gospel, making what is holy into something trivial.

Why Do You Need The Gospel?

You might say, “What?” What is a gospel? Exactly! That’s a good question because most people today probably never use that word in the normal course of conversation.  I never did. Even after someone gave me the definition of “gospel” (good news!) I do not recall incorporating the term in my conversations. I don’t think I ever said, “Hey man, check this out... I got some gospel today. I just got a promotion.” Who says that? The word is foreign to many people outside of churches. So the word “gospel” we usually hear, if at all, in religious conversations. And I did not have very many “religious” conversations back then.

So let’s define G O S P E L.

The Kingdom of God

Kingdom of God; Kingdom of Heaven; Kingdom of the Lord; Everlasting Kingdom; Gospel of the Kingdom; Kingdom of Christ. Distinctions, distinctions, distinctions.

It is so much easier, as many have done, to disregard “distinctions” and just say. “They’re all the same thing.” You go ahead and say that... the Bible makes distinctions; and then I have to find out what they mean!

Isaiah 40

Verse 12, Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, or measured heaven with a span of his hand, and
calculated the dust of the earth in a measure? Who has weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?
Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, or as His counselor has taught Him? With whom did He take counsel, and who instructed Him, and taught Him in the path of justice? Who taught Him knowledge, and showed Him the way of understanding?
The implied answer is, “No one but God.”