The Gospel proclaims the Cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Whereas the Cross defeated sin, the resurrection conquered death. The Gospel is the message of God's reconciliation, the forgiveness of sins for all the people of the world. The Gospel also proclamations that all who believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior will receive a new heart filled with God's indwelling life, His righteousness and His eternal life.
There are five essential elements to the Gospel of Jesus Christ: [1] forgiveness, [2] being given a new heart through faith, [3] receiving the indwelling life of Jesus Christ, [4] living in union with Christ and [5] living by faith.
You Have Already Been Forgiven
Forgiven: All sins of all people for all time were forgiven and forgotten on the Cross of Jesus Christ 2,000 years ago. Only unbelief, the rejection of Christ as Savior, was not forgiven on the Cross; it is an eternal sin because it is rejecting the eternal life that is found only in Christ Jesus. Read Forgiveness Bible Verses
Cleansed with a New Heart / Saved by Christ's Indwelling Life
Receiving a New Heart through Faith: When unbelief is turned to faith in Christ as Savior, God removes your old sinful spirit and replaces it with a brand new, clean heart. This is where faith is essential. Read New Heart Bible Verses
Born from Above: With a new heart you become, for the first time ever, a "clean vessel." This allows God's Spirit comes to live in your born again heart making you literally righteous by His indwelling presence. You are righteous because the Righteous One is joined inseparably as one to you; and, you possess eternal life because Eternal Life now dwells in you. Read Born from Above Bible Verses
Christ Lives in You / You Live in Christ
Union with Christ: You are complete in spirit, redeemed fully and forever. Your life is Jesus Christ living in you. You are in Christ and Christ is in you. Read Union with Christ Bible Verses
Living by Faith: You still "live" in a not-yet-redeemed and not-yet-righteous mortal "house" - your physical body. Because of this, you cannot live righteously by your own human strength, effort or attitude. It is when you follow Christ's indwelling live in faith that you will experience Jesus living His righteous life in you and as He does His good works through you. You become Christ's hands, feet and voice in the world today. Read Living by Faith Bible Verses
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