Gospel According to Christ Jesus
The question is "What is the Gospel According To Christ?" When that is known, we can share that with others and be rewarded for sharing the truth. It is my intent and ultimate goal to share the "Truth according to God's word" without discoloring or withholding its revealed meaning (2 Corinthians 3:12-18). When we are in Christ, the Holy Spirit (Spirit of Christ) reveals to us our Father's true meaning of scripture. All we must do is ask and be a genuine listener.
When Jesus explained the gospel to Nicodemus, he used a word that is translated "anyone" or "everyone." The most well known of verses is John 3:16, (NIV) "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (emphasis added) This very plain, straight forward statement of fact is sufficient when we know what Jesus meant by the use of the terms translated whoever and believes. These key words determine the outcome of our eternal destiny. [Please see the page "Saving Faith" in this blog for a better disclosure of the word "believes."]
The word whoever is a non discriminatory and all inclusive term. The action here is dependent on the individuals belief or faith. Yes, that is rather obvious indeed. However, there are some other references that motivates us to reexamine our true or false faith. If we have the faith as did those who came to Jesus in Matthew 7:23 wanting entrance into the everlasting Kingdom and said "look at all we have done in your name..." (as if their work effort could save them) and Jesus said go away I never knew you. Then, James 2:19 tells us even the demons know that Jesus is the Christ and believing they shudder. So, we are asked to examine ourselves to determine if we are in fact genuine believers with a saving faith (1 Corinthians 13:5). Then, we are also told to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).
The most important message is the one Christ Jesus delivered to Nicodemus. Everyone who trusts in Christ Jesus will not perish but have eternal life. Becoming a Christian who lives their faith is a process that one learns with time in Christ. Jesus says in John 6:48-51, that if anyone comes to Him and eats his flesh and drinks His blood, He will never die (not literal eating and drinking). This metaphorical illustration means for us to appropriate Jesus through our surrender to His Lordship.
When all of mans' efforts to become God finally come to an end, Christ Jesus will be the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and Savior to the faithful true believers (see, Revelation 20, 21 & 22). The only thing "New" in the New Testament are details of what God had revealed through His word and prophecy. Revelation is the Book of Great Hope as revealed by Christ to the earthly scribe John.
Have you examined your faith to see if you pass the test? God bless you, R
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