Last Sunday we examined the five elements of what the Gospel does (Acts 26:18) This Sunday we will examine what the Gospel is (Acts 26:23) and what the convert does (Acts 26:20)

Let’s take a quick look at these two truths.

What Is the Gospel?

“…that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.” Acts 26:23

The Cross and empty tomb are at the center of the Gospel message. Jesus died for our sins to pay the debt that we could never pay. The wages of sin is death. And since we are all sinners, we will either have to die for our sins or a perfect sacrificial death would have to be made on our behalf. That is what God did though Christ for us. Further, the empty tomb was evidence that Christ was everything He claimed to be (Rom 1:4). And the resurrection is evidence that his sacrifice for us was accepted by God. Finally, His resurrection demonstrates that those who trust Christ for forgiveness of sins and salvation will have eternal life.

What does the Gospel beckon the hearer to do?

“… that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.” Acts 26:20

God did all the work to save you through the cross of Christ. But now He calls all who come to Him for salvation to a brand new life.

God’s love for you was demonstrated at the cross.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 

Show your love for Him by living for Him!

“and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.”

2 Corinthians 5:15, NKJV.     

 Pastor Mike