The Gospel is the way we are welcomed into the presence of God.
Welcome. This desire is etched deep within the human heart. We all long to feel welcomed. To be welcome is to belong.
Welcome is a comforting word, especially when we’re in a new place with new people. The welcome we extend here at First Bible goes beyond simply being greeted as you enter our building. The warm welcome you receive on a Sunday morning or at a special event quickly fades. We want to direct you to an invitation that can literally change your life, and eternity. This welcome comes from Jesus Himself.
OUR PROBLEM: SIN
We all know that every welcome has limits. Think about it this way: A child may be a beloved member of the family, but if they are covered in food or dirt, they would not be welcome to hug the bride right before she walks down the aisle. Everyone takes special care to prevent anything from ruining the cleanliness of her dress before her big moment.
What keeps us from “running down the aisle” to God is sin. Sin is any action or attitude that is contrary to the guidelines God has written in the Bible. The Bible tells us that “all have sinned” (Romans 3:23). Each of us has thoughts of lust, anger, or jealousy. And who has not lied, stolen, or spoken curse words? Even the quietest and gentlest of people are guilty.
The Bible also tells us that the end result of living a life full of sin is death. In this case, death means eternal separation from God in Hell. “For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23). Because we are born into sin, we can’t get rid of this burden on our own. So what can fix it?
GOD’S REMEDY: JESUS
The good news is that God extends an open invitation, without exception, to all who will come on His terms. This invitation is made possible by the death of His Son Jesus Christ on the cross.
The great news of the Gospel is that Jesus came to earth as a man, lived a sinless life, and dwelt among men to leave us an example of how to live and treat each other.
Because Jesus is also God, He is perfect. This makes Him the only one qualified to pay for our sins. “And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation [payment] for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-2)
The Bible says that God commendeth [shows] his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Jesus’ sacrifice was God’s plan for our rescue, and He died in our place. We have committed sin and rightly deserve the punishment that comes as a result. However, Jesus willingly took our place so that through His death on the cross and His resurrection three days later, we can be welcomed by God. We are made righteous through His righteousness. “For Christ hath also once suffered for our sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God.” (1 peter 3:18)
OUR RESPONSE: BELIEVE
Jesus wants everyone to receive the forgiveness He offers. (Mark 1:15) “…the kingdom of heaven is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” To repent means to believe that what God says about our sin is true, turn from it in mind and heart, and turn toward God.
When we understand the depth of this remedy, willingly turn from our sins to God, and place our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and welcomed into God’s family.
An invitation or welcome is of no value unless those being welcomed actually respond. While God has extended this invitation to all, it is entirely up to each of us to step forward and accept it. The Bible tells us how to do this.
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10)
It is not enough to just state a fact and say that Jesus is Lord. We must believe in our hearts that Jesus is who He says He is, and is the only one able to connect us with God. When we believe and confess through prayer to God, we are welcomed into his family. “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us to be accepted in the beloved.” (Ephesians 1:6)
Along with becoming a member of God’s family, we also receive forgiveness from sin. “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sin, according to the riches of his grace.” (Ephesians 1:7), and we can know that there is a place for us secured in Heaven. “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that were I am , there ye may be also.” (John 14:2b-3)
If you believe and are ready to put your faith in Christ, you could pray a simple prayer like this from your heart: “Lord Jesus, I am sorry for my sins and ask you to forgive me. I believe that You are the Son of God, that You died on the cross for my sins, and rose again. I know You are the only path to God. I sincerely believe that in my heart and now confess with my mouth that you, Jesus are my Savior and Lord. Amen.”
God’s welcome is wide open. You can accept it wherever you are, any time of day or night. We hope you accept the invitation! We also hope you know you’re always welcome to stop by on any Sunday morning, Wednesday night, or at one of our special events. Consider this your invitation to discover that First Bible is A Place for You.
We would love to get to know you and connect with you. We are more than happy to make time to chat, and will do our best to answer any questions you may have. We pray the Lord speaks to your heart!
