In the Gospel Journey, we are finding answers to life’s big questions about the meaning of life, our failures and our longing for hope. The Journey began by discovering the God who made the world and the people He created in His image.
The Journey continued by taking us back to a garden at the beginning of time. In that garden there was one catastrophic act of human disobedience.
The good news is that the Bible tells one great rescue story. As we follow The Gospel Journey, we discover a Saviour sent into the world by God.
From the moment sin entered the world, God promised that a Deliverer would come (Genesis 3:15). Across centuries of history and the witness of many prophets, the wait continued. Then the New Testament opens with a stunning announcement: the long-awaited Saviour has arrived (Luke 2:11). His name is Jesus. His title is “Christ”, meaning the Messiah, the One chosen and sent by God.
The Old Testament had described Him long before His birth. He would be born of a virgin in Bethlehem, descend from Abraham, Judah and David, reign as King, suffer as God’s Servant, be pierced, buried and raised again. These prophecies are God-given signposts pointing towards one Person: Jesus Christ. He perfectly fits the profile. References for all of these are given in The Gospel Journey.
But why did He come? Why did He die? And why do Christians claim He rose from the dead?
These are three anchor questions of the Christian faith. Each requires careful consideration and is unpacked in the next part of The Gospel Journey.
Why did He come?
Many regard Jesus as a wise teacher, a moral example or even a compassionate miracle-worker. He was all of these, but none of that explains His central mission. The Bible states it plainly: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15).
Why did He die?
That saving mission led inevitably to death by crucifixion. Jesus said He had come “to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). The cross was at the heart of God’s plan. “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3). He died to bring sinners into relationship with God (1 Peter 3:18).
Why do Christians claim He rose from the dead?
The good news does not end with a dead Saviour. On the third day, Jesus rose from the grave. The resurrection is an essential component of God’s plan of salvation; without it, the gospel collapses. Paul wrote, “. . . if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17 ESV).
His resurrection vindicates His claims about his identity and mission and confirms that God accepted His sacrifice. Jesus truly is the Son of God and the promised Saviour.
What, then, must we do?
Salvation is God’s gift. It must be received through repentance and faith. Repentance is a change of mind that produces a change of direction. It means recognising that God is right, acknowledging our sin and turning from self-rule towards Him.
Faith is more than agreeing that certain facts are true. It is settled trust in Jesus Christ: relying on who He is, resting on what He accomplished, and entrusting ourselves to Him.
Will you turn from sin, trust Him and receive God’s gift of forgiveness and eternal life?
Explore Gospel Journey at understandingthegospel.org/gospel-journey/
