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Exploring Christianity
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| Some people think that Christianity is about being a good person: If I obey the teachings of the Bible and follow example of Jesus, I'll grow into a joyful, loving, wise and generous person. This is not the heart of Christian faith. |
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| Christianity is all about the gospel. The word "gospel" simply means the "good news" about what God has done for us through Jesus, not good advice on how to live. This is the central message of the Bible. More than spiritual wisdom, inspiring stories, or good examples to follow, the Bible is about how God sent Jesus to save us from our own evil and it's painful consequences. |
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| The Main Story in the Bible |
| The Bible is all about how and why God saves us through Jesus. |
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| 1. Humanity was lovingly created in God's image to glorify God and enjoy him forever. |
| The Bible teaches that: "God created man in his own image... male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:27) What an incredible privilege it is that we human beings were made to reflect divine goodness. When we reflect his image, we find our greatest joy and fulfillment. "Worthy are you, our Lord and our God to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things." (Revelation 4:11) |
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| But the story does not end there... |
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| 2. Humanity has failed to glorify God and is under God's just condemnation |
| The sad situation of us all is that we have chosen not to glorify God. Thinking we knew better, we tried to find meaning, joy and fulfillment in things that are temporary, empty and futile. The Bible calls this sin. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..." (Romans 3:23) |
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| Not only is sin sad, empty and unfulfilling, there is a cost. "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). This means that our joyful relationship with God is forever broken. We are separated from God because of our sin. |
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| Thankfully, the story does not end there... |
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| 3. Jesus fully bore the punishment that sinners deserve |
| Not wishing that sinners perish forever, God determined to save a people for Himself. God sent his own son, Jesus, to live the righteous life we should have lived, and also die the sinner's death that we justly deserve. By this, Jesus paid the price for sin that we could never pay. Jesus "...gave His life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45; 1 John 4:10) |
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| This is the good news of Jesus. How should we respond to this news? |
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| 4. All who repent and turn to Jesus in faith are saved |
| If you confess that you are a sinner in need of Christ, then God has begun to work in you! In response to the gospel, we are to "repent and believe" (Mark 1:15). The word "repent" means to be sorrowful for our sin and to resolve to turn away from that life. Faith means that we trust in the sacrifice of Jesus for our right relationship with God. (Hebrews 4:16) |
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| With this response, we can experience a life-changing and eternally satisfying relationship with God. "In your presence is fullness of joy." (Ps 16:11). |
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| Experiencing the Gospel |
| The Gospel of Jesus is a message to be understood and believed. However, the Gospel is far more than just information. When we respond with faith and repentance to the Gospel, our lives are transformed. This is not just something to read about, it must be responded to and experienced. |
| The best way to get a taste of the Christian life is to see how Christians live when changed by the gospel of Jesus: Visit a fellowship group where Christians share their lives together. Worship God with some Christians. Read and meditate on the Bible. We recommend a guide through the Bible called Scripture Union. |
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| More about the Gospel |
| 1. A helpful presentation of the central message of the Bible is by Matthias Media. Here are links to a short presentation called Two Ways to Live: |
| (English) http://www.matthiasmedia.com.au/2wtl/ |
| (Chinese) http://www.matthiasmedia.com.au/2wtl/chinese/ |
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| 2. Participate in a class for those seeking to understand Christian faith. The central message of the Bible is taught and discussed with opportunities to ask questions. CEFC offers these classes in Mandarin, Cantonese and English. |
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| 3. Read Greg Gilbert's What is the Gospel? (link to Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/What-Gospel-9Marks-Greg-Gilbert/dp/1433515008) Or find the book in our church library. |
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