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The Gospel – Bryant Stoltzfus
July 21, 2024

The Gospel – Bryant Stoltzfus

Speaker:
Passage: Ephesians 2;1-10

Understanding the Gospel: A Parent’s Journey
As parents, articulating the gospel to our children can often feel daunting. We may struggle with our own understanding and the depth of the message we want to convey. This blog post aims to explore the essence of the gospel, drawing insights from Ephesians 2 while focusing more on the “whys” rather than the “hows” of the gospel.
What is the Gospel?
At its core, the gospel means “good news.” Interestingly, this term was not originally Christian. In ancient Rome, it referred to the proclamation of victory after a conquest. As Christians, we have the ultimate good news: the message of Christ’s love and redemption.
Ephesians 2: A Closer Look
Let’s dive into Ephesians 2:1-10, which provides a powerful summary of our spiritual state and God’s incredible intervention:

Human Condition: We are described as being “dead in our trespasses and sins,” following the ways of the world and living for ourselves.
God’s Nature: Despite our spiritual death, God is “rich in mercy” and loves us abundantly.
Divine Intervention: God made us alive in Christ, saving us by grace through faith.

The Human Race: Dead in Sin
Paul paints a stark picture of humanity:

Spiritual Death: Our sins separate us from God. Romans 6:23 tells us, “the wages of sin is death.” This death is not just physical but spiritual, leaving us cut off from the source of life.
Self-Centeredness: Sin can be defined as “S-I-N,” emphasizing the “I” at its center. When we place ourselves above God, we miss the mark.

God: Rich in Mercy and Love
In Ephesians 2:4-5, we see the heart of God:

Mercy: God is “rich in mercy,” meaning He is abundant in compassion and kindness. Mercy is not merely an attitude; it is action. Like a shepherd soothing a sheep with oil, God’s mercy heals our wounds.
Love: The love of God is described as “great” and “abundant.” This agape love is selfless and unconditional, leading Him to sacrifice Himself for our sake.

God’s Intervention: Made Alive in Christ
Ephesians 2:5 highlights a miraculous transformation:

Made Alive Together with Christ: We are not just revived; we are made alive in Christ. This is an absolute change—either we are dead or alive.
Seated in Heavenly Places: We are raised with Christ, granting us a new identity and citizenship in heaven.

The Role of Grace and Faith
In Ephesians 2:8-9, we learn about grace:

Grace Defined: Grace is undeserved favor—getting what we do not deserve. It is a gift from God, not something we can earn through works.
Faith: Faith acts as the conduit through which we receive grace. It is not merely intellectual assent but a deep trust in Christ.

The Illustration of Faith
To illustrate faith, consider the story of Charles Blondin, a tightrope walker who crossed Niagara Falls. He invited a man named Harry to ride on his back, emphasizing the need for complete trust. This is a beautiful metaphor for our relationship with Christ—trusting Him fully as we walk through life.
The Evidence of Faith: Good Works
Ephesians 2:10 emphasizes that:

We Are His Workmanship: The Greek word “poema” implies that we are God’s masterpiece, created for good works.
Fruit of Faith: Genuine faith produces good works. Just as mercy and grace are active, so too is our faith demonstrated through our actions.

The Beauty of Creation: Reflecting God’s Artistry
A profound aspect of understanding the gospel is recognizing that we are God’s workmanship—a work of art. Just as an artist takes time to create something beautiful, God has intricately designed creation with purpose and beauty.
Why Beauty Matters

Divine Creativity: God could have made a purely functional world, but He chose to fill it with beauty—thousands of trees, flowers, and colors, each reflecting His creative nature.
Our Role as Creators: As beings made in God’s image, we are called to reflect that creativity in our own lives. When we create, we mirror God’s artistry.

The Process of Transformation
God is continually working in us, shaping us into the beautiful pieces of art He intends us to be.

Works in Progress: When we are saved, we don’t immediately go to heaven because God is still working on us. We are all “works in progress,” being transformed into the image of Christ.
Faithfulness in Completion: Philippians 1:6 reassures us that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion. This ongoing process is a testament to God’s faithfulness.

The Essence of the Gospel
In summary, the gospel is rooted in the beautiful truth that:

From Death to Life: We were dead in sin, but God, rich in mercy and love, made us alive in Christ.
Saved by Grace: Our salvation is a gift, not based on our works but through faith.
Reflecting His Glory: Our lives should reflect the beauty of God’s grace and mercy, showcasing His love to the world.

Conclusion: The Gospel is Christ
Ultimately, the gospel is about Christ Himself. It is a message we will explore and celebrate throughout eternity. As we strive to articulate this good news to our children, let us remember the simplicity and depth of the gospel. Like an onion, the gospel has many layers, each revealing more of God’s incredible love and grace.
Key Takeaways

The gospel is the ultimate good news of Christ’s love and redemption.
We are spiritually dead without Christ, but He makes us alive through His mercy and grace.
Faith is not just belief; it is a deep trust in Christ that produces good works.
The gospel is a message we will continue to explore for all eternity.

By understanding these truths, we can better communicate the gospel to our children and cultivate a deeper faith within ourselves. Let us embrace the richness of God’s mercy and the transformative power of His love.

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