Churches often use the word, Gospel, which can sound like a strange word. It actually means “good news,” making it different from other religious messages, which are often framed as “good advice.” The good news is that while we are so lost and broken and cannot find God or fix ourselves, God has come to find and rescue us. God came through the person of Jesus of Nazareth. This arrival is what Christian’s call the incarnation–God becoming fully human. While leading an ordinary human life, Jesus’ life was distinguished by the startling fact he never did anything wrong, keeping God’s laws (patterns for living well) and transferring all of the credit for doing so to us!

In addition to giving us the credit for his perfect life, Jesus went further and willingly took the punishment that was due to us for our imperfect, rebellious lives. Dying on the cross, he forgave those who were killing him. When he rose from the dead, Jesus demonstrated that death had no hold on him, nor on any who entrust their lives and souls to him.

Being reunited with God, therefore, doesn’t depend on our own efforts, or even the strength and sincerity of our faith. It is not the quality of our faith that saves us, but the quality of the One in whom we put our faith: Jesus.

The power of this free grace and acceptance into the family of God has a transformative effect in the life of any true Christian. Our obedience and “good deeds” become truly good for the first time, as they are motivated by gratitude, rather than done to accrue “good behavior credit” with God. And this gratitude sparks generosity and joy!

And, our lives are infused with deeper meaning and grander purpose because Jesus beckons us to follow him in a life oriented to God’s biggest dream of making all things new.

You might be asking, “Where do I go from here?” Possessing a mere fascination about Jesus isn’t enough to fulfill, nor will it enact his life-altering work. Curiosity is good, but it should drive fervent searching. This can be done by reading God’s Word, perhaps start with the Gospel of Mark (the shortest of four Gospels that tells the story of Jesus’ life), and getting plugged into a community group at WCPC. Here you will meet others who will be personally invested in your growth, and are also on respective journeys with God.

We couldn’t be more thrilled that you’re ready to begin exploring the implication of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. We’d love to talk with you about your journey and get you connected with people who care about you, whether that’s here at WCPC or elsewhere.

*Thanks to Tim Keller for writing so beautifully on this topic.