But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. Acts 19:9-10
The last two post have been about what happens when a person is born again. Three points have been made: (1) One must hear the gospel. (2) The Holy Spirit must grant understanding and desire to receive Christ. And (3) regeneration (being born again) is a work of God—the person being regenerated does nothing to be born again.
Since hearing the gospel is essential, it seems wise to once again answer the question, “What is the gospel?” The answer is simple but it must be complete—no component can be omitted or else it is NOT the gospel.
We are RUINED by sin. There are three important sub-points to this first point. (1) We are sinful compared to the holiness of God, no matter how well we do compared to other people. (2) Sin has inescapable consequences: the just judgment and wrath of God. (3) There is nothing we can do to save ourselves from sin or it’s consequences.
Jesus is the only REMEDY for sin. There is no other way. Jesus is the only way because He alone is sinless. He alone died, and then rose from the dead to pay the penalty for the sins of those who trust in Him.
Each person must RECEIVE Jesus to be saved. Receiving Jesus means believing solely in Him as the only remedy for sin, and following Him as the Master of one’s life.
That is the gospel. Sadly, when most people hear the gospel they do not believe and follow Jesus. They either do not care, or flat out reject it. But those who hear the gospel and believe, do so because the Holy Spirit has given them hearts to believe and to follow Jesus. That work of the Holy Spirit is regeneration.
In case you are wondering, “Why is this so important—even for Christians?” Tomorrow…