The Gospel in 500 Words or Less

God is eternal in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In the eternal good pleasure of God, an eternal decree was issued for all things to come to pass. Thus, in the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, His eternal purpose came forth. All things that have been created by Him, fulfill His purpose for them.

God created the heavens and the earth, with man, male and female, being the pinnacle of His very good work. Tempted by Satan, the chief fallen angel, Adam and Eve, along with the creation, fell because of sin. Because God is righteous, He must judge and punish sinners, who break His Holy Law, which is revealed in the Old Testament of the Bible.

The Bible reveals an eternal covenant, whereby an eternal salvation is executed by the only Savior of sinners, Jesus Christ.

The Son of God was conceived in the womb of the Virgin Mary. He was enfleshed and lived His entire life without sin. Jesus did many good works, but He was hated for His perfection and His claim to be equal with God. He was arrested, tried, and put to death by Roman crucifixion. He was buried in a tomb, and on the third day, God raised Jesus from the dead. Next, with some five hundred witnesses, Jesus ministered for forty days before His ascension into Heaven. Having been given all authority in Heaven and earth, He was enthroned at the right hand of majesty.

God the Father and God the Son sent God the Holy Spirit into the world (Pentecost), to convict the world of sin and to call all men everywhere to repent of their sins. People are not willing nor able to come to Jesus, for the forgiveness of sins. God must initiate, execute, and finish salvation.

The Bible teaches that God chose a people for His own possession, from before the foundation of the world. He predestined these to adoption as sons and wrote their names in the Lamb’s book of life. The Father gave these to the Son, who laid down His life, in love, for His church, the Israel of God.

King Jesus is coming again to judge the living and the dead, who will be resurrected on the last day, at His glorious appearing. God’s people from every place and age will be gathered to Him by angels. The present heavens and earth will be burned with fire, as will those enemies of Christ, sentenced by Him, to eternal punishment in the lake of fire.

God will create a new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells, and we shall always be with the Lord. The Lord knows those who are His and nothing can separate us from His everlasting love. This is Good News, for those given the grace to believe in Jesus, and to boast in what He has done for His beloved.

David Norczyk

Spokane Valley, Washington

December 11, 2020