The Transition from Time to Eternity

It has been stated that only two things are certain – death and taxes. While I understand the point of the statement, it is necessary to speak concerning two firm events that are positively sure to occur. These two events will occur in the life of literally every individual that is living, or that has lived. The first is the conclusion of this life; the second is the initiation of the next.

The Conclusion of This Life
Your life upon this earth is temporary, and its end is as sure as its beginning. The end of one’s life is never escaped; it is only delayed. Refusal to speak of life’s end will not prohibit its occurrence. Omit the thought from your mind, and its reality will seize your physical being into its clutches. Every life ends in one of two ways; either by death, or by rapture. Most lives have ended, and will end, in death. The heart will stop. The brain will cease its activity. The lungs will exhale its final breath of air. The blood will flow no longer. The body temperature will drop. This is the route by which most lives transit from time to eternity. This is the well-beaten path by which so many have, and so many will, travel from this life to the next.

Those whose lives will not end in death will end in rapture. The rapture, or the “catching up” of the saints of God, is an absolute true event that will occur, despite opposing opinion. Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of the living God, will descend from heaven with a shout. The dead in Christ shall rise first, and we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air. Should I be alive when Jesus returns to gather His church and pour out His wrath upon the children of disobedience, I will avoid the clutches of death. This is what the Bible means when Paul writes, “We shall not all sleep.” He is referring to the bodily sleep of death. Some will escape death. Those who are washed in the blood of Jesus Christ at His coming will undergo a change. Our physical bodies will be changed into a body like His glorious body. Those children of God who have already died will be resurrected, and will be changed as well. They will rise to the atmosphere, their bodies being changed into a glorious body. Whether I die to be resurrected later, or whether I live until Jesus comes; my life as I know it now, will assuredly and positively come to an end. I will not live for ever in this body or in this life.

The Initiation of the Next Life
As sure as the fact that this life will end, the next life will begin. Those who oppose the very thought of any existence after this life are opposing an already-proven fact. It is proven by the words of a God who cannot lie. Nothing is as irrelevant as a man’s opinion that opposes God’s absolutely true words.

Hebrews 9:27 – “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”

Man whose life has ended will surely face God Almighty at the eternal judgment bar. Three witnesses who have testified to you on earth will testify, either for you or against you, on this Judgment Day. The first witness that you face on that day is the Spirit of God. He has pricked your heart to be saved while you were on earth. He will testify to the Father as to whether you yielded to Him, or rejected Him. The second witness that will testify to the Father is the water, that is, the Word of God. When you heard the gospel message, how did you respond? When you read its pages or heard its pages proclaimed, how did you respond? Perhaps you never read a page of the Bible in your life. Then, those who lived a holy life in your presence LIVED its holy words before you! How did you respond? Did you obey its words? Did you accept the gospel call to repent and believe the gospel? Or, did you reject the eternal Word of God? The Word will testify concerning you on that day. The third witness you will face is the Blood, that is, the blood of Jesus Christ. Did you let the blood of Christ cleanse you of your sin? Or, did you rather trample the blood of the Son of God under your feet? The blood will testify concerning you on that day. And, should you have rejected these witnesses, it is stated clearly what is waiting:

Hebrews 10:29, 30 – “Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted THE BLOOD of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto THE SPIRIT of grace? For we know him that hath said [THE WORD], Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.”

You may ask, “Where do you get the idea that there are three that witness to us on earth?”

I get it from I John 5:8 – “And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.”

It is absolutely true that this life will conclude, and the next will begin. Only those who have cast off every weak attempt to save themselves, and trust solely in Jesus Christ and His atoning blood, will be saved.

Facing Death with Grace
Death, though defined as a dark-shadowed valley, has no terror for me. I am amazed at how many people I have heard testify of death’s “lonesome valley.” I hereby declare with absolute certainty and blessed assurance that the One who has promised never to leave me, will not forsake me in the hour of death!

I have heard of many who tell of their loved ones passing from this life to the next, who were simply escorted by heavenly hosts into realms of glory. Jesus told of one such occurrence. He tells, first, about a rich man who died and went to hell. The man closed his eyes for the last time in this life, to open them for the first time in hell. This rich man had no help getting to hell. No one escorted him. No one stood at the brink of the river to make sure his crossing was safe. He crossed the dark valley of death ALONE. No help, no escort, no support, no comfort, and no escape.

Then, Jesus tells, in the same story, of a beggar who died. The beggar did not go to a fiery hell. He departed from this life to the next, being escorted by angels! Jesus tells us, “He was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom!” He had plenty of company in his transition from time to eternity! He had light in death’s dark valley! Death always looks like an end, until a child of God faces it. Then, the child of God opens his eyes, and sees that there is much more over there than there is over here!

A minister visited his dying mother in the hospital. She asked, “Son, aren’t the flowers beautiful?” The son looked for flowers. There were flowers in the hospital room, but they were below the hospital bed. It shocked the minister that his mother even saw those flowers. Nevertheless, he responded, “Yes, Mother, the flowers are beautiful.” She went on to say, “The walls! Aren’t the walls beautiful?” The minister looked at the unattractive, grey hospital walls. Failing to see any beauty before his eyes, it dawned on the minister. He then realized that his ailing mother was seeing the jasper walls of the heavenly world. So, responded to his dear mother, “Yes, Mother, the walls are beautiful!” With those final words, the minister, Monroe Parker, took his mother’s hand. She closed her eyes in this life and opened them in the next! What a peaceful transition! Not a trace of fear was present in that room!

Augustus Toplady, author of the well-known hymn “Rock of Ages,” lived out the hymn’s plea at the hour of his death. Having seen his physician, Toplady’s physician told him, “Your pulse is becoming weaker.” Toplady responded, “That is a good sign that my death is fast approaching; and I can add that my heart beats every day stronger and stronger for glory.” When Toplady’s physician tried to encourage him, he simply responded, “No, no; I shall die, for no mortal could endure such manifestations of God’s glory as I have had, and live.” This man experienced at his death what he wrote in his life:

Rock of Ages, cleft for me!
Let me hide myself in Thee.
Let the water and the blood
From thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure –
Save from wrath and make me pure.

When I draw this fleeting breath;
When my eyes shall close in death;
When I rise to worlds unknown;
And behold Thee on Thy throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me!
Let me hide myself in Thee!

Be Thankful

Psalm 100:4 – “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”

Noah Webster, in his 1828 Dictionary of American English, defines the word, “thanksgiving” this way –

“A public celebration of divine goodness; also, a day set apart for religious services, specially to acknowledge the goodness of God, either in any remarkable deliverance from calamities or danger, or in the ordinary dispensation of his bounties. The practice of appointing an annual thanksgiving originated in New England.”

You may ask, “What does it mean to ‘thank?’” Webster defines “thank” this way –

“To express gratitude for a favor; to make acknowledgments to one for kindness bestowed.”

There are three areas of thanksgiving, and you must have all three in order for this idea of thanksgiving to work. Thanksgiving must first have a subject. By “subject,” I am referring to the one who is expressing thanks. Secondly, thanksgiving must have an object, which is the one receiving thanks. Thirdly, thanksgiving must have a reason, or something for which to be thankful. True thankfulness possesses all three parts. Let us look at these parts.

The Subject of Thanksgiving – The One Expressing Thanks
In writing of this subject of thanksgiving, I must begin with the fact that thankfulness, before anything else, is an attitude. True thanksgiving begins with an attitude of gratitude. If a person neglects to say “thank you,” it could be that the person is thankful, but simply forgot to say it! However, there are others who do not say “thank you” are merely unthankful. Let me go a little further. There are those who say “thank you” who are not genuinely thankful. They prove this by their actions. So, thankfulness is not just saying “thank you;” it is not just writing a “thank you” note; it is not expressed only with the mouth; it begins with an attitude. While it is important to say “thank you,” it is more important to mean it.

How does one show that he is sincere concerning his thankfulness? I think the best way to show that you are thankful is by properly maintaining the things for which you are thankful. If someone gives me money, I show my thankfulness by spending the money wisely. If you give me a considerable sum of cash, and you notice that I neglect the electric bill to pay for a hobby or habit, you would conclude that I was unthankful. You would be correct in your thinking. I may say “thank you,” but I neglect to show it by my behavior. If you gave me a vehicle, and I never maintained it, treating it like a race car, my lack of thankfulness would be obvious.

It is amazing to me how we claim to be thankful to the Lord for His blessings; yet we show it very little. If you are thankful for a good church to which to go, you should show it by being as faithful as possible. If you are thankful for your family, show it by taking time to show them you care. If you are thankful that your bills are paid, show it by putting God first in your finances. If you are thankful that your stomach is full, show it by filling someone else’s. I think the point here is clearly made.

The Object of Thanksgiving – The One Receiving Thanks
While in high school, I was sitting in a classroom on the day prior to the start of Thanksgiving break. The principal was speaking to us through the intercom, explaining to us that we should be thankful. While his point was true, he forgot one major aspect of thanksgiving – he never told us to whom we were to be thankful! I stated earlier that “true thanksgiving begins with an attitude of gratitude.” Notice, I did not say “thanksgiving is an attitude of gratitude.” Thanksgiving includes an acknowledgement of one’s blessings; but to be truly thankful, one must express his thanks to an intelligent being who is responsible for the blessing given, and capable of receiving thanks. Thanksgiving is not just saying, “I’m glad I was healthy all year.” Thanksgiving, however, is expressing this gladness to the ONE who kept you healthy all year. If you are truly thankful, you are just muttering to yourself, “I’m glad I lived another year!” It is rather turning your heart toward the God of the Bible, the only true God, the only Giver of life, and thanking Him that you are yet alive! There are many things for which I am thankful, that only God Almighty could give. Life, health, strength to make money, family and friends, answered prayers, salvation, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and so forth. To pretend to be "thankful" without thanking the individual who is responsible is not thankfulness at all. If you do not thank God for your life, you are unthankful. Thanksgiving must have an object, or it is not thanksgiving at all.

The Reasons for Thanksgiving – The Things for which We Are Thankful
I could write much concerning the things for which I am thankful. I am first and foremost thankful to God the Father for sending Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son into the world to save sinners. I am thankful to Jesus Christ for being willing to forsake the splendor of heaven, and live in this wicked world to save me. I am thankful that He poured out His blood at Calvary on that dreadful day. I am thankful that, contrary to opposing opinion, He rose from the dead on the third day, according to the scriptures. I am thankful for the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of the living God, who showed me how lost I was without Christ and drew me to Jesus Christ. I am thankful for my ministry. I am thankful for those who read my blog. I am thankful for all material blessings I have received. I am thankful that, in all my travels, I have never been injured in an accident. I am thankful for my life, my family, and my friends. I am thankful to God Almighty for all that He does, and I pray that I will never take for granted His blessings!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!

Do Labels Intimidate You?

Part of living as a Christian includes taking a stand for the right and against the wrong. In the Bible, we have examples of God’s people taking a stand for truth, even when their lives were at stake. In our day, when one takes a stand for truth, opponents of this individual will label him. The purpose of labels is to silence the one taking a stand. Many times, sad to say, it works. But let me clear. You can call me whatever name you wish. You can attach whatever label upon me that suits your fancy. But after you attach the label, truth will still be truth, and lies will still be lies. I will look at a few labels used by opponents of truth.

The “Intolerant” and “Judgmental” Labels
The first labels I will mention are used primarily by the unsaved. Often, they are aimed at conservatives. These labels are pulled out often in a conversation between a liberal and a conservative. At some point, the liberal in the conversation will refer to the conservative as being “intolerant,” or “judgmental.”

In looking at the “intolerant” label, let me say that this label, used by liberals, is laughable. I have a Facebook account. I had a few friends that are liberal. I visited their pages only to find out I was no longer their Facebook friend! I never booted them off of my friend list; but rather the “tolerant” liberals booted me off theirs! Another point worth discussing here is that when I mention my beliefs to “tolerant” liberals, they are intolerant! That’s right; those who pull out the “intolerant” label are extremely intolerant to those who disagree with them! Make no mistake about it; liberals absolutely HATE us! They accuse conservatives of being filled with hate, but they abhor us! The bottom line is this – I am resolved to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, revealing to this world the errors of their sinful ways. I preach the Bible, and make known to the sinner his sins that are offensive to God Almighty. If this makes me “intolerant,” then go tell the world that I am intolerant. Go ahead. Tell them. It will not silence me.

What about the “judgmental” label? The ironic element concerning this hypocritical label is stated simply – those who call me judgmental…are judging me! Furthermore, I do not deny being judgmental. Let me make this clear – I judge! I make judgments. For every Bible verse that you find that forbids judging, I can show you ten that command judging! Everyone who is wise makes judgments. A counsellor is good when when he shows good judgment. A good parent is judgmental; teaching their kids what is right, as well as what is wrong. An idiotic parent is one who refuses to correct their children, lest they show some kind of judgment. When your teenager is in a relationship that may result in marriage, you will hope that you taught them principles of making sound JUDGMENTS!

The same Bible that says, “Judge not” says “Judge righteous judgment.” It says, “Try [or, put on trial] the spirits.” It says, “He that is spiritual judgeth all things.” It says further, “Know ye not that we shall judge angels? How much more things that pertain to this life?” So, there are times when we are not to make judgments; but there are far more times when we are commanded to make judgments. Therefore, I am unashamedly judgmental. I preach what is right and point my finger at what is wrong. If that makes me judgmental, then mark me down as being judgmental. It does not scare or intimidate me.

The “Easy-Believism” Label
At this time, we will discuss a label used by some within the church. As I have written in several blog posts, I am convinced that salvation is by grace, through faith. I preach that one must “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ” to be saved. I do not believe in being saved or kept by works. Because I believe this, some label me as believing in “easy-believism.” Since the term “easy-believism” is not in the Bible, you must define it before I determine whether I believe it or not. If you define “easy-believism” as “believing in the existence of God to be saved,” then I do NOT believe in “easy-believism.” The devils have sense enough to believe in God’s existence, but they are not saved. If you define the term as meaning, “believing that Jesus died on the cross in order to be saved,” then I do NOT believe in “easy-believism.”

However, if you define “easy-believism” as meaning “getting saved by believing [trusting, depending, relying upon] Jesus Christ and His work on Calvary, and by nothing else,” then YES, I believe in “easy-believism.” Notice, I do not use the term, “easy-believism” because it is not a Biblical term. The truth is, what you are calling “easy-believism” is not easy. It is simple enough to depend solely on the finished work of Christ for salvation, but man has something in him that wants to be religious. Man desires to keep rules, regulations, or standards to be saved. It is easier for most people to put some form of works, standards, sacraments, or something else with their faith in Jesus Christ to be saved. But none of those things save anyone. It is depending solely on Jesus Christ. He alone is the Saviour and the Keeper of our souls. If you think that applying the “easy-believism” label to me will cause me to back down from the Bible truth that salvation is not by works, you are dead wrong! I will preach Bible salvation! If you desire to do so, go tell the world that I believe in “easy-believism.”

The “Legalism” and “Lordship Salvation” Labels
Let me discuss this “legalism” label first. I am a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ, that man need not die because of his sins. But, the first step in preaching the gospel is not declaring the good news; it is rather revealing the bad news, the news that mankind is sinful and needs a Saviour. The book of Romans, the great discourse on salvation, gives the clearest presentation of salvation. In Romans 10, Paul tells explicitly how to be saved. However, in the first three chapters of the epistle, Paul defines sin in detail. Paul declares in chapter one that the heathen are guilty of sin; in chapter two that the hypocrite is guilty of sin; and in chapter three that the Hebrew is guilty of sin. The conclusion of these three chapters is summed up in Romans 3:23, stating, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” The truth is, we must get them lost before we can get them saved!

As a result of this need of showing people their lost estate, I preach against their sin. When I do so, someone always seem to label me as a “legalist.” Again, since the word, “legalism” is not a Biblical term, you will need to define it before I acknowledge whether or not I fit the label. If you define the term “legalism” as meaning “the teaching that keeping laws or commandments is necessary to be saved,” then I have made it very clear that I do not believe in such a teaching. However, if you define the term “legalism” as “teaching that there is a right or wrong way to live,” then yes, I am a legalist. The fact of the matter is that I am not a legalist, as I understand the actual definition of the word. However, when I preach against sin, you can label me a legalist, but it will change nothing. Sin will still be sin, and I will still declare it!

As for the “Lordship salvation” label, some attach this to me when I preach that genuine salvation results in a change of heart, mind, and life. I preach that if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. I preach that a man’s mind is renewed at the time of conversion, having the laws of God written in his heart and mind. A saved person has a desire to please his Lord. According to Romans 6, if you are genuinely saved, you are the servant of God, obeying God to live a life of righteousness. If you have a genuine salvation experience, you are dead to the law. This makes you free from sin, servants to God; you have your fruit unto holiness and everlasting life, as Romans 6:22 states. I do not preach that Lordship leads to salvation; but I do preach that salvation leads to Lordship. So, do I believe in “Lordship salvation?” Again, that would depend on how you define the term, since it is not a Biblical term. If “Lordship salvation” means that a person obeys the commandments of the Bible in order to be saved, or “stay saved,” then I am absolutely opposed to “Lordship salvation.” If “Lordship salvation” means that a person who has been saved by the grace of God lives his life as a servant to his Lord, then yes, I believe in “Lordship salvation.” I am not going to cease to preach that God’s people live a holy, pure, clean life just because someone labels me as believing in “Lordship Salvation.” Label me whatever you choose. Salvation is by grace through faith. Just as true is the fact that salvation results in being dead to the law that we might live unto God. The Christian who has truly been regenerated lives to please and glorify God.

We must resolve to present the truth of the gospel to this lost and dying world. When they label us, remember that their purpose is to silence us. We must not be silent. Call me intolerant or judgmental, and I will still preach that right is right and wrong is wrong. Accuse me of believing in “easy-believism” and I will continue to preach that salvation is by trusting His work, and is attained or maintained by no work of ours. Accuse me of being a legalist or believing in “Lordship salvation,” and I will still preach that salvation that is by the grace of God results in a holy life. Labels do not intimidate or silence me. Take those labels somewhere else; they’ll not work with me!

No Life without Christ

John 10:10 - "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

John 20:31 - "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."

In our confused world in which we live, there are ongoing debates concerning the actuality of life on other planets, in other solar systems, or anywhere else in the universe for that matter. However, the truth is, many who inhabit this planet are without life. Those within the realm of the educated are trying to determine whether there is life beyond this one; that is, whether a person who closes their eyes in death will open them elsewhere. But the truth is, those who do not know Jesus Christ do not possess life before death; let alone after death. Please understand, I am not saying that those who do not know Christ have nothing to live for; I am saying that they do not live at all. Those who "live it up" are the most miserable people in the world. I have never met a non-Christian who was happy. Atheists and infidels present to the world a prime example of misery. Those who have the most possessions often enjoy those possessions the least. I have spoken with Muslims, and I have never seen a Muslim smile or laugh (except on 9/11). I was preaching a few years ago in Columbus, Ohio. The building we were using for services was also occupied by Muslims. I saw Muslims pray and read the Koran. But throughout the duration of our meeting in that place, I never heard a Muslim sing. Our services were filled with heartfelt, sincere singing. Our services were overlaid with joy, gladness, and melodies of praise to the One and Only King of kings and Lord of lords, who lifted us out of the horrible pit and set our feet upon the Rock of Ages. But in the section of the facilities occupied by our Muslim friends, not a single note was even hummed. If they sung at all, we Christians did not hear it. And this is understandable. I do not expect to hear a song from a people who have nothing about which to sing! Christians sing because we have within us a well of water springing up into everlasting LIFE! Non-Christians know nothing of life or its joy. But the good news is that Jesus Christ came to give life, and life more abundantly.

Eternal Life
One characteristic of the life of a Christian is that he has eternal life. You may ask, "What is eternal life?" Eternal life is not heaven. Eternal life is not something I hope to attain. Eternal life is rather life that I have right now. Jesus defines eternal life explicitly in His High-Priestly prayer to the Father in John 17:3 - "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." Eternal life is defined this way - "...that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent." Eternal life is not knowing about God; it is knowing God personally. It is not a rulebook; it is a relationship.

Our Life is "Unto God"
Galatians 2:19 states, "For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God." This idea of "living unto God" speaks of our life as a sacrifice, or an offering. In the Old Testament, an animal was slain and offered to God as a sacrifice. Only the best animals that could be found were used. No one who had a heart to please God would offer a crippled animal, or a sickly animal, or a weak animal. This would be an insult! But when I see so many profess Christ today who offer a pitiful, sickly, weak, sinful, abominable life to God as some sort of service, it is enough to gag a maggot! Romans 12:1 tells us how to give our life as an offering - "...present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." When we present our bodies as holy sacrifices to Him, we are living "unto man," "unto our church," "unto our children," or "unto" anything else. We are living "unto God." Our goal is to please Him only. Pleasing people is not the goal. Pleasing family is not the objective. Pleasing our church is not our desire. I do not live a certain way because my pastor preaches it; I live a certain way UNTO GOD.

Our Life is "By Faith"
The Bible says in multiple places, that the just, or justified, shall live BY FAITH. We do not live by law, by commandments, or by any rulebook of the Pharisees; we live by faith. This simply means that we have placed our faith in Jesus Christ alone to be saved; and we continue in that same faith. I was saved in 1994. Now, sixteen years later, I am still clinging to the cross. I still have no confidence in the flesh. I still have no confidence in man's creeds, religions, and rules. I still have no confidence in keeping commandments.

Galatians 2:20 describes the Christian life which is by faith - "I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live: yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. And the life which I now live in the flesh, I live BY THE FAITH of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Two facts are evident here. First, if we live by faith, it is Christ who lives in us. There are those who hate this statement. They have convinced themselves that, in their flesh, they are living sinless and holy. They do not understand the scriptures, and they are not preachers of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Christian life is not me doing anything. It is about me being dead, and letting Jesus live in me. No man knows what life is until they die out to their flesh and let Jesus live in them. This is life!

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life; and this life was given to us when He died upon the rugged cross of Calvary!

No Wonder We Call it the Gospel!

Romans 1:16 - "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."

The gospel of Jesus Christ is, by far, the most relevant; the most accurate; and the most tried, tested, and proven plan ever executed. It works every time it has been tried. It produces life-changing results. It removes the guilt of sin that tramples upon mankind. Upon receiving it, a man can stand and say, "That filthy, ungodly wretch is who I was; but now, I am a new creature!"

Paul begins the above verse by proclaiming, "I am not ashamed of the gospel." I will note here the definition of the word, "gospel." I will let the Bible define it for us. Note the following:

Luke 4:18 - "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor..."

In this verse, Jesus is quoting from the Old Testament, namely

Isaiah 61:1 - "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek..."

In Luke 4:18, the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew text, Isaiah 61:1, shows that Christ would be anointed to preach the gospel, or "good tidings," to the poor. The gospel is "good tidings." The word, "tidings" means literally, "news." Luke 2:10 refers to the gospel as "good tidings of great joy." Luke 8:1, Acts 13:32, and Romans 10:15 refer to "glad tidings." The word, "glad" literally means, "happy or joyful." The gospel is good news! It is the clear, concise answer that God Almighty has provided in Jesus Christ for man's problem of sin and separation from God. It is medicine to the sick, administered by the Great Physician Himself. It is the remedy for the downcast. It is hope for those who have fallen into deep, incurable despair. It is the act of the Saviour taking our lives, equivalent to LESS THAN the two fishes and five loaves given to Jesus, and distributing our lives in a far greater dimension than we ever thought possible. It is life given to the dead, to those who were dead in trespasses and sins. It is the work of God in us. Understanding the definition of the gospel, all I can say is, "No wonder we call it the Gospel!"

Paul's wording in our text is, "I am not ashamed of the gospel." And really, WHY WOULD HE BE? It is the absolute only hope for this world. It will work for any man who obeys it by believing it. The only person who can be disqualified from receiving the gospel is the man who is not a sinner, for Jesus said in Matthew 9:13, Mark 2:17, and Luke 5:32, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." If you are a sinner, plagued with "big sins" or "little sins," you are a perfect candidate for the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a gift from the Father, wrapped by Joseph of Arimathaea, with your name on it!

Paul states, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION." The gospel is power. I gave you the definition of the gospel; but now I give you the demonstration of the gospel. Jesus, in His earthly ministry, defined the gospel as good news, but upon the old, rugged cross, He demonstrated the gospel. Notice the following:

I Corinthians 15:1 - "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;"

Here, Paul begins to declare the gospel. In the verses following, he declares the gospel, the good news.

I Corinthians 15:3, 4 - "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures."

Yes, the gospel is glad tidings of great joy. It is good news for fallen man. Christ did not merely declare the gospel; He demonstrated it to us!

Romans 5:8 - "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

What a gospel! Jesus took up a cross and died for those of us who deserved it the least, along with the rest! The scriptures call on us to "obey the gospel" in II Thessalonians 1:8 and I Peter 4:17. But how do you "obey the gospel?" If the gospel is defined as good news and was demonstrated by Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, how do we "obey the gospel?" There's only one way to obey the gospel. We find the answer in Mark 1:15, spoken by Jesus Christ Himself. "And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." There must be a repentance from our trusting of any works other than Christ's; and we must solely believe, trust, rest, rely, and depend on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ! This is the only way to obey the gospel - The gospel must be believed!

No wonder we call it the Gospel!