The Gospel
The word “gospel” comes from the Greek term euangelion, which means “good news” and refers to a joyful or positive message. However, the good news can’t be fully appreciated unless the bad news is completely comprehended.
We Are All Sinners
Scripture teaches that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Our sin is not merely external or occasional—it is a condition of the heart. By nature, we are spiritually dead and alienated from God, unable to please Him or earn His favor on our own (Ephesians 2:1-3).
The Just Punishment for Sin
Because God is perfectly holy and just, He must punish sin. The just penalty for sin is death—both physical and eternal separation from God in hell (Romans 6:23). No amount of good deeds or religious efforts can erase the guilt of our sin.
The Sacrifice God Made
But God, in His mercy and love, made a way for sinners to be reconciled to Him. He did not ignore justice—He satisfied it. God the Father sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to live the perfect life we could never live and to die the death we deserved.
The Finished Work of Christ on the Cross
On the cross, Jesus bore the wrath of God on behalf of His people. He became the substitute, taking our punishment so that we could be forgiven. As He declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30), the debt of sin was paid in full for all who believe. His resurrection three days later proved His victory over sin and death.
Imputed Righteousness by Faith Alone
In salvation, God not only forgives our sin, but also credits to us the perfect righteousness of Christ. This is called imputed righteousness. When we repent and trust in Jesus alone for salvation, God sees us not in our sin, but clothed in the righteousness of His Son (2 Corinthians 5:21). This righteousness is not earned—it is received by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).
A New Life for the Glory of God
Those who believe the gospel are made new. We are adopted into God’s family, filled with His Spirit, and empowered to live for His glory. This transformation is not the basis of our salvation but the result of it—a life lived in joyful obedience as a response to God’s incredible grace.
The Blessed Hope: Christ’s Return and the Promise of Heaven
The gospel does not end with forgiveness and new life in the present—it points us toward a glorious future. Just as Jesus came once to deal with sin, He will come again to bring His people into eternal glory.
Christ Will Come Again
Scripture promises that Jesus Christ will return visibly, bodily, and in power and glory (Acts 1:11; Matthew 24:30). On that day, He will judge the living and the dead, separate the righteous from the unrighteous, and fully establish His eternal kingdom (2 Timothy 4:1). For those who have trusted in Him, Christ’s second coming is not a cause for fear, but for eager anticipation. It is the blessed hope (Titus 2:13)—the day when faith becomes sight, and every tear will be wiped away.
The Resurrection and Eternal Life
At His return, the dead in Christ will be raised with glorified bodies, and believers who are alive will be transformed (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52). We will be made like Him and dwell with Him forever, free from sin, suffering, and death.
Heaven: Eternal Joy in God’s Presence
Heaven is not merely a place of peace or rest—it is the eternal presence of God Himself. Believers will enjoy unbroken fellowship with the Triune God, worshiping and rejoicing in Him for all eternity (Revelation 21:3-4). The curse will be no more. We will see His face (Revelation 22:4) and be fully satisfied in Him.
Living in Light of Eternity
This future hope fuels our present faith. We live not for the temporary pleasures of this world, but for the glory that is to come. As we await Christ’s return, we seek to live holy and godly lives, proclaiming the gospel so that others may come to know the Savior and share in this eternal joy.
[1] And you were dead in the trespasses and sins [2] in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—[3] among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. [4] But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, [5] even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—[6] and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, [7] so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. [8] For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (ESV)
Ephesians 2:1–10
Reformed Theology
Reformed theology, with its foundational beliefs rooted in the principles of the Protestant Reformation, offers a comprehensive view of Christianity that emphasizes the sovereignty of God in all aspects of life. At its core, Reformed theology focuses on the supremacy of Scripture and the need for salvation by grace alone through faith in Christ. By examining the Scriptures through the lens of Reformed theology, one can gain a deeper understanding of God’s majesty and the depth of His love for His people.
The Doctrines of Grace
At its core, Reformed theology is built on the basic principles of the five points of Calvinism, known by the acronym TULIP: Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, and Perseverance of the saints. These fundamentals underscore the idea that all of humanity is inherently sinful, chosen by God for salvation not by merit but by His grace alone, with Christ’s sacrifice being for the elect, God’s grace being irresistible, and the assurance that those saved will persevere till the end.
The Five Solas
The Five Solas are timeless truths that ground our faith. Sola Scriptura emphasizes the importance of Scripture as the ultimate authority for faith and practice. Sola Fide means that salvation is by faith alone, apart from our works, emphasizing the profound grace of God’s gift. Sola Gratia serves as a reminder that salvation is purely by God’s grace. Solus Christus emphasizes that Christ is the only mediator between God and mankind. Soli Deo Gloria reminds us that all glory belongs to God alone, calling us to live our lives in service and praise to Him.
Dawn Zauner 
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