The Gospel is the good news that God, the infinite Holy One who created time and space has entered into the realm of time and space. God The Son robed Himself in human flesh and dwelt among His created people. Romans 1: 3 says concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, 4 who was declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. God is truly Glorious and Mighty, the title of the song we will sing during our offering. “Majesty, Your glory shines brighter than the moon and the stars. Marveling, we honor and fear You above all gods. Glorious and mighty, You’re awesome in beauty; joyful songs we raise: glorious and mighty, You’re awesome in beauty, greatly to be praised!”
Sin is bad news, and we see it’s effects manifested in acts of selfishness, greed, guilt, meaninglessness and hopelessness (see Galatians 5: 19-21). These things are a result of breaking the Law of God. 2 Thessalonians 2:8-9 speaks of the end of those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus . These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the Glory of His power.
Why did Christ die for sinners? To free us from the bondage of sin? To save us from the wrath of God that is to come? His Robes for Mine beautifully answers these questions. “His Robes for mine: O wonderful exchange! Clothed in my sin, Christ suffered ‘neath God’s rage. Draped in his righteousness, I’m justified. In Christ I live, for in my place He died. His Robes for Mine: such anguish none can know; Christ God’s beloved, condemned as His foe. He as though I, accused and left alone; I as though He, embraced and welcomed home.” The end of verse 3 says sins wage is paid; propitiation won! In this great exchange God’s Glory is on full display as He gives mercy to those whom He has appointed for salvation.
In Romans Chapter 1: 6-7 the Apostle Paul tells his readers that they are the called of Jesus Christ, beloved of God, and called as saints. And this true of us who have been given the gift of faith through grace to believe the Gospel of God. As we remember and proclaim the Lord’s death and resurrection in communion we will sing What Wonderous Love Is This. “When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down, when I was sinking down, o my soul! When I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown, Christ laid aside His crown for soul, for my soul, Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.”
See how great a loved the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called the children of God; and such we are! 1st John 1:3a
