The True Gospel: Finding Salvation in the Right Word
“I am the LORD and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee though thou hast not known me:” - God, Isaiah 45:5
The question, “What is the real gospel?” Is a profound inquiry that speaks to the core of our spiritual understanding. Let’s delve into the analogy of the store to better grasp the concept.
A Mysterious Store
Imagine a store that you enter one day, only to be confronted with a life-changing revelation. As you walk into the produce section, you see a photo of someone named “Arnold McBurpturds,” captioned with an offensive statement about his rear end. This encounter propels you into a store that sells dog food, only to be met again with another photo of this same person making unverified claims about his products.
After fainting due to this bizarre experience, you eventually find ‘Aisle 5’ for canned soft drinks, only to be faced with yet another photo and provocative claim. These exaggerated scenarios exemplify the confusion one can encounter when confronted with false and misleading information.
Was the store that sold produce, dog food, and soft drinks “the real store,” or is it the one who made false claims? This question reflects a deeper issue of authenticity and the reliability of information.
The True Store: Finding Salvation and Truth
“Look unto me, and be ye saved. All the ends of the earth: for I am God; there is none else,” - God, Isaiah 45:22
Just as your faith is in the true store that sells real groceries, your salvation lies in the true gospel. The analogy of the store can be extended to the Word of God, which is the source of truth and salvation. Our belief must be based on a clear and trustworthy Word, not false claims or misleading information.
The Word of God and Jesus Christ
“I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” - Jesus Christ, John 8:12
The Word of God is the light that guides us through life’s darkness. It provides us with the truth and clarity needed to make informed decisions and find true salvation. In contrast, false teachings, akin to the misleading photo claims in the store, can lead us astray.
The Call to Reason and Faith
“Come now, let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” - God, Isaiah 1:18
“And if I be lifted up from the earth, will I draw all men unto me.” - Jesus Christ, John 12:32
The call to reason and faith urges us to look beyond false teachings and uphold the truth as revealed in the Word of God. As Christians, we are called to follow God and Jesus Christ, trusting in their Word and the hope of salvation they offer.
The Gospel and Salvation
“Now we know that what things soever the law saith it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested being witnessed by the law and the prophets, even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” - Romans 3:19-23
The gospel is a call to rely on the righteousness of God, manifested through faith in Jesus Christ. It does not rely on our own deeds or righteousness but on the trust in the Word of God and the actions of Jesus Christ. This faith is the foundation through which we can be saved and find true salvation.
In conclusion, just as you would choose the real store filled with genuine goods over false claims, so too must we choose the true Word of God to find salvation. Trust in the true gospel and its promises, and let the light of Jesus Christ guide you through the darkness.