The Simplicity of the Gospel

The Law demands perfect obedience, but no one can fulfill it.

The Law requires flawless obedience for righteousness.

Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.Deuteronomy 27:26

All people fall short of the Law’s standard.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;Romans 3:23

Should you decide to live by your own righteousness, you will be judged on the basis of that effort.

And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds:Romans 2:3-6

Our righteousness is imputed by Jesus, not achieved by our own efforts.

Salvation is by grace through faith, not by human merit.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.Ephesians 2:8-9

Faith trusts in Jesus’ finished work, not our own.

Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.Romans 3:28

If we can be saved by our own good works, then why would Jesus have had to die?

I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.Galatians 2:21

Jesus has fulfilled the Law, making salvation near and accessible. Don’t overcomplicate the Gospel.

Christ is the fulfillment and end of the law for righteousness.

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.Romans 10:4

Salvation is available to all who call on the Lord.

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.Romans 10:13

The Gospel invites immediate confession and belief in Jesus.

Confessing Jesus publicly affirms saving faith.

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.Matthew 10:32

Belief in Jesus’ resurrection is essential to salvation.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.Romans 10:9

Respond to the Gospel by confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in your heart.

Rest in the assurance that salvation is a gift, not earned by works.

As the church, we must guard the clarity of the Gospel.

We must keep the Gospel accessible.