What really matters?
I was on a plane last week for a short trip. All the worries about leaving on time, getting there on time, packing everything you need... none of it compares to what really matters - landing the plane safely. Because I think that's the hardest part. I think that's the most difficult and dangerous part. Landing the plane.
Last week, we heard from the book of Jude in church. We heard about the concerns over false teachers in the church. And I hope we took away from this how important it is as Christians to land the important parts of the gospel of Jesus, to know the true gospel, to know what matters.
There are a few passages that come to mind - let me share them here briefly:
First, the two sides of the coin - salvation and condemnation:
John 3:16-18
16For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
Believe in Jesus and be saved. Don't believe and you are already condemned.
Second, how we are saved:
Hebrews 10:11-14
11Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. 14For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
Jesus is the one sacrifice for all people - the only way to be saved. He has defeated sin and death by his death and resurrection.
Ephesians 2:8-9
8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast.
This little passage from Ephesians reminds us that good works will NOT get us into heaven. Ever. Grace alone. Faith alone. Jesus' work alone.
And finally, Jesus is the only way:
John 14:6
6Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
It is so simple - the Bible is VERY clear on this and much more. We need Jesus as no one else will save us. We need Him, we need his truth. We need Christ alone. By grace alone. Through faith alone. And that truth comes from the Bible alone.
It is so helpful to know and read and remember such verses because they help us to land the gospel well - to explain it well, and to defend ourselves from false teaching.
What other verses come to mind for you? What other particular Bible passages help you to land the gospel well?
Land the gospel. How? Know it well. Read it, remember it, treasure it.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I praise you for the good news of your gospel. Thank you for the truth you have given to me. Help me to love this truth and to let no false teaching stand in the way of knowing and sharing the gospel with others, so that your name may be glorified. Amen.