If God formed the church from the proclamation of the Gospel, then Rock Springs Church must also be formed from the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
So what then is the Gospel?
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed – a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17
The gospel is an announcement of good news that in Christ we have been redeemed. Paul put it this way: Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. Romans 8:1-3
Our Past is History! Because Jesus finished the work of paying for sin on the cross, now there is no more guilt, no more fear, no more shame, no more need to perform in order to be accepted. Because of the gospel our past has been erased. God remembers our sin no more. We have been forgiven!
Our Destiny has been Altered! “For He has rescued from the dominion of darkness and brought into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Col 1:13-14
Because of Jesus’s work on the cross, we are no longer in the realm of death, but we’ve crossed over to the realm of life. We have been set free to live a new life with Christ as our King! A benevolent King who gave everything to purchase us. This is good news. We have been set free!
Gospel of Matthew explains it this way: “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”
Our Redemption comes from the Heart of God! He loved us so much that why were still sinners – defiant of His will, choosing to be our own masters, and helpless to change our plight – Instead of condemning us, God did the opposite… God loved us, sent His Son to die in our place so we could be forgiven, freed and made completely righteous in Jesus Christ.
Our redemption came from His love. It was His work. His work is finished! We have been redeemed!
This is the POWER of the gospel! I no longer have to prove anything. I’m no longer a slave to sin or fear. I no longer have to gain man’s approval. Most importantly, I no longer have to earn or gain God’s approval. I have been redeemed. I am FORGIVEN and FREE!