The clarity of the Christian gospel

It is good and therapeutic to, at times, write down the basics of what we believe in; what we live for. In my preparation for 40 Days of Purpose journey, I have reflected a little on what the author of the book, 'The Purpose Driven Life' has to say about the Christian gospel, the urgency of evangelism and God's call upon my life. I have been so refreshed this past week as I have begun to read parts of Purpose Driven Life again. Next week I start the 'READ' in an intentional systematic way, inclusive of a fresh study of the various scripture passages that are referenced. The intentional focus that is encouraged, for individuals to know what it is that God is calling us to is indeed very challenging. Let me summarise what I have been reminded of by reading this book by Rick Warren, concerning the claims of Christ, .

ABOUT CHRIST.
Jesus is the only way to the Father; without Christ, people are hopelessly lost and heading for eternal separation from God. (p284)
Jesus will return when the good-news is preached. (p286)
Through Christ alone, we are reconciled to God and our sin's are forgiven. (p294)
Jesus Christ died for all people. (p294)
Jesus Christ died on the Cross for you (p58)
People are lost without Christ. (p294)
Jesus gives those who have received Christ and believed in his name, the right to become children of God (p58)

ABOUT HUMANS WITHOUT CHRIST
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (p55)
We are separated from God because of sin (p 284)
People are lost without Christ (p 294)

HOW OUGHT PEOPLE RESPOND TO THIS LOST STATE
We are to believe in Christ and what he has done on the Cross (p 58)
We are to accept and trust Jesus and receive his forgiveness (p 58)
We are to accept what Jesus did for us and trust him (p 34)

These are just a few 'gospel truths' that can be found in the early chapters and the latter chapters of the book "Purpose Driven Life" Might a person encounter the gospel of Christ in this book and be directed towards Christ. Let me answer this by asking some questions:

• will a person come to understand that they are lost eternally without Christ?
• will a person be reminded that in order to enter into an eternal relationship with God the Father, they need acknowledge that they are a sinner and receive Christ as Lord of their life?
• will a person understand that forgiveness of sin is essential for eternal life?
• will a person be confronted with the news that Jesus is the way the truth and the life?
• will a person be reminded that our response to the work of Christ on the Cross is to accept what he has done on the cross as essential for salvation and receive his forgiveness?

The resounding answer to each of these questions is YES. Reading the book "The Purpose Driven Life" does not bring purpose or life; rather it presents us with the means to understand how purpose and life is found in the person of Christ - and it points us clearly and unreservedly to the gospel of God as found in the Scriptures.

I am looking forward to using 40 Days of Purpose as a mechanism to spend quality time in God's Word and to deepen my relationship with Jesus Christ. Maybe you will to. Starting Sunday 8th May, this blog will daily explore some of the treasures of God's word. I hope you will read and contribute as we journey together.

Drew Mellor