Christ Died for Our Sins

1 Corinthians 15:3 (NKJV) – For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

Christ died!  Generally, we don’t think good news when someone dies.  But Christ died for a purpose: He died for our sins!  Sin literally means to miss the mark; to engage in wrongdoing.

From where did sin come?

Romans 5:12 (NKJV) – Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—

If we say we have no sin, then we are lying!

Notice that sin doesn’t come by itself.  It came with death, and death spread to all men.

Sin can be conquered through Jesus.

What are consequences of sin?

It separates us from God.

Sentences us to death.  There is both a spiritual and natural death.  Adam didn’t know death until sin showed up.  A person who does not know Jesus is dead in their transgressions.

Singled me out as the object of His wrath.

“Sin is pleasurable for a season, but it’s lethal.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

“Gospel” literally means good news.  Even Paul in Romans reminds us that he is “not ashamed of the gospel.”  There is only way to the Father and that is through Jesus.

There are four responses to the Gospel

Receive It

In verse 1, the word receive means to “take along.”  If you reject the gospel, there is no way to get to salvation.  Many times people come up with their own pathway to God, but Jesus did not say He was one of many ways, He said that He IS the way.

Stand in It

To continue firmly; to be well established.  This is not a one-time experience, but rather an on-going experience where I am continually being shaped by the gospel.  My views are being established by the gospel.  This implies that you and I have to grow in the gospel.  There is an enemy of our faith that is counter to everything we believe.  We must not be moved by every wind of doctrine.

“There are some people that have more political allegiance, than gospel foundation.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

Be Saved by It

The word “saved” in verse 2 means we are being delivered, protected, healed, and reserved.  You and I are continually being saved by the gospel.

• We are saved
• We are being saved
• We will be saved

 

Hold Firmly to It

Hold it in your memory; keep it on your mind; and continue to believe.  When we stop holding on to it, the gospel loses its preciousness to us.  If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it!

“Don’t let anyone shake you off of Jesus.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

 

What is so Good about the Gospel?

God sacrificed His son to atone for you.  God planned this far in advance.

Christ died for our sins!