For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
- 1 CORINTHIANS 15:3-4 -
Of First Importance
The good news of Jesus' death and resurrection is more than a doctrinal position for our church. It is the center of what we believe, the grounds of our unity, the basis of our identity, the substance of our teaching, and the emphasis of our mission. We want everything we do to be shaped and guided by the gospel of Jesus Christ.
RUINED BY SIN
Although God made everything good (Gen. 1:31), mankind rebelled (Gen. 3:6), fell (Rom. 3:23), and now suffers under the curse of death (Rom. 5:12; Rom. 6:23). We are alienated from God because of our sin (Eph. 4:18), and none of us can save ourselves (Gal. 2:16; Jer. 2:22). We all stand guilty (Ecc. 7:20) before a holy God who will one day judge the earth (Heb. 9:27). Our sin brings death and deserves wrath (Col. 3:6; Eph. 2:3; Rom. 1:18).
REDEMPTION THROUGH CHRIST
God graciously planned to send Jesus to rescue His creation (Gal. 4:4-5). The Son of God became a man and took upon himself our sin and the judgement it deserves (Heb. 2:17; 2 Cor. 5:21). His righteous life and sacrificial death on the cross meet God's holy demands and open the way for sinful people to be forgiven and reconciled to God (Isaiah 53:5-6; Rom. 5:10). Because he rose from the dead, those who are united with him by faith are guaranteed to experience resurrection as well (Romans 6:3-5).
REGENERATION BY THE SPIRIT
All who would receive this free gift of salvation must repent of sin and place their faith in Christ (Mark 1:15). Only by believing in Christ can anyone receive eternal life (John 14:6; Gal. 3:11; John 3:16-18). Those who believe are by grace made spiritually alive (Eph. 2:4-5), forgiven of sin (Col. 2:13-14), reconciled with God (2 Cor. 5:17-18), adopted into His family (Gal. 4:4-5), and declared righteous (1 Cor. 6:11). All this is accomplished because of Christ's death on the cross and applied to us by Holy Spirit (Titus 3:4-7).
Have you experienced the transforming work of God's Spirit that brings us from spiritual death to life? If not, we want to talk with you and share more about this good news of the gospel.