So...What's Next?

  In my last post I explained the basic gospel story:

Creation: God’s first (and greatest) miracle, a display of his love for mankind

Fall: Adam and Eve’s rebellion against God brought sin into the world, which caused separation between God and man

Redemption: God sent his son Jesus to redeem mankind through his death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. All we have to do is believe in Him, and we will be saved.

But this isn’t the end of the story! After his resurrection, Jesus spent forty more days on Earth then ascended into heaven. Before his ascension, Jesus left us with a purpose and a promise.

The Church

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Many people think of the church as the place they go on Sunday mornings or on Christmas and Easter. They might think of the pastors and the other people at their church. Or they might think of their denomination-Baptist, Wesleyan, Presbyterian, etc. While these are all accurate ways to think about the church, this is not exactly what I’m talking about. I’m talking about the Bride of Christ and the overall mission, which transcends denominational differences. This is the universal church.

So what is the role of the Bride of Christ? First, to submit to Christ (Ephesians 5:22-23). This means following his command from Matthew 28:19-20 (also called The Great Commission), working through repentance and sanctification, and being part of a local church.

The Great Commission: simply put, sharing the gospel! If we have the best news ever, why wouldn’t we share it? “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16).

Repentance and sanctification: We are redeemed through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works. But submitting to Christ means living in a way that honors Him. Repentance is turning away from sin and sanctification is the process by which we become more holy.

I like how Paul talks about this in Philippians 3. He talks about having a righteousness that comes through faith in Christ but recognizes this does not come from the law or even from himself. He says, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” (Philippians 3:12).

The local church

It’s through the local church we find fellowship with other believers. It’s where we are shepherded and where we encourage other believers. It’s also where we participate in the ordinances God has commanded of us in Scripture-baptism and communion. The local church is a place where we worship God and exercise the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Being part of a local church is essential for repentance and sanctification, and it helps equip us to fulfill The Great Commission.

Jesus promised he would be with us always. He also promised eternal life to those that believe in Him…but what does that mean?

New Heaven/New Earth

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” (Revelation 21:1-2)

God has an ultimate plan in which the Devil will be defeated and we will be made new. The devil will be thrown into the lake of fire to suffer eternal torment. Those who have rebelled against God will also be thrown into the lake of fire.

But those who have faith in Jesus Christ? We will be resurrected into eternal communion with God! No more pain, no more sickness. No longer subject to death or the physical decay of age. We will be made perfect!

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.’” (Revelation 21: 3-4)

 

What a powerful story! But don’t just take it from me. The gospel message resounds throughout the Word of God. Read it for yourself and see!