Memory Verse Day 16: This is the Gospel

This is the second part of the two-verse set we started in the last post.  These are the words of Jesus to His disciples.

In the last verse Jesus talked about the moment of history the the authors of the Scriptures had been writing about – His own death and resurrection.

Now comes part 2.  In His Name – the name of Jesus – repentance and the forgiveness of sins would be preached.

There are many great summaries of the Gospel in Scripture, but if there’s any one to keep coming back to, it’s this one.  And in the end, what is it about?  Repentance and the forgiveness of sins in the Name of Jesus, because of His death and resurrection.

Don’t get me wrong – I’m not saying that’s all we can say about the Gospel.  And I’m not saying that these words can’t be misunderstood!  But I am saying that if anyone is telling you that the Gospel isn’t about these things, they have the wrong Gospel.  There’s only one.

Repentance – turning from sin to Jesus – admitting you’re wrong.  Of course, if you believe Jesus is who He says He is, this is a logical reaction.  Not that we’re logical beings, of course.

Forgiveness of sins.  The Gospel is not beat yourself up continually because you’re so bad.  The repentant believer has forgiveness.  We don’t have to punish ourselves, or wait to be zapped from above – someone already took the punishment.  And we can be united with Him.

This message must go to all nations.  It’s not exclusive.  It’s for everyone.

And God’s Word would go out from the place He chose – Jerusalem.  Possibly the most dangerous place on earth for the apostles at that time, they were commanded to stay there for a time so that God’s purpose would be fulfilled.  The Gospel would be preached first in Jerusalem and to Jerusalem.

There’s so much in these verses.  And if you add the next two, you even get hints about the writing of the New Testament and the founding of the Church.  It’s like reading the whole Bible in four verses.

If you want to hear more about this great chapter from Dr. Luke, listen to the podcast entitled What is the Bible?