The Christian Gospel Is The Ultimate Answer

by Robert Driskell · Print Print · Email Email

Each one of us has a worldview that governs how we interpret our existence. In reality there are only two worldviews; a God-centered worldview or a God-less worldview. Therefore, it is not uncommon, for those who think deeply about life, to consider the claims of Christianity at some time or another. The Bible offers a worldview that tells us that the universe was created by God, that we were created to love and worship Him, that we rebelled, and many still rebel, against Him, that this rebellion condemns us to judgment, and that God has made a way whereby we may be forgiven and pardoned from that judgment. Let us consider this worldview from the biblical texts.

Humanity’s Condition

The Bible tells us that everyone knows that God exists. However, it also tells us that many willfully reject the truth, “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened” (Romans 1:21 NASB). It is not a lack of evidence that causes many to reject God; it is the suppression of the truth that leaves people in their sins, unforgiven, and headed for an eternity of misery (Matthew 25:46). Those who suppress the knowledge of God willfully put themselves directly in the hands of evil, “…in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (II Corinthians 4:4 NASB).

The Christian Gospel Is The Ultimate Answer

Because of sinful humanity’s rebellion against God, many of today’s most popular theories, opinions, philosophies, etc. are corrupt and untrue. The apostle Paul, writing to a young colleague, says, “O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”— which some have professed and thus gone astray from the faith” (I Timothy 6:20-21 NASB). This text warns us that there exist philosophies that are directly opposed to the Truth of God and His Word. The Bible instructs us to learn how to defend our faith, so that we might be confident in what, and why, we believe and also be able to explain our reasons to others. Peter tells us that we should, “…sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (I Peter 3:15 NASB).

God is the source of all knowledge, wisdom, truth, etc.

One can only find the truth when one is in a right relationship with God. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever” (Psalm 111:10 NASB; cf. Proverbs 1:7, 9:10). Those who are separated from God are also separated from the ultimate Truth. This does not mean that ungodly men and women will never stumble upon anything factual. However, it does mean that they are not on the path to truth; they simply crossed the path on their way to that eternity of misery and separation from God (2 Thessalonians 1:9). 

Salvation reconnects us to the truth

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6 NASB). The Bible tells us that, those who reject Jesus Christ, cut themselves off from true knowledge, “…Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument” (Colossians 2:2-4 NASB). Apart from Jesus Christ, humanity tends to create an imaginary truth that suits its desires and lusts. However, this ‘truth’ is not real, nor can it have any effect except to delude those who believe it. 

The ‘truth’ is that God loves us

There are those who think that God, in the Old Testament, is a mean, vindictive God who frowns down upon humanity just waiting for us to mess up so He can blast us with fire and brimstone. However, we see from this verse, such is not the case, “As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live” (Ezekiel 33:11 NASB, 18:32; Hosea 11:8; Micah 7:18). The entire record of God shows that He is longsuffering with humanity and that the He desires our worship, not our death.

In the New Testament we see this even more clearly, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 NASB). God is giving sinners more time in order that they might stop rebelling against Him and realize that He offers us something that we all want, but many are too proud to accept, the unconditional love of our Creator.

It is also clear that, not only does God desire that everyone should come to Him and be forgiven, but that it is also a choice that each of us must make, “This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-4 NASB). God is powerful enough to force everyone to love and follow Him; however, a love that is forced is no love at all. Love is only real when it is given freely…as He gives His love to us. 

Conclusion

Whether you consider yourself to be smart, dumb, intellectual, spiritual, worldly, or any other adjective imaginable, you cannot go wrong considering the biblical claims contained within the Bible. Then, the next step is to act upon those claims.

God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on a cross for your sins and mine, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him” (John 3:16-17 NASB). God has done everything necessary for you and I to have eternal life, starting here and now. All that is required is that we make a choice to surrender to Him, “…if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation” (Romans 10:9-10 NASB). 

The choice is yours. God calls us to make a decision, “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 NASB).

Related reading, also from Robert: What is the Gospel Message?



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