A New Day

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and the regaining of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed. Luke 4:18 NET

Before we dive into what the good news (the Gospel ) is, let’s round it out in a commonly found summary.... “We’re all sinners in need of a savior. God loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on a cross so that anyone who believes in Him can be forgiven of their sins and go to Heaven when they die.”

Maybe, by definition, it is a decent start. But, the problem with that vague version of the Gospel is that it leaves out the beginning and the ending of the biblical story. 

The beginning of our story tells us God created everything and called it good. He created human beings in His image with dignity, value, and purpose. 

Genesis 1:26-27 NET Then God said, “Let us make humankind in Our image, after Our likeness, so they may rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move on the earth.” God created humankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them, male and female He created them.

Can you imagine the significance of that truth for others? For you? Oh my! Can we pause to take it in because it’s pretty huge. 

From page one of the Bible, God’s plan was for humanity to show His goodness, love, and power to all creation. 

But we rebelled against God. We rejected Him as our King and sin entered the picture, breaking the connection between us and God. 

The end of our story here, on this earthly home, is when God will bring Heaven to Earth and make all things new. Eternity in His kingdom.