“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
1 Corinthians 15:3-4
You probably hear his name more than you realise. You probably quote his words more often than you thought. You might even wear a reminder of his love around your neck. Yet in spite of the many ways that Jesus is seen and heard today, very few people really know who he is, what he came to do, and why he matters.
Who Is Jesus?
Born roughly 2000 years ago, Jesus led a relatively quiet life until around age 30. Then for three years he preached the gospel and performed miracles through which he showed himself to be God on earth.
What Did He Come To Do?
Jesus came to make God known, establish God’s kingdom and accomplish God’s salvation. He lived a perfect life, he died as a sacrifice for sinful men and women, and he was raised from the dead. Because of this Jesus is the saviour of all who put their faith in him.
Why Does It Matter?
This is why Christians call what they believe ‘the gospel’: gospel means good news. It’s good news that God’s anger at our sin is dealt with and that we are reconciled to him forever. We don’t have to feel guilty or ashamed for all we’ve done wrong – it’s all forgiven, and the Holy Spirit now helps us to live for God instead of against him. This is the message that the church has been given to proclaim until Jesus returns and makes all things new.