Our first parents, Adam and Eve, disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, choosing their own way instead of trusting His perfect command (Genesis 3:1-7). Through their sin, the perfect harmony of creation was broken, and the intimate fellowship between God and humanity was fractured. As a result, sin entered the world, and death followed as the just consequence (Romans 5:12). Every person inherits this sin from Adam (Psalm 51:5), and by both nature and choice, all stand guilty before a holy and perfect God (Romans 3:23).
God would have been perfectly just to leave every one of us under the full penalty of sin, eternal separation from Him in hell (Romans 6:23; 2 Thessalonians 1:9). Yet in His mercy and love, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save us (John 3:16). Jesus came into the world, fully God and fully man, to live the sinless life that we could not live (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15) and to die the death that we deserved (1 Peter 2:24). He bore the punishment for our sins on the cross so that we might be reconciled to God (Romans 5:10).
Three days after His death, Jesus rose bodily from the grave, conquering sin, death, and the devil (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 55-57). After spending forty days with His disciples, teaching them and confirming the truth of His resurrection (Acts 1:3), He ascended into heaven and now reigns at the right hand of God the Father (Acts 2:33; Ephesians 1:20-22). One day He will return to establish the fullness of His kingdom on the earth (Revelation 21:1-4; Matthew 24:30-31).
Everyone who turns from their sin (repents) and trusts in Jesus Christ alone for salvation is rescued from God’s righteous judgment (Acts 3:19; John 14:6). They are adopted into God’s family as His children (John 1:12; Romans 8:15), forgiven of all sin (Ephesians 1:7), and granted eternal life with Him (John 3:36; 1 John 5:11-12).
This is the Gospel. This is our hope: that though we were once enemies of God (Romans 5:10), we have been reconciled to Him through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). By His grace, we are made new, restored, and secure in Him forever (Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 1:6).
Next Steps:
-
Find a Bible-believing church: It is vital to join a community of believers where God’s Word is faithfully taught and the gospel is central (Hebrews 10:24-25). A local church provides encouragement, accountability, and opportunities to serve, helping your faith grow and your life bear fruit for Christ (Colossians 1:28). Check out local churches I’d recommend.
-
Follow in baptism: After repenting and trusting in Christ, you are to receive baptism, the outward sign of your union with Him and the covenant marker of entrance into His visible church. In baptism God publicly claims you as His own, setting you apart as one who has died with Christ and been raised with Him (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12).
For adult converts, baptism follows personal faith and signifies the forgiveness of sins and new life in the Spirit.
For children of believers, baptism marks them as members of God’s covenant community, placing them under His promises and calling parents to raise them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord until they personally embrace Christ by faith.
Baptism itself does not regenerate or guarantee salvation, but it truly brings a person into the covenant where the promises of God are held out and must be embraced in persevering faith. -
Read your Bible daily: Spending time in God’s Word nourishes your soul, teaches you truth, strengthens your faith, and equips you to live according to God’s will (Psalm 1:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Daily Scripture reading also helps you discern truth from error and remain grounded in the gospel as you face life’s challenges. Listen to the Daily Bible Reading (ESV) podcast.
-
Pray regularly: Prayer is how we communicate with God, express our dependence on Him, and receive guidance, strength, and peace (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
-
Share the Gospel with others: God calls every believer to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 1:16). Sharing what Christ has done in your life not only blesses others but also strengthens your own faith. Learn how to share your faith.
-
Obey God in daily life: Faith is shown through obedience (James 2:17). As you grow in Christ, let His Word shape your thoughts, words, and actions, seeking to glorify Him in all you do (Colossians 3:17).
By taking these steps, you will continue to grow in grace and knowledge, walking in the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10).