The Heart of the Gospel – Part 2

Three words that are the very heart of the Gospel

• For Christ’s sake

If I die tonight and if God were to ask me, “why should I let a fellow like you into my kingdom?”

• I would not plead my good works.
• I would not plead my righteousness.
• I would not plead my faithfulness.
• I would not plead my church membership.

Why is God the Father pleased and moved to forgive me for Christ’s sake?  

• Because of who He is.
• Because of the work which He has done in all eternity

–Revelation 13:8

–Ephesians 1:3-4

–II Thessalonians 2:13

–John 13:1

–Jeremiah 31:3

Why is God the Father pleased and moved to forgive me for Christ’s sake?  

• Because His work is represented in all of the Old Testament sacrifices and ceremonies.

–God – Genesis 3:21

–Abel – Genesis 4:4

–Israel – Exodus 12:13

–I Corinthians 5:7

–I Corinthians 10:4

–I Corinthians 15:3-8

–John 5:46

Why is God the Father pleased and moved to forgive me for Christ’s sake?  

• Because of His work in coming down into this world

–John 3:16

–Luke 19:10

–Galatians 4:4

–Romans 5:19

–Isaiah 53:5

–Romans 8:33-34

–I John 2:1

–John 14:3

“For Christ’s sake” ought to be your motive for what we do in the name of God and for others

• It is taught by Holy Spirit

–Ephesians 4:32

–II Corinthians 5:14

–Isaiah 53:12

–Ephesians 4:31

–Matthew 18:23-35