"The Gospel"

  John was standing, watching and waiting. There was a book in the right hand of the One sitting on the throne (Rev. 5). No one in heaven or on earth could approach the throne much less open the book. John wept. The existence of man was depending on the opening of that book and no one was worthy. Not Abraham, not Moses, not Peter or Paul or any of the apostles. Why? Because the best of men and women come up short of God's holiness! Only Christ and Him alone can bring one near to God. Jesus approached the throne and took the book opening it. Heaven broke out in praise and adoration. Jesus is the answer to man's problems. Everything we lack, He is. All our faults and weaknesses He is our perfection. Everything we desire to be, He is!

  Many times what is happening in the world happens in the church. Different gospels are being proclaimed. Some preach a "Psychological Gospel." Let's make people feel good and don't speak too harsh against sin. Some preach a "Social Gospel." Those who need a friend and where you can have a good time with others that are so nice. There is a "Political Gospel" where changing our society and fighting "against" campaigns are in order. We have an "Emotional Gospel" where feel good stories and emotional happenings send goose bumps up and down the back. Personal testimonies take center stage along with "mood music" to help the moment along. Still others preach a "Theological Gospel" where people glory in being right on every issue. Why we are right and everyone else is wrong becomes the theme. Scripture is used but many are taken out of context. What is the common theme in all these "gospels"? MAN is the center! No wonder people are so weak and helpless.

  It was Jesus who sent His apostles out into a world with His gospel (Mark 16:15). It was Paul who proclaimed that gospel was God's power for salvation (Rom. 1:16). It was Jesus and Him crucified that Paul wanted to know (I Cor. 2:2). It was being careful not to get cute with the gospel, changing it in any way because it would be made void in the lives of people (I Cor. 1:17). Jesus knows and the apostles knew that you cannot grow spiritually without Jesus and Him crucified! Only in Christ can sins be forgiven. Only in Christ can one find power to overcome! Only in Christ can one be made complete! Only in Christ can one be made holy and righteous to live in the presence of a holy and righteous Father! Only Christ can change a person into His image!

  That day before John in Revelation 5, only One could open that book. Only One could approach the holiness of God. When Jesus took the book and opened it, every living thing in heaven fell down and cried out, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing." (Rev. 5:12) Heaven knows the Savior. Heaven sang a new song. Heaven knows the gospel of salvation and who that gospel is tied to. What about us?