Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins.… But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (EPHESIANS 2:1, 4–5)
The term "gospel" means "good news," particularly regarding our connection with God. Good news is always welcomed, especially when it counters bad news we've just received. For instance, upon learning one has cancer, it's uplifting to discover it's a type that responds well to treatment.
The gospel operates similarly. It's positive news that confronts our ultimate negativity. The Scriptures inform us of our dire situation with God; we were sinful and estranged, and God's wrath is directed "against all the godlessness and wickedness of people"; indeed, we were "by nature deserving of wrath" (Romans 1:18; Ephesians 2:3). Even as newborns, before committing any wrong, we were objects of God's displeasure. That's the grim reality.
Yet, the Scriptures also unveil a solution surpassing our dilemma. The Good News eclipses the bad—as illustrated in Ephesians 2:1–9. After acknowledging our status as recipients of God's wrath, Paul proclaims: "But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved". It's truly a journey from death to life. What a striking contrast: from being under God's wrath to being seated with His Son in heavenly glory!
This good news isn't just for the future; it's for the present. We need not live burdened by guilt and insecurity before God. We need not question His affection for us. Every day can commence with the profoundly reassuring realization that I am accepted by God, not because of my own merits, but because of Jesus Christ's perfect righteousness.