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The word 'gospel' means good news. The good news of the gospel is not what we must do to be saved, but
that Christ has reconciled to God sinners such as ourselves. Many religious people believe that there are
many ways to God. But Jesus did not share this conviction.
Read John 14:6. According to Jesus, exactly how many ways are there to God?
What is that way?
Read Romans 3:19-20. List at least four things that the law of God does.
From what these verses say about the law of God, what role does it have in our salvation?
Read Romans 1:18. What is God's response toward every person's sin? Read also:
Psalm 5:5-6, Job 34:22, Psalm 11:5-6.
Read Romans 3:20-23. According to verse 23 how many of us are guilty before
God?
Now for some good news! According to Romans 3:21-22, the law not only tells us about our sin, but about the way
in which we may be found righteous before God. What is that way?
Read Romans 3:24. According to this verse, how are we justified, or counted
righteous before God? Is it something we do or is it a gift that we receive?
Is this gift based upon something we do or something that Christ has already done?
Read Romans 3:25. What does this verse tell us about how God has responded to
previous sins we have committed? Has He given us what we deserved?
The word 'propitiation' is not one we often use in day-to-day conversation (If you are reading from a New
International Version Bible instead of the word 'propitiation' it reads 'a sacrifice of atonement...' This is
not a satisfactory translation). The meaning of propitiation is to turn away anger or wrath. As one writer
states, 'Propitiation is a personal word; one propitiates a person.' What the Bible is saying is that God is
angry when people sin and that if they are to be forgiven, something must be done to propitiate His anger.
The death of Jesus is the propitiation for our sins. This means God's just judgment and holy wrath against
our sins was poured out on Jesus Christ. The 'good news' of the gospel is that the death of Christ is the
means God uses to remove His divine wrath from sinners.
Read II Corinthians 5:21, Isaiah 53:4-5, 10-11, I Peter 3:18, I John 4:10.
Verses to Memorize
I Peter 3:18, Romans 5:19, II Corinthians 5:21, Acts 4:12.
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