Good Advice
In light of all the bad news regarding the Coronavirus, the HSE recommends we safeguard ourselves and others by taking precautions, including: cover nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when we sneeze or cough; wash hands often with soap and water for about 20 seconds; avoid touching our eyes, nose and mouth; maintain social distancing so that we don’t spread or contract the infection.
Good advice is important and we should listen to it and act upon it, sooner rather than later, for the benefit of all.
Good News
The Bible brings to us more than simply good advice. The word "Gospel" means "Good News."
"Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land." – Proverbs 25:25
But why do we need this good news? Because of the predicament in which we all find ourselves. Serious as it is, it is not physical sickness that is our biggest problem, but spiritual sickness, our sin, which the Bible explains leads to death, spiritual, physical, and eternal (Romans 5:12; Ephesians 2:1; Revelation 21:8).
"Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man [Adam], and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned." – Romans 5:12
God has written his law on our hearts (Romans 2:15). As beings created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) we know it is wrong to lie, steal, lust, gossip, take God's name in vain, etc.
Purpose
We are called to something so much greater, to be image bearers of our Creator, to live for his glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). That is the purpose for which we were made. To be worshippers (John 4:23-24).
"Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker." – Psalm 95:6
Justice
Because God is good (Luke 18:19), and just (Proverbs 17:15), he must punish sin (Nahum 1:3).
The just punishment (Deuteronomy 32:4) he has appointed for sin is eternity in Hell (Matthew 25:46).
Good works?
On top of this, the Bible makes clear that we are not made right with God by anything we can do.
"He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit." – Titus 3:5
"For it is by grace you have been saved through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no-one can boast." – Ephesians 2:8-9
Jesus
In Mark 2:1-12, some men brought a friend to Jesus hoping for a cure for his paralysis. To the surprise of all who were present, Jesus looked past that problem, big as it was, and addressed a much deeper problem, saying with great love and compassion, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Then to demonstrate that he had power to make that unseen thing happen…he did something that all could see, and restored the man’s ability to walk.
Sin and Death
The ultimate cause of death isn’t illness, accident or old age. It is sin. "Death came to all men, because all sinned" (Romans 5:12). But the same Bible that tells us that bad news, also brings us Good News. Not advice to be taken, but news to be believed and received with joy.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." – Romans 6:23
The Way
God has provided a remedy, a way for us to escape his just wrath and receive his gracious forgiveness. That way is a person. The one who said "I am the way" (John 14:6).
Our only hope is for Jesus to save us from the wrath of God. God the Father sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to earth - truly God and truly man, yet without sin.
The Cross
He willingly (John 10:18) shed his innocent blood and died on the cross, taking upon himself the punishment (death) sinners rightly deserve for their sins against God (Matthew 27:46; Romans 6:23). Three days later, he conquered sin and death when he rose from the grave (Matthew 28:6; 1 Corinthians 15:20).
Now, "All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him (trusts in him) receives forgiveness of sins through his name." – Acts 10:43
"The time has come," he [Jesus] said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" – Mark 1:15
Response
Repent (turn from your sins) and call upon Jesus for forgiveness, believing the good news that he has done all that is necessary for you to be reconciled to God now and for eternity.
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" – (Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13).
For further info please contact:
Tom Dowling
086 4063149
tdowling.kilkennypc@gmail.com