THE GOSPEL: THE BLESSINGS OF GOD

At this time we will summarize some of the blessings of salvation already mentioned and add to those points some additional benefits that God want's to bring into our lives through the gospel. The manifold goodness and love of God will be evident as the truth of this great salvation is unveiled.

1. THE BELIEVER IS JUSTIFIED BY FAITH:

The word justification in the Bible means to declare one righteous. Another way to describe the word justification would be to use this phrase: "just as if I never sinned".

(Romans 5:1-2) Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, {2} through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.

2. THE BELIEVER ESCAPES CONDEMNATION AND JUDGMENT

(Romans 5:9) Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.

(Romans 8:1) There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

3. THE BELIEVER BEGINS A NEW LIFE IN CHRIST

(2 Corinthians 5:17) Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

(John 10:10) "The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.

4. THE BELIEVER IS ADOPTED AS GOD'S CHILD

(John 1:12) But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,

(1 John 3:1) See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are.

5. THE BELIEVER COMES TO KNOW THE LOVE OF GOD

(Romans 5:8) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

(1 John 4:16) And we have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love...

6. THE BELIEVER GAINS THE RESOURCES TO OVERCOME SIN

(John 8:34-36) Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. {35} "And the slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. {36} "If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.

(Romans 6:14) For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law, but under grace.

7. THE BELIEVER BEGINS TO EXPERIENCE PEACE AND REST

(John 14:27) "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

(Matthew 11:28-30) "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. {29} "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. {30} "For My yoke is easy, and My load is light."

8. THE BELIEVER RECEIVES ETERNAL LIFE

(John 10:27-28) "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; {28} and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand.

(John 17:1-3) These things Jesus spoke; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify Thy Son, that the Son may glorify Thee, {2} even as Thou gavest Him authority over all mankind, that to all whom Thou hast given Him, He may give eternal life. {3} "And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.