The Simple Christian Message
Simplifying the Christian message requires distilling its core truths while using clear, relatable examples from Scripture and modern life. In essence the gospel is the news about Jesus, who he is and what he came to do for each of us. Jesus created the world and us, he entered his world to save us and he longs to prevent us from going our own way, away from him, and to draw people back into a close relationship with him. Here’s how it can be expressed, focusing on the teachings of the prophets, John the Baptist, Jesus, and the apostles:
1. God Created and Loves Everyone
The Old Testament prophets consistently emphasized that God created the world and humanity in love. For example, Isaiah speaks of God as a Creator who knows us intimately:
“But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” Isaiah 64:8
Imagine an artist creating a masterpiece. They care deeply about every detail of the work, just like God cares for each person.
2. Sin Breaks Our Relationship with God
The central message of Jesus and John the Baptist was that all people need to repent, to rethink the direction of their lives and decide who is in charge of my life. Will it be God or will it be myself? John called people to turn from sin, preparing the way for Jesus’ coming as the ‘lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.’ We all need to be forgiven by god because of the way we have treated him:
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 4:17, 3:2
Sin can be compared to building a wall between us and God. Each wrong choice adds another brick, creating separation. Repentance is rethinking the place God will have in my life and it is Jesus who has removed that wall by taking our sin on that cross
3. God Sent Jesus to Restore Our Relationship
Jesus came to restore the broken relationship between God and humanity. He taught about God’s love and forgiveness. His central message was summarized in John 3:16:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
If a friend wrongs you, the relationship is strained. But if one of you reaches out to forgive and reconcile the relationship, the bond can be restored. Jesus is the one reaching out on God’s behalf.
4. Jesus’ Sacrifice Offers Forgiveness and Eternal Life
Jesus died on the cross to take the punishment for sin. His death and resurrection opened the way for forgiveness and eternal life. The apostles, especially Paul, emphasized this:
“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, he was buried, and he was raised on the third day.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Imagine you owed a huge debt you could never repay. Someone steps in and pays it for you, setting you free. That’s what Jesus did for humanity - paying the debt of sin.
5. Faith and Repentance Lead to Salvation
The apostles Peter and Paul taught that salvation comes through faith in Jesus and repentance. Peter said at Pentecost:
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” Acts 2:38
Paul reiterated that salvation is through faith:
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith.” Ephesians 2:8
Imagine someone offering you a gift. You have to reach out and accept it for it to be yours. Faith is like accepting God’s gift of salvation, and repentance is turning away from anything that stands between you and God.
6. God’s Spirit Empowers Us to Live New Lives
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come to help believers live according to God’s will:
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26
Paul spoke of the Spirit transforming believers:
“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17
It’s like having a personal coach, guiding and empowering you to grow and live the best life you can. The Holy Spirit helps believers make good choices and live like Jesus.
7. God Calls Us to Love Him and Love Others
Jesus summed up the entire law and the message of the prophets in two commands:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind… and love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39
Think of life as a tree with two branches. One branch is your relationship with God, the other is your relationship with others. For the tree to grow, both branches need care. Loving God and loving others is how you grow spiritually and relationally.
8. God Calls Us to Share the Gospel with Others
A major role for all Christians is the sharing of the Christian hope with others. what better way is there to love them than to share the way to get right with God who we will all meet in judgment.
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20
8. Hope in Eternal Life and a New Creation
The Christian message ends with hope in eternal life. The Bible promises a future where God will make all things new:
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” Revelation 21:4
The Old Testament prophets, like Isaiah, spoke of this renewal as well:
“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth.” Isaiah 65:17
Imagine being given a broken toy as a child, but then someone comes and restores it perfectly, better than new. God’s promise is that He will restore the world and give eternal life to those who trust in Him.
Application to life today
Just as Jesus forgives us, we are called to forgive others (Matthew 6:14-15). If you hold grudges, it’s like carrying a heavy backpack. Forgiving someone is like setting that weight down.
Jesus taught us to love our neighbors. Acts of kindness - helping the poor, comforting the sick, or simply listening to someone in need - are ways to live out Jesus’ teaching today. Think of it as planting seeds of goodness that can grow into something beautiful.
In essence, the Christian message can be simplified into these key points:
1. God created and loves all people.
2. Sin breaks our relationship with God, but Jesus came to restore it.
3. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus offers forgiveness and eternal life.
4. By faith and repentance, we can receive salvation and live transformed lives through the Holy Spirit.
5. We are called to love God, love others, and look forward to eternal life with God.
This message is universal, appealing to the heart and mind, and easily relatable to everyday experiences of love, forgiveness, and transformation.
