The Plain Gospel

Confused?

 Are you among many today who are confused as to which religion, which denomination, which church, or which preacher is right? They cannot all be right, can they? There are “uncertain sounds” to all their different beliefs. Who are you to believe, then?  Who can you really trust? Is there one, sure way of salvation from sin? How do you get to heaven? Well, it is the simple purpose of this tract to present to you, poor sinner, the plain gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 You may say, “But why should I believe you over someone else?” My answer is, ”Do not believe me, but believe what the Bible teaches!” The Word of God is our sole authority for salvation, eternity, judgment to come, and all matters relating to faith and practice. “But,” you say, “there are so many different interpretations of the Bible.” Granted, there are. However, what does that have to do with what the Bible actually says? So, poor sinner, hear what God’s Book says to you:

You are a Lawbreaker —

“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (I John 3:4)

You are Lost —

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10)

You are Lifeless —

“. . . dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1)

WHY YOU ARE A SINNER

 You were born into the world with a sinful corrupt nature (Psalms 51:5). All men who have ever lived (except Christ) have had this sin nature (I John 1:8). You are a sinner, and therefore you sin (Romans 2:23; 5:12). You and I sin, not just because we fell in Adam, but because we choose the love of sin ourselves. In other words, we are sinners by birth and by personal choice. Did anyone teach you to lie or did it come naturally? What about your pride, your anger, and your rebellion against God? You are justly condemned before the holy law of God as a transgressor and rebel (Romans 7:12-14)

WHY YOU MUST BE SAVED

 Because you are a sinner, the wrath of Almighty God abides on you this very moment (John 3:36). If you were to die in your natural condition you would perish eternally. There will be no mercy for you after death. You have offended a just and holy God by your sins -- and your sins demand judgment. “For the wages of sin is death . . .” (Romans 6:23). These wages you must pay, unless Someone pays them for you.

 Oh sinner, see the awfulness of your sin! See the loathsome disease that now eats away at your soul! See the horrible pit sin has put you in! See the “lake of fire” to which you are headed, unless you repent and turn to God! You will turn or burn (Psalms7:11-13); you will repent or perish. (Luke 13:3).

HOW YOU ARE SAVED

 In love and mercy, the God of heaven sent His very Son to this sinful world. ”For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Because of God’s goodness (out of His mere good pleasure), He has given to the world a Savior. (see Isaiah 53). This One sent from God, the Lord Jesus Christ, came into the world (via His Virgin Birth), for the specific purpose of saving sinners -- sinners, just like you, “. . . Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners . . .” (I Timothy 1:15). ”For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6). “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Here is the glorious good news: Christ came! Christ lived a perfect life! Christ died a substitutionary death! Christ was buried, but arose from the dead! Christ Jesus is now enthroned in glory! Christ is interceding for His own! Christ the Lord is coming again! Christ will rule and reign forever! See I Corinthians 15:1-4; 23-26; Hebrews 7:22-28; 9:24-28.

 Poor sinner, fall at Christ’s blessed feet, by faith. Confess your sins to Him alone. Mourn over your hatred of God and His law. Repent, trusting only in the Lord Jesus and His precious blood. “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7).

 Note, forgiveness and redemption are only found in Christ’s blood! You cannot earn or merit salvation, for you only deserve hell and God’s wrath.

 May the Holy Spirit draw you to Christ! May you be enabled to see the glory of Christ’s cross, where He offered Himself without spot to God, and wrought salvation for all His believing people. Fly away to Christ now!

-- by W. F. Bell

”Weary, working, plodding one.
Wherefore toil you so?
Cease your doing, all was done
Long, long ago.
”Till to Jesus’ work you cling
By a simple faith,
Doing is a deadly thing,
Doing ends in death.
”Nothing either great or small,
Nothing, sinner, NO,
Jesus did it, did it all,
Long, long ago.
Cast your deadly ‘doing’ down,
Down at Jesus’ feet;
Stand in HIM, in HIM ALONE,
Gloriously complete.”