As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday in this country, we tend to be more mindful of the blessings we have. We have many things to be thankful for and we ought to recognize God as the source of these blessings (James 1:17).
With this in mind, I want to briefly look at Colossians 3:15-17. These three verses contain three reminders to us to be thankful. These verses also give reasons why we should be thankful to God.
We generally divide Biblical history into three dispensations: the Patriarchal age, Mosaic age, and the Gospel age. When people speak of “dispensations,” they are simply referring to the method by which God revealed His will to man. First He revealed His will to the heads of families (Patriarchal age). Then He gave the nation of Israel the Law of Moses (Mosaic age). Finally, the gospel of Christ was revealed (Gospel age). We live in this third and final dispensation.
While these are perfectly acceptable distinctions, we need to recognize that the gospel is different from the other messages that have been delivered. In the book of Revelation, this final message is described as “an eternal gospel” (Revelation 14:6). When we talk about the three dispensations, we ought to recognize that the gospel had its beginning before either of the first two.
The term gospel simply means “good news.” The “good news” is the message of Christ and His salvation. As we can see from the Scriptures, this good news began long before we read of it in the New Testament.
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Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6). This simple, concise statement reveals some important truths.
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When the Lord returns, He will come “dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus” (2 Thessalonians 1:8).
It may be understandable why those who refuse to obey the gospel will be punished. But what about those who never hear the gospel – those who do not know God? Is it really fair for God to punish people because they never heard? People have wondered this and even questioned God’s justice.
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“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost” (Revelation 22:17).
This is an invitation for salvation that has been offered by Christ. It is for those who need the water of life. This means that it is for all, for “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). All who wish to obtain the gift of salvation and be saved from their sins may come.
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“He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mark 16:16).
This is a pretty easy verse to understand. Jesus specifically states two things that are necessary for salvation – belief and baptism.
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We are engaged in a war for the cause of Christ. This is not a physical war; instead, it is spiritual (2 Corinthians 10:4). It is a battle for the souls of men. In order to help us in this fight, God has given us the armor that we must put on so that we will be able to “stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). Let us notice the armor with which the Lord has equipped us.
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What does “propitiation” mean? How is “justification” connected to salvation? What does “sanctification” look like in our day-to-day lives? The Bible uses some powerful words to describe God’s plan to save mankind. However, these words are not always easy to understand, especially when they are not part of our everyday vocabulary. This book explores key Bible terms that unlock the message of the gospel.
Big Words in the Bible examines five important words – Propitiation, Reconciliation, Sanctification, Justification, and Resurrection – using plain language to see how the Scriptures describe these concepts and how the apostle Paul employs them in his letter to the Romans. This book also contains an appendix with eleven additional articles to explore these topics further.
Whether you are new to the Bible and want to grow in your understanding or want a simple way to explain these core gospel doctrines to others, this book will be helpful. With a focus on the Scriptures, Big Words in the Bible helps break down these fundamental topics to shed light on the life-changing message of the gospel and the salvation found in it.
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