The Gospel
Every Message Merch™ design points here. We make them so people will ask, “What does it mean?” This is the answer behind all of them: the gospel, which means “good news.”
God made us, and he loves us
God made the world and everyone in it. He did not make us by accident, and he has not forgotten us.
“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.”
We have all turned away from him
Sin is going our own way instead of God’s. Every one of us has done it, and it separates us from him.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Jesus died for us and rose again
We could not fix this ourselves, so God came to us. Jesus, the Son of God, lived without sin, died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose from the dead on the third day.
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
“Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
Salvation is a gift
We cannot earn it, and we do not have to. God offers it by his grace.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
How to answer him
When people first heard this news and asked what they should do, the apostles told them plainly. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that God raised him from the dead. Turn from your sins. Confess him as Lord. Be baptized into him.
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
A new life
This is not about cleaning yourself up first. Jesus invites people exactly as they are, and he walks with them from that day on.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
If you want to talk
Read the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John for yourself. Find a church near you that teaches from the Bible. If you have a question, write to us at hello@messagemerch.org.