Reasons To Rehearse The Gospel Daily. Day 29-The Ultimate Prize

REASONS TO REHEARSE THE GOSPEL DAILY

Day 29-The Ultimate Prize

In the New Testament, the gospel is several times referred to as “the gospel of God.”142 Such an expression should be understood in the fullest sense possible. The gospel is called “the gospel of God,” not simply because it is from God, nor merely because it is accomplished through God, but also because ultimately it leads me to God, who is Himself its greatest prize. Indeed, what makes the gospel such great news is God, who brings me to Himself 143 and then gives Himself so freely to me through Jesus Christ.144

The essence of eternal life is not found in having my sins forgiven, in possessing a mansion in heaven, or in having streets of gold on which to walk forever. Rather, the essence of eternal life is intimately knowing God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent.145 Everything else that God gives to me in the gospel serves merely to bring me to Himself so that this great end might be achieved. Christ died for the forgiveness of my sins so that I might be brought “to God.”146 Christ is preparing a place for me in heaven so that He might receive me “to [Him]self” and have me forever with Him where He is.147 And yes, there is a street of gold in heaven, but is there any doubt where the street leads? Unquestionably, it leads straight to the throne of God Himself,148 as do all of God’s gifts to me in the gospel.

As I meditate on the gospel each day, I find my thoughts inevitably traveling from the gifts I’ve received to the Giver of those gifts; and the more my thoughts are directed to Him, the more I experience the essence of eternal life. The “gospel of God” is from God, comes through God, and leads me to God;149 and it is in him that my soul finds its truest joy and rest.150

142-Romans 1:1; Romans 15:16; 2 Corinthians 11:7; 1 Thessalonians 2:2, 8, 9; 1 Peter 4:17.

143-Ephesians 1. “(4)…He chose us in Him…that we should be before Him…(5) He predestined us to adoption as sons…to Himself…”

144-Romans 5:5. “…the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” John 14:21. “…he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.”

145-John 17:3. “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”

146-1 Peter 3:18. “For Christ also died for sins once for all…so that He might bring us to God…”

147-John 14. “(2) In My Father’s house are many dwelling places…I go to prepare a place for you. (3) If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, and there I am, there you may be also.”

148-Revelation. “(21:21)…And the street of the city was pure gold…(22:1) Then he showed me a river of the water of life…coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, (2) in the middle of its street…”

149-Romans 11:36. “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”

150-Psalm 16:11. “…in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” Psalm 37:4. “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 73. “(25)…besides You, I desire nothing on earth. (26)…God is…my portion forever…(28)…the nearness of God is my good…”