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Simeon’s Testimony of the Infant Jesus, Part 2 – Luke 2:28-32

Simeon was a key eyewitness of Jesus Christ. His testimony of the infant Jesus is trustworthy because the Scriptures describe him as a righteous man with sound doctrine. In addition to these, Simeon was guided by the Holy Spirit, who enabled him to immediately recognize and testify of Jesus as the Savior of the world.

What was Simeon’s testimony of Jesus?

Jesus Christ is the saving God. …for my eyes have seen your salvation…
Jesus didn’t come to world to judge, but to save. (Jn 12:47) He was God’s gift of salvation to the world. When Simeon saw Jesus, he was fully satisfied and at peace to have seen God’s salvation. He took Jesus in his arms and treasured Him as Lord and Savior.

In those days, Israel was waiting for God’s consolation and peace, both politically and spiritually. Their nation was under Roman occupation, and their religious system was based on laws that falsely promised eternal life. We live in a time that is not unlike the days of Simeon. To those who have always sought peace but never arrived, we must share the gospel of true peace. Jesus Christ is the consolation of Israel and for all.

Jesus’ salvation was prepared by God. …which You have prepared…
Our God of grace prepared the Savior who came to us in human flesh. Jesus is the only One who can save, because there is no other name under heaven given by God by which we must be saved. Jesus was prophesied when God judged Adam and Even in the garden of Eden. Jesus’ salvation is guaranteed because it was prepared by God, who keeps His promises and can not lie. In these trying times when our faith is tested by the events of the world, we must persevere in seeking the Word of God.

Jesus saves universally. …in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.
Skeptics may ask, “How can a Jewish man save the world?” God desires all to be saved, for He is a God of love and compassion. In Jesus’ day, Gentiles (any non-Jews) were considered the lowest of all social statuses. If any group was out of salvation’s reach, it was them. But Simeon testifies that Jesus came for both Israel and the Gentiles. With God, anything is possible- no one is out of His reach of grace.

As Mary and Joseph listened to Simeon’s testimony of Jesus, they were amazed.Are you amazed by Jesus every day? We must be determined to continually grow in the knowledge of Jesus. He is our amazing God, and as we ponder on Him daily, we will maintain a desire to share Him with others. He is the only true hope that can be offered to this world.

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Biblical Evangelism – John 21:4-6

As Christians, we have different places in this world, especially when we consider our work. There are Christians everywhere with all sorts of different jobs. This work is a blessing from God. However, our true identity is not in our work. When God sends you out every morning, He sends you out as a Christian, to make bridges to non-believers. We are fishermen sent to catch fish. At our jobs, we work for the Lord.

There is a difference between evangelism and witnessing. Evangelism is specifically to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through the speaking of the gospel message. Witnessing is revealing what is invisible, such as loving one another to show the love of Christ. We are also witnesses and when we obey, we witness for Christ, but it is not evangelism. Unbelievers are not saved by witnessing, but by the hearing and believing of the gospel.

Evangelism is accomplished by Christians. Only those who have experienced God’s salvation can share the truth with others. People think that you can accomplish any dream if you try. In the worldly sense, it might be true but no one can accomplish being a Christian. Only by God’s grace can a person be saved. Additionally, not only are we unable, but we have no desire to become a Christian. From the beginning, we are dead because of our sins and we are Christians only by God’s grace (Ephesians 2:1-6, Matthew 19:23-24) The fact that we can be saved and are saved is God’s compassion (Mt 19:26, John 3:16)

Since only God saves, God’s salvation is not a coincidence. He plans every moment from the beginning of time. God also doesn’t make any mistakes in whom He saves or not saves. His salvation is sure. Evangelism and God’s salvation go together (Mt 4:18). Peter and Andrew were working their normal jobs when Jesus sought them and called them. In the same way, God sends us to those who are working (Rom 10:14).

Evangelism is never alone. We forget Jesus is with us and become fearful. In reality, Jesus is the one who is active and working when we share the gospel (Mt 28:20).  Take Peter, a veteran fisherman. He went fishing and caught nothing (John 21:3). Jesus knew that Peter had caught nothing all night. Why? Because without Jesus we can do nothing (Jn 15:5). Then Jesus demonstrates what it is like when He is with them. This story helps us to be bold because the resurrected Jesus is with us. Even if we have little knowledge, Christ says He will give you the words to speak (Ac 5:29-30, Mt 10:16-19).

Evangelism is impossible without obedience and is a fruit of our sanctification. Evangelism is a sharing of the joy we have received from God with the unbeliever. God commands us to proclaim the gospel just as Jesus commanded Peter to cast the net on the right side of the boat. The disciples obeyed him and caught a lot of fish. Jesus Christ is the head of the church and we are the body of Christ, as the head wills so the body must follow and obey. It is our disobedience when we fail to evangelize. Jesus is Lord and we must obey Him (Phil 2:9-11). Sadly, too many Christians do not submit to the Word of God. They make excuses or avoid these parts of the Bible (Jn 20:21). They fear men when they should fear God. Make evangelism a priority over your fear and busyness. Why else has God saved you? To be busy? No. It is to evangelize, and as you evangelize with boldness and clarity, your fear will lessen and Christ will work.

Evangelism must be gospel-centered. Jesus said, “cast THE net”. The net we are commanded to cast is the gospel. We must not imitate the famous Charles Finney, who relied on altar calls, sinner’s prayer methods and taught decisional regeneration. These do not work because they cannot save a sinner. Our job is simple, proclaim the one true gospel of Jesus Christ (2 Cor 4:13). Only by the gospel can someone be saved from death unto life, a life of Christ. It is Christ who lives in me, therefore, I live by faith (Gal 2:20)

In conclusion, how can we start sharing the gospel at work? Preach the gospel to yourself every day. Work for the glory of God. Practice careful listening. Pray for them relentlessly. Then God will use you for evangelism.

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Simeon’s Testimony of the Infant Jesus – Luke 2:25-27

Jesus’ deity from infancy is a crucial doctrine that must be known and believed. Jesus was the eternal God before the foundation of the world. Even before His birth, it was declared to Mary and Joseph that this baby would be God incarnate. Many false religions attack the Jesus’ deity at infancy, but beware: any version of Jesus apart from Scripture is not able to save.  From birth, Jesus was truly God and truly man.

In addition to Mary and Joseph, Luke brings our attention to another eyewitness to Jesus’ infancy- Simeon. Why should we listen to what Simeon has to say about Jesus? What qualifies his testimony? Based on this passage, Simeon’s character, doctrine, and the source of his testimony make him a trustworthy eyewitness of who Jesus was as a baby.

Simeon was righteous. Simeon was a common, unknown man. During a time when Judaism had become corrupt and people were under a religious system that God condemned, there was still a remnant of God’s people who remained faithful. Simeon was one of them. Simeon was a man of character. He was considered righteous by God. Religious leaders in those days believed they were righteous because they kept the law externally, but true righteousness is from the inside-out. One must have a righteous standing before God in order to produce truly righteous living.

But how did Simeon have a righteous standing before God? He was an old man before Jesus was crucified. We know that no one is righteous apart from Christ. How then did Simeon, along with the other Old Testament saints, obtain righteousness? Through the account of Abraham, we see that in both the Old and New Testament, man is righteous by faith alone. (Gen 15:5-6; Rom 3:30) Simeon was credited righteousness because he had faith in God.

How do I know if I am righteous? Anyone who is righteous fears God because they know God through Jesus Christ. Salvation transforms us to be righteous. (James 2:26) Without righteousness, you will have no power to be a witness of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Many people reject Christ because they see the hypocrisy in the lives of those who profess to be Christians. Though it is by grace alone that one is saved, we must live righteously so as to never be a stumbling block to the lost.

Simeon had sound doctrine. Simeon was not only righteous, but he was devout. To be devout is to take hold of God, who is good and holy. It is to be steadfast in your commitment to God, no matter what. The devout man holds fast to sound doctrine. He does not to merely know sound doctrine, but he lives by it. Sound doctrine was behind Simeon’s righteous actions. By sound doctrine, Simeon was looking for the consolation of Israel. (Is 40:1-2)  He viewed God biblically, and knew that God keeps His promises. The consolation of Israel refers to the Messianic hope. Simeon saw Jesus as an infant and recognized by the Holy Spirit that He was God’s salvation for man. This is every believer’s sound doctrine- Jesus is the only comforter for the soul afflicted by sin. (Rom 6:8-11)

Like Simeon, we must seek God’s consolation for us every day. Jesus comforts those who seek Him, because in Him, there is the forgiveness of sins. As we cling to God and live by His Word, we can be effective witnesses to God’s salvation through Jesus Christ.

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Jesus Is the Same Forever, Part 2 – Luke 2:21-24

Jesus is God incarnate, which means even from infancy Jesus is the Lord. He is the same forever. We see this truth based on the witness of Mary, Joseph, Anna and Simeon. They testified that his name is Jesus, the Savior of sinners.

After Jesus was born, in accordance to the law, Mary had to wait over forty days to go to the temple because she was considered unclean.(Lev 12:1-4). The reason that a woman is considered unclean is because, even though a baby is God’s gift, they are still sinners, and so there is a time of purification after giving birth. While the law does not bring salvation, Mary and Joseph were both righteous and obeyed according to God’s commands. After the days of purification, they bring Jesus up to Jerusalem to offer to God.

In these events, we see six aspects of Jesus Christ.

  1. Jesus’ sacrifice is voluntary:  In the Levitical law, God reserved the first born son of every family, but in their place God reserved the tribe of Levites. So it was the Levites who would present their first born son to God (Num 8:17-8). Jesus did not have to present himself because He was of the tribe of Judah.  He went voluntarily and with humility (Phil 2:5-8). Why would Jesus, who is God, voluntarily sacrifice Himself? Because He loves us (Jn 3:16). What amazing love and wonderful love Jesus shows His undeserving chosen.

  2. Jesus is as glorious as God the Father: The verse says He went ‘up’ to Jerusalem. As Moses went up Mount Sinai where God revealed Himself, and just as Jesus would later go up the mountain and was transfigured; Jesus the baby went up to His Father’s house (Ex 19:1,3; Mt 17:1,5). Jesus’ glory is God’s glory and all creation worships Him (Rev 5:12-14)

  3. Jesus is presented to God: ‘Present’ means to offer or to sacrifice. Normally, since the Levites were reserved and presented to the Lord, instead of all the tribes’ first born sons, the other tribes would pay a ransom (redemptions fee) of 30 gerah to the priests (Num 18:16-17). Instead of paying the ransom, Jesus was presented. Jesus is the ransom for sinners, a ransom for many (Mk 10:45). As sinners, we have a debt we cannot pay and no means to pay it (Ps 29:6-9). Jesus pays our debt in full by presenting Himself, His own life, as our ransom. This unfathomable debt is now paid in full and we are free! Praise the name of Jesus! (1 Pt 1:18-19)

  4. Jesus is supreme: Being the firstborn means He is first in rank, the highest position, supreme (Col 1:15). Jehovah’s Witness may try to argue that being first born is chronological, but they misunderstand. Jesus is not a creature but the Creator, God above all creation.

  5. Jesus is holy: Holy means otherness. Even though Jesus became man, he was still holy God. Naturally, men hate and fear the holiness of God, especially those who only have an exterior holiness, such as the Pharisees who ultimately killed Jesus out of their hatred. Similar to Peter, the natural response to Jesus’ holiness is to realize our sinfulness and try to distance ourselves (Lk 5:8). May we see the holiness of Jesus and repent of our sins.

  6. Jesus is the final sacrifice, the lamb of God: For the burnt offering and sin offering, you would present a lamb or a bull, and if you were poor such as Joseph and Mary, you would bring a pigeon or a turtledove. In the old covenant God showed mercy through the sacrifices, and even to the poor, God allowed a way. Mary and Joseph didn’t have a lamb, but they had Jesus. In the new covenant, Jesus is the Lamb, who’s blood washes us of all our sin. The veil in the temple has been torn, and in Jesus, we can draw near with confidence. (Heb 10:8-10;Mt 27:51;Heb 4:16)

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Jesus Is the Same Forever – Luke 2:21-24

Luke’s detailed account of Jesus’ infancy proves that the baby born in the manger is- as it is written in the Nicene Creed- the very God of very God. It is evidence against the ancient heresies that persist today which deny either Jesus’ deity or human nature. Luke’s narrative include Mary, Joseph, Simeon, and Anna as four righteous witnesses who behold Jesus as a baby. Their actions and reactions towards Jesus testify to the fact that this infant is indeed the Son of God who came to die for sinners.

How did Mary and Joseph testify of Jesus?
Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day. Circumcision is significant to the Jewish nation. Not only is it a law, but it is a sign of God’s covenant with His people- all who belong to Him are to be circumcised. (Lev 12:3) Jesus’ circumcision shows that he is a historical, physical human being. The Son of God took on humanity in order to be identified with us by being born of a woman, under the law. Moreover, the blood that was shed due to circumcision foreshadowed Jesus’ death on the cross, where He shed His blood for the cleansing of our sin- by the blood of Christ, we are made new.

Circumcision is not merely a physical matter, but it is more importantly a matter of the heart. One must first be saved by faith in Christ in order for any outward obedience to the law to be acceptable to God. The law is fulfilled in Christ alone because He alone kept the law both inwardly and outwardly. When He died for us on the cross, He paid the penalty for our sins to appease God’s wrath and His righteousness was imputed to us for our justification. This is the only means of being circumcised in the heart. (Matt 5:17; Eph 2:8-9)

Mary and Joseph named Him Jesus. Before Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph were instructed by God to name the baby “Jesus,” (Hebrew, Yeshua) which means, God saves. Jesus came to the world to die. Whether through miracles or sermons, He lived to prove that His death would satisfy God for our sin. Jesus’ God-given name testifies to the fact that Jesus is the Savior of the world.

What kind of savior is Jesus? Jesus is the merciful savior. He promises to never turn away whoever comes to Him. No matter what you have done, Jesus is ready to welcome sinners who are contrite and broken over their sin. All of us are spiritual lepers, and Christ is the only one who is able to heal. He breaks the power of sin and reconciles us to God. How glorious our God is! This is God’s mercy, and it is for you. Now is the time to realize your need for Jesus’ salvation.

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Joy of the Gospel – Luke 2:15-20

Many people believe life’s good because they feel good. Their assessment is based on their emotions. The unfortunate reality is that life is not good. As spiritual descendants of Adam, everyone is under the curse of God (Romans 5:12). Everyone is uncooperative with the Lord and goes against God (Romans 1:1822). Thirdly, everyone is destined to die and to be judged (Ephesians 2:1-2, Hebrews 9:27). For these reasons, there is no true peace or joy in this life. The solution is not to just enjoy what we can, while we can. There is a way for our lives to be worthwhile, in the eyes of God.

In Luke 2:20, the shepherds are glorifying and praising God. Just moments before, they were shepherds stuck in their routine at the bottom of the social status, with no hope of anything different. Life was not good. Yet they were changed, and this change had nothing to do with what they were. In fact, they went back, their job was still the same. Nothing had changed about their circumstances.

What happened to change the shepherds? In Luke 2:10-11 They heard the gospel, they trusted and obeyed, they enhanced by sharing.  The change for joy begins with faith in these three stages.

Hear the Gospel (Luke 2:8-10)
People need to hear first before anything else. Jesus commanded us to teach, so that they may hear (Matthew 28:18). Faith comes from hearing (Romans 10:14,17). They must hear the gospel message of Jesus (Luke 2:10-14), which is found in the Bible, the Word of God. It is not because it was spoken by angels that the shepherds believed, for even though people saw the rising of the dead they did not believe. It is the Bible by the power of the Holy Spirit working in the hearts of men by which people believe (Acts 4:4). Hearing the telling of the miracles in the Bible is better than seeing them in person.

However, you must hear without doubting. Hear the Bible without a preconceived skeptical understanding. The Bible is true! If you have doubt or bias, then even if Jesus speaks to you, you won’t believe (Luke 4:22-23). Then, when you hear the Word of Christ, as you take it personally, it will bring you to repentance, because you will know that is for your sins Jesus died on the cross.

Trust and Obey
After the shepherds heard the message, they trusted what the angel said. Luke 2:15. We too can trust the gospel message because it comes from heaven. The gospel is not from men, but from God. ‘The Lord has made known to us’ the gospel message through the Bible. We can trust God through His word in all circumstances.

Trusting leads to obedience. The shepherd’s promptly obeyed the words of the angel because they trusted what they heard. To obey, you must be willing and determined based on what you hear. Obedience takes bravery and a venturous attitude. The shepherd’s had never visited Bethlehem, they did not know where they were going or how to find Mary and Joseph, but still they went.

Why is it hard to obey promptly?

  • Divided hearts have a hard time to obey. It takes a whole-hearted courage to obey.

  • It is also hard to obey when we try to obey in their own way (Romans 10:1-3)

  • Difficult to obey because we fail to have faith. Hebrews 11:6

Enhance by sharing
Lastly obedience must be proven by sharing (Luke 2:18-19)  They confirmed what they heard with their own eyes and they shared with Mary what happened to them. Afterwards, they went back glorifying and praising God, because the gospel which they heard and saw was now their joy.

As Christians, the gospel is our joy and excitement. If you are not excited about the gospel then you are wrong. The reason we care about the gospel is because it is our life! We’re not waiting or hoping for anything else. God did not spare His own Son! This is the best news by which we are saved. We are freed from sin and death and have eternal life!

Yet there are Christians who think they are not blessed, waiting for something else or something more. They wait because they are not changed by the gospel. They are not changed by the gospel because they have understood it properly. It is silly to want something more when the gospel is the power to save (Romans 1:16). Nothing else can save someone or change them.

The gospel we have heard is everything we need in this life. We trust God’s word and obey with courage. When we obey, the gospel is confirmed. As a result, sharing the gospel is our joy, the joy of heaven.

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Is Your Gospel Biblically Correct? – Luke 2:12-14

There are many self-professing Christians whose lives do not bear the fruit of a true believer. For example, most politicians who claim they are Christians support abortion, which God hates. They lack a biblical worldview and can not see God’s sovereignty and sanctity in every life from the moment of conception. Why is there a discrepancy between what people profess and how they live? Since it is by the gospel that one is saved and transformed, their understanding of the gospel must be different from what the Bible says. Without the gospel, man can not know the true God, and his life will not bear the fruit of Christ-likeness. It is only by the gospel that man can be prepared to meet God after death.

What is the gospel? And what happens when one believes in the biblical gospel?

If your gospel is biblical, it is the gospel of Jesus Christ alone. Only the good news of Jesus Christ is able to transform men. There are many false saviors in the world. That is why the angels told the shepherds of the specific sign that the Messiah who was born would be in a manger, wrapped in cloths. God became man to bear our sins and sorrows. His birth in a manger was a picture of His humility, and it was the sign that indicated that He was the promised Savior.

Jesus is the center of the gospel. If your gospel is in Christ alone, it will surely be fruitful. He is able to save us from the power of sin, because He alone overcame it to reconcile us to God. Jesus Himself is the gospel, and the new life that He gives to believers is supernatural. (Matt 1:21; 1Cor 15:3-4) The gospel is applied to the dead heart through repentance and faith, and the believer is grafted into the life of Christ, he is transformed. Those who were once proud are now humble, and they begin on the path of sanctification, continually growing and bearing fruit. They single heartedly love Christ, and they live for the Kingdom of God. There is no power that could reverse the effects of the gospel in the life of a true believer. The biblical gospel brings about an undying passion for and commitment to Christ.

If your gospel is biblical, you would live a Christ-centered life. It is by God’s power, love, goodness, and holiness that He established the means of salvation for the hopeless. The angels praised God before the shepherds, saying, “Glory to God in the highest,” as they heralded the good news of Christ’s birth. Every time a person is saved, God’s glory is hailed in heaven, and Christians who taste the glory of God in the gospel become determined to give glory to God with their whole lives.

How can you glorify God?

  • Surrender to God, to be His instrument for His Will to be done. Regardless of circumstances, our hearts must be dedicated to the Lord, aiming for His glory.
  • Worship Christ alone.
  • Become more like Christ in sanctification. Every Christian has the desire to become more like Jesus to the glory of God. (Phil 3:10-11)

What hinders a God-glorifying life? If all activities become a performance with no heart, and God’s Word, prayer, and fellowship with the church have no impact on you, there is no life of Christ in your life. There is no glory to God in a pretentious, religious lifestyle.

If your gospel is biblical, you have peace. Peace is supernatural. Without God, you can not know peace. Jesus is called the Prince of Peace. He died for us, placating God’s wrath, erasing our guilt, and making us children of God. Christians knows peace through their salvation. No matter the circumstances, they have peace because the Lord is with them. (2Cor 5:18-21) God gives us peace to enable us to obey, and we experience His peace as we commune with Him in prayer.

The true gospel is the good news of God’s salvation in Jesus Christ. It transforms men to be Christ-centered and at peace. The gospel is not to be just preached, but to be experienced through the power and love of God in Christ.

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Hooray! Good News Has Come! Part 2 – Luke 2:8-11

The gospel is at the heart of Luke’s account of Jesus birth. Angels appeared to shepherds to announce the good news that a Savior had been born, who is Christ the Lord. This message of good news- the gospel- was not just for the lowly shepherds, but it was for all who would believe and trust in Jesus. The gospel brings great joy to those who believe. As sinners who were once separated from God, who is the very source of all joy, in the gospel we are reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ.

But is it truly possible that Christians can be joyful in all circumstances because of the gospel? We will focus on the angels’ herald in v. 11 to see how, yes, the gospel is able to bring joy and peace that can surpass all circumstances.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Lk 2:11

The gospel is not aimless and random. “For unto you…”
The gospel is from God, and it lands at the heart of every one of His elect. The doctrine of election trouble many, because they believe God is not fair to choose one man over another to be saved. But in a matter of fairness, no one would be saved, because all have sinned and deserve its penalty. In God’s love, He selected some people before the foundation of the world to be saved. This is how God has designed salvation. If God had not chosen us, we would never choose Him. (Rom 8:29-30; Eph 1:4)

How do we know we are the elect?
When the gospel is preached, the elect recognize their need for a Savior. Jesus, who is the Great Physician, came for those who are sick. Those who excuse themselves because they believe they aren’t not too bad will never come to Jesus because they are not elect. The one who is elect is convicted by the Holy Spirit that he is a sinner, he is in desperate need of a Savior. (Mk 2:17)

The gospel is authorized by God. “…in the city of David…”
When the angels referred to Bethlehem as the city of David, they pointed directly to God’s prophecy in the Old Testament that the Messiah would come from David’s lineage. The shepherds would have recognized that God was fulfilling His promise. Realizing that God keeps every one of His promises results in great joy.

The gospel is all about God. “…a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
The angels announced the incarnation of Jesus. He was truly God and truly man. He gave up His glory in heaven to come down to earth to save us. Our God is a saving God, and it is only by the name of Jesus Christ that a sinner can be saved. (Lk 19:10; Jn 11:25-26)

How does Jesus save?

  • Jesus saves you from your guilt. (Justification)
  • Jesus saves you from the power of sin. (Sanctification)
  • Jesus saves you from the curse of sin. (Glorification)
Not only is Jesus the Savior, He is the Christ. Jesus is the Messiah. The Old Testament represents the Messiah in two ways- as a humble, suffering servant, and as a militant King, who comes to judge the wicked. When Jesus was born into the world, He was humble and meek. In great love, He came to take our afflictions and die in our stead. Many rejected Jesus and still reject Him today because they don’t want this suffering Messiah. They want the all-ruling Messiah. But Jesus will come again, and when He comes as the King of kings and Lord of lords, He will judge the wicked who have not received Him by faith. (Zech (9:9-10; Is 53:3-4)

Finally, Jesus is the Lord. He is sovereign- everything, good or bad, happens by His permission. He speaks with authority- just as He raised Lazarus from the dead by His command, Jesus effected our salvation by calling us out of the darkness and into His marvelous light. By His power, because of His love for us, Jesus gives us a new heart that results in a new life. If you have not closed with Jesus as your Lord, you have not known Him as your Savior.

The gospel is available today. “For unto you is born this day…”
Today is the day of salvation. The gospel is God’s promise fulfilled for you, because Jesus Christ has come to us as our Savior and Lord. Let the gospel become your joy and your testimony today.

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Hooray! Good News Has Come! – Luke 2:8-11

During the times of ancient Greece, there was a war against Persia and a decisive battle took place in the field of Marathon. When Greece had somehow won, a man was sent to run from Marathon to Athens. After running the whole way, he announced, ‘Joy to you, we have won!’ and died from exhaustion. Meanwhile, the whole city rejoiced at the good news.

People always look forward to good news and react with joy. However all good news is temporary, subjective, and some can even be immoral. There is only one good news that is eternal. It is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Without this good news, we cannot be saved. In general, everything God says is good and eternal, because He is good and eternal. The gospel, specifically, the death and resurrection of Jesus is the good news by which we receive God’s blessing and gift of salvation. All other good news stems from the Gospel.

The arrival of the good news.
The good news came to shepherds who were watching their sheep near Bethlehem. The angel appears in an amazing scene of light, reflecting the glory of God. Why did the angel appear to them? Because they were sinners. In the end, everyone is just a sinner, and as sinners, they were frightened before God. No matter how holy one may seem, before God we hide or tremble or despair because of our guilt. (Gen3:9-10;Is6:5) The good news has come because we are sinners. If you do not acknowledge your sinfulness (Jer17:9), then you have not yet figured out salvation.

The angel brought the good news in regards to our sin (1Cor15:21-22). The good news is here because of our reality, the Gospel’s availability and our responsibility.

  • Our reality: We must accept the fact that God, at first, made the world good (Gen1), yet we have cooperated with Satan to overthrow God’s authority (Mt13:27-29).

  • The Gospel has come and is available today for repentance and salvation (2Tim2:9)

  • Our responsibility is to tell others the good news of Jesus Christ (Rom1:16). Some of us might need experience, confidence or conviction, yet preaching Christ to the world is our responsibility.

Of Great Joy
The word great means large and impactful. Our great joy is something we share based on our salvation. The moment of our conversion is the greatest and most joyous moment in our lives (Lk15:7;Is12:1-3;Rom14:17;1Jn1:1,4).

Why does salvation bring great joy? Because, like many of those that Jesus healed, we are spiritually healed from our sin. Like the lame man who had been ill for more than 38 years, we have been dead in our sin (Jn 5:5-9). What great joy he must have had at being able to walk! Our joy is the same, like being instantly healed or being raised from the dead, we are saved from sin and death. The good news brings the joy of salvation.

In our great joy, we experience the blessings of salvation.

  • The forgiveness of sins through the atoning work of Jesus Christ

  • God’s redemption: We were slaves to sin but God redeems us (Jn 8:34)

  • Reconciliation to God and a right standing before Him. Before we had no way to reach God, but now we are reconciled.

  • Eternal life and going to heaven. We can live life without regrets since every day brings us closer to our heavenly home with God and without sin.

Even though we may suffer here on earth, we can trust in God. He is sovereign and we have been made perfect in His eyes through Jesus Christ. This is the good news of great joy that is for us to receive and share.

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