Paul writes instructive words to us all in the letter to his disciple Titus.  There is a quick, clear summary of the gospel in chapter 3, verses 3-7:

“For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.  But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

The verses say we are all sinners, lost and foolish – see the list of ways we moved away from God.

Jesus Christ is our savior – he did it all himself on the cross; there is nothing that we did or can do to merit such favor.  Even though we deserve punishment for our sins, those sins are washed away in Jesus’ merciful and gracious act of redemption. 

The Holy Spirit continues our regeneration and renewal – we continue to be sanctified.  And God is not skimpy; the Holy Spirit is poured out on us richly.

The hope that we have for eternal life is as children of our loving Father.  It is hard for our sinful minds to fathom, but the best part of heaven will be the presence of our Holy God.  This is good news, indeed.

See next Monday’s post for additional expected positive outcomes.