Focus on the Gospel
Part 3

We must be born again before we can see the kingdom of God.  God’s Word tells us that if we confess our sins, Jesus will forgive us our sins and cleanse us not only from sin’s penalty, but also from its power over us!  See John 3:3 and 1 John 1:9.

In Old Testament times, unblemished lambs and other sacrifices were offered on the altar for the forgiveness of sins.  These sacrifices and their shed blood pointed forward to Jesus, the real “Lamb of God” who takes away the sins of the world!  See Leviticus 3:7-8 and John 1:29.

When a person receives Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, he or she becomes a new person in Christ.  Old things pass away.  See 2 Corinthians 5:17.

When a person believes the gospel by faith he or she is “in Christ.”  They are then no longer “under the law” as far as trying to use the law as a means of salvation, or under the law’s condemnation.  They are now “under grace,” and now have Christ abiding in the heart through faith.  His or her heart is then filled with God’s “agape” love -- the pure, unselfish love that emanates from heaven -- from God!  This love motivates and enables the born-again believer to obey God’s law from the heart.  They obey not out of fear of punishment, or hope of reward alone.  As good as these motivating factors are, they now obey because of agape love!  Jesus said, “If you AGAPE (that’s the Greek word used) Me, keep My commandments.”   The born-again believer has God’s law written in the heart, the motivating factor is love, and the power is the Holy Spirit in them!  See Hebrews 10:16.