Adoration of the Shepherds by Gerard van Honthorst, 1622
I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, and in which you stand.
1 Corinthians 15:1.
God created you. “Know the LORD: it is he who made you, and not we ourselves” (Psalm 100:3).
You have sinned. “There is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:22.23).
God demands retribution for your sins. “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).
God loves you. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, became Man, as He wished to save you. His birth was proclaimed by the angel, who declared to the shepherds: “There is born to you this day … a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
Jesus Christ died on the cross for you. “When we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6).
Jesus Christ rose from among the dead and now lives in heaven. He Himself testified: “I am he who lives, and was dead, and, behold, I am alive for evermore” (Revelation 1:18).
Only by personal faith in the Redeemer can you receive the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).
Image: By Gerard van Honthorst – Google Art Project, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=45542035