Is Forgiveness of Sin the Gospel Focus?

Summary

The website content emphasizes that while forgiveness of sin is a fundamental aspect of the gospel, it is not the sole focus; rather, it is the starting point for a broader range of blessings and benefits that God offers to believers.

Abstract

The article titled "Is Forgiveness of Sin the Gospel Focus?" argues that forgiveness, though essential, is only one part of the gospel message. It suggests that a common preaching emphasizes continuous confession of sins to maintain forgiveness, but the true essence of the gospel includes the complete eradication of sin by Jesus, who took our sins upon himself. The text underscores that God not only forgives but also forgets the sins of those who believe in Jesus. Furthermore, it posits that the end of the law came with Jesus, and believers are now under grace, not law. The article asserts that forgiveness is the foundation upon which God builds a life filled with his blessings, including abundant life on earth, prosperity, and eternal life in heaven. It also mentions that believers are heirs to God's Kingdom and all its promises, and that the Holy Spirit reveals these blessings to us. The overarching message is that forgiveness opens the door to a multitude of spiritual riches and a familial relationship with God.

Opinions

The gospel extends beyond forgiveness to include the fullness of God's blessings and promises.
Continuous confession of sins is not necessary for ongoing forgiveness, as Jesus' sacrifice was a one-time event that took away sin.
The law has ended with the coming of Jesus, and believers are now under grace, not under the obligation to follow the law.
Forgiveness is likened to a foundation that God builds upon, leading to an abundant life on earth and eternal life in heaven.
The article criticizes churches that focus predominantly on sin and law, suggesting they miss the full message of the gospel.
Believers are seen as part of God's family, sharing in

You Have Heard It Preached:

The gospel is all about God forgiving us of our sins. It’s the basis of the gospel. But according to I John 1:9, you must keep confessing your sins everyday so God will be faithful to forgive you.

Once you receive salvation, just live until you die and go to heaven. But don’t forget to keep confessing your sins so you will be forgiven.

But the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Is:

Forgiveness of sin is very real, a gift from God to believers, a foundation to the gospel (Eph 1:7, 4:32, Col 1:14, 2:13, 3:13, I John 2:12).

This is fact, but not the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth.

If we’re in Jesus, God even forgets our sin (Heb 8:12, 10:17) — because Jesus took our sin away (Heb 9:26, and became sin for us (II Cor 5:21). How often do you hear this preached?

Then why do we hear so much about the law most of the time? In a sin and law preaching church, you’ll never hear this type preaching! You hear abut sin, which Paul says is produced by law (I Cor 15:56). And Jesus says the law ended with John the Baptist (Luke 16:16). Then Paul says we are no under law but under grace (Rom 6:14).

The Apostle Paul Says There Is ‘So Much More.’

Hebrews 6:9 speaks of ‘things that accompany salvation.’

As important as it is, forgiveness is only part of God’s spiritual equation.

Jesus abolishes death and gives us (1) his abundant life on earth and (2) eternal life in heaven (II Tim 1:10).

He gives us prosperity in this life (3 John 2), if his truth resides in us and if we walk in it (3 John 3).

Jesus came to give us ALL the blessings, benefits and promises of God.

He says God gives us his entire Kingdom (Luke 12:32). The Holy Spirit even shows us any of God’s free gifts we may miss (I Cor 2:12).

Forgiveness of sin is like the foundation that God then builds on. Paul says God withholds nothing at all from us, not even his own Son (Rom 8:32 (His death on the cross). Paul says all of God’s blessings are ours (Eph 1:3). He repeats it: all things of God are ours (I Cor 3:21–22).

Forgiveness is like the door that opens up a multitude of things to us in God’s family. God even sees us believers as being part of the same family with those who are already in heaven (Eph 3:15). That’s far out!

In the word of the Father of the prodigal son in Luke 15, God says, “ALL that I have is yours.” Acts 3 tells us the reason God the Father sent his Son with his gospel for us was to bless us. He blesses our socks off!

All we have to do to get all this is to receive his forgiveness, and to turn to him in trust with open ears and hearts!

Is Forgiveness of Sin the Gospel Focus?

Forgiveness is necessary, but the gospel has other things to say.

You Have Heard It Preached:

But the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Is:

The Apostle Paul Says There Is ‘So Much More.’