The Gospel
The Good News of the Gospel
At First Baptist Church of Lacey, we believe the Gospel is the greatest news ever told. It is the message of God’s saving grace, His plan to redeem fallen humanity through Jesus Christ, and it offers hope and eternal life to all who trust in Him.
Who is God?
God is holy, sovereign, and just. He created everything, including humanity, in perfect harmony to reflect His glory. God is not only a righteous judge but also a loving Father. His holiness means that He cannot tolerate sin, but His love moved Him to provide a way of salvation for sinners.
The Problem: Our Sin
The Bible teaches that all people are born in sin (Romans 3:23). Since the fall of Adam and Eve, humanity has been in rebellion against God. Our sin separates us from a holy God, and the penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23)—not only physical death but also eternal separation from God.
No amount of good deeds or self-effort can make us right with God because His standard is perfect holiness (Isaiah 64:6). We are spiritually dead in our trespasses, utterly helpless to save ourselves (Ephesians 2:1-3).
God’s Solution: Jesus Christ
The good news is that God did not leave us in our hopeless condition. Out of His great love and mercy, God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to live the perfect life we could not live and to die the death we deserve. Jesus is fully God and fully man—He lived a sinless life, fulfilled the righteous demands of the law, and willingly took upon Himself the punishment for our sins by dying on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21).
On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead, proving His victory over sin and death. His resurrection guarantees that those who trust in Him will also be raised to eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Christ Alone
Salvation is not something we earn by our works; it is a free gift of God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. When we place our faith in Jesus, we are justified—declared righteous—before God, not because of anything we have done, but because of what Christ has done for us (Romans 5:1).
This faith is a gift from God, granted to His people by the power of the Holy Spirit (John 6:44). It is God who opens our eyes to our need for a Savior and enables us to trust in Christ.
A Call to Repentance and Faith
The Gospel calls everyone to repent and believe in Jesus Christ. To repent means to turn away from sin and self-reliance and to turn toward God in humble faith (Mark 1:15). Trusting in Christ means surrendering to Him as Lord and Savior, believing that His sacrifice on the cross fully satisfies God’s justice on your behalf.
Eternal Life and a New Heart
Those who trust in Christ are born again by the Holy Spirit (John 3:3). They receive a new heart, a new identity in Christ, and the promise of eternal life. This new life in Christ is marked by ongoing transformation as the Holy Spirit works in us to grow in holiness, to love God more deeply, and to live in obedience to His Word (Philippians 1:6).
The Glory of God
Ultimately, the Gospel is about the glory of God. God’s plan of redemption magnifies His holiness, justice, love, and mercy. As believers, we exist to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever (Romans 11:36).
Will You Trust in Christ Today?
If you feel the weight of your sin and the need for forgiveness, we invite you to place your trust in Jesus Christ today. He is the only way to God, and through Him, you can have peace with God and the promise of eternal life (John 14:6).
If you have any questions or would like to talk more about what it means to follow Christ, please reach out to us. We would love to walk alongside you in your journey of faith.