Welcome to Meet Jesus Course – Part 1
The Gospel of Jesus Christ
It should be noted that the Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew and some Aramaic, whereas the New Testament was originally written in Greek (called Koine). From time to time within these studies reference will be made to the meaning of the original Greek words used in the New Testament.
What is the Gospel?
The Greek word is euangelion and simple means good or joyful news. The good news is that God is freely offering the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life through his son, Jesus Christ.
Who is Jesus Christ?
Jesus Christ is the the Christ, the son of the living God.
Matthew 16v15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
Why is He Called the Christ?
In the Old Testament, high priests and kings were anointed with oil when they entered into their God given position.
Priests:
Exodus 29v7 Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his head, and anoint him.
Kings:
1 Samuel 15v1 Samuel also said unto Saul, The Lord sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the Lord.
The Hebrew word for anointing is masah which means to rub with oil.
So too, Jesus was anointed as God’s chosen, but he was not anointed with natural oil but with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 10v38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him., … see also: Acts 4v27.
It was when Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit that he became the Christ.
Christ in the Greek is Christos which means anointed. This is also the meaning of the word Messiah, which in the Hebrew is masiyah. So, Jesus the Messiah, or Jesus the Christ, or Jesus the Anointed.
What is Sin?
The Greek word which has been translated as sin in our Bibles is hamartia which means to miss the mark or to err. An example I would use is this, If a designer designs a car to be run using petrol and I decide that I am not going to use petrol but water, then you could say that I am not using the car according to the designer’s instructions. I have missed the mark and I have erred.
We understand that in my example there will be a consequence, i.e., the car will not work and will consequently be damaged. The Bible tells us that there is a consequence of sin, which is death …
Romans 6v23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
… not just physical death, but what the Bible calls the second death…
Revelation 20v14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
… which is God’s judgement.
One might say that some people are good and others are bad, but when it comes to sin we are all exactly the same.
Romans 3v23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Sin is inescapable, so this is where God’s love comes in.
God’s Love
God sent his only born Son to die for our sins, …
Titus 3v4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared
… and to rise again from the dead
1 Corinthians 15v3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
He died as a sacrifice. In this case he gave himself as a sacrifice for our sin, in other words, he took the punishment that we deserve, upon himself.
Ephesians 5v2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
He did this through his crucifixion.
On the third day Jesus rose from the dead …
1 Corinthians 15v3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
… conquering death …
Hebrews 2v14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
… forty days after his death he ascended into Heaven, where he obtained eternal redemption (a buying back) …
Hebrews 9v12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
… and obtaining everlasting life to those who come to him in faith.
1 John 2v25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
How Do We Escape God’s Judgement and Obtain This Everlasting Life?
First of all, one must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, believe that he died for your sins and that he rose from the dead (John 6:28-29), then repent (i.e. to turn from sin, and turn to God), be baptised (i.e. to be immersed in water – Romans 6:3-4), and receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit. (see: Acts 2:38).
Repent is from the Greek word metanoeo which means to change one’s mind or purpose.
Baptise is from the Greek word baptizo which means immerse, submerge or dip.
How does a person know when they have received the Holy Spirit?
They will immediately speak in tongues. See: Acts 2:4, Acts 10:44-46, Acts 19:6, Mark 16:17-18.
A person cannot be saved or enter into Heaven if they have not received the Holy Spirit. John 3:5, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, Titus 3:5.
Meet Jesus Course – Part 2 >
Salvation >
Jesus Christ - God's Answer 