An Invitation, a Warning, and a Promise

The gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you.1 Corinthians 15:1-2Whether you are a newer Christian, a long-time Christian, or you are still exploring the faith, Paul has something to say to you today.1. Receive the Gospel“ The gospel I preached to you, which you received...” (15:1). Jesus offers grace for your past, present, and future. But you must receive this grace by believing the gospel. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ who died for our sins. Receive the grace He is offering you.2. Continue in the Gospel“The gospel... in which you stand... if you hold fast to the word” (15:1-2). Does receiving the gospel at some time mean that you will be saved regardless of what you believe or how you live afterwards? No! You know that you received the gospel if you are standing in it and holding fast to it. That’s what true believers do.3. Count on Being Saved by the Gospel“The gospel... by which you are being saved” (15:1-2). The promise of God to all who receive this gospel and continue in it, is that you will be saved by it. Paul speaks of salvation in the present tense: “You are being saved.” It is a continuing process. Jesus will give you strength to overcome your sins. He will save you from the condemnation sin brings. He will save you from the control sin exercises, and one day, He will save you from sin altogether.There is hope in Jesus because He died and rose, through the grace He brings, for all who receive and continue in the gospel.What is the greatest challenge for you today: To receive the gospel? To continue in it? Or to believe that you are being saved by it?