The forgiveness of sins
In this Session, we will discuss the next line of the Apostles' Creed: "The forgiveness of sins."
In just four words, this small phrase speaks to the heart of the gospel. Therefore, in this session, we will spend time talking about the bad news that makes the gospel necessary, as well as the good news that makes the gospel so sweet.
Part 1
The Wrath of God Revealed
Key Points from Part 1
To understand the good news, we need to first understand the bad news.
When we understand the deep darkness of our sin, the brightness of the gospel shines beautifully and clearly.
If we don’t look at the bad first, we might think that forgiving our sins was no big deal.
The Wrath of God
God's Wrath (perfect)
Revealed from Heaven (authoritative)
Review Questions
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We need to know why we needed forgiveness for our sins in the first place.
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It means that His wrath is revealed from a place of total authority.
Key Points from Part 2
What is the wrath of God?
The wrath of God is God’s terrible, ultimate, glorious, and severe response toward sin.
The level of authority held by the one you have committed an offense against-- determines the severity of the punishment for that offense.
Only an eternal, endless punishment fits the crime of offending one with eternal, endless authority.
There is nothing we can do to escape the wrath of God.
But there is one who came to this earth-- who never broke God’s Law-- who lived a perfect, sinless life-- this man is Jesus Christ.
There are many ways God has revealed His wrath to us. But the cross of Jesus shows us the clearest picture.
1 Timothy 1:15 -- The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.
Review Questions
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The wrath of God is God’s terrible, ultimate, glorious, and severe response toward sin.
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The suffering and death of Jesus Christ.
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It is the news that Jesus Christ has come to save sinners. It is the news that reconciles sinners to a holy God. Is the news that God is able to both punish sin and offer forgiveness to sinners.
Questions for Further Discussion
Briefly explain the gospel.
The Bible says that every person is "without excuse" when it comes to our sinful rebellion against God (Romans 1:20). What excuses do people try to make for their sin? What excuses have you found yourself making?
How would you respond to someone who says that God's reaction to sin is overblown and exaggerated?
How could the brutal death of Jesus Christ be good news for anyone?
Who are two people you know who need to hear the good news of the gospel?