The Gospel Misunderstood
Today is going to be Open Link Night at dVerse Poets Pub (I think). At any rate, I wrote this for Open Link Night. It was inspired by several conversations I’ve had lately—some in real life and some online. So often the Gospel is misunderstood by Christians and non-Christians, and that makes me quite sad, because it is the best news I have ever heard.
The Gospel Misunderstood
Humans have selfishly gone their own way
I know ‘cuz for so long I did the same
Living my life by my greedy desires
I refused my need to call on His name
The Gospel is the Good News of mercy
Undeserved but offered freely to all
There’s no longer any need for penance
Only our repentance after the fall
Fear of punishment turns many away
Knowing deep down that their heart’s filled with sin
They think God judgmental and nothing more
By His sacrifice He welcomes all in
There’s no condemnation for me in Christ
He paid the penalty that I once owed
Although I endured the consequences
Redemption and friendship to me He showed
If you have rejected a vengeful God
Look closer and you’ll find amazing grace
Daily relationship with Him, who’s love
Will never leave when you seek His sweet face
Please don’t misunderstand the Gospel news
Clinging to sin that will be your ruin
Believing judgment all that God offers
When truly His love and grace He’s proven
Turn from a life that’s empty and broken
Turn, as I have, toward our God of love
Seek the peace that comes only through Jesus
The way, the truth, and the life from above
Share this:
Thanks for sharing. You know what turns people away from God most? The church. They preach so much about sin; have they forgotten love? So much fire and brimstone, so much condemnation. What about love? The same selfishness the church condemns, I see in the church. Anyhow, good write.
I was just listening to a d.c. Talk song yesterday about that. I think it’s important to remember that the church is made up of imperfect people. It is when those imperfect people claim to be perfect instead of admitting their faults and need for a savior that we lose the rest of the imperfect ones, whom God does, indeed, love enough to have died for them. Peace, Linda
I am sorry there was such a rude comment on this. the person should have just not said anything. Too often, we do not want to accept responsibility for our actions or inactions. We don’t like to hear that we are sinners when we only want to hear that just because we do something good, we’re okay. This was a very brave write and I applaud you for it. You’ve spoken truth and sown the seed. Blessings.
Thanks. I suspect that the more boldly I write, the more negative comments I’ll get. And that’s okay. God’s at work even so. Peace, Linda
I am sure. But we know there is that in our walk.
The greaTest truth
that Jesus ever speaks
is God that lives within is
the only Truth..
Unfortunately
the greatest mistruth of A Bible
anywhere in any Universe NOW
is promoting A CREATURE to
GOD as ALL alone..
as only A
CREATURE..
whether
that be
a so-
called
last
prophet
named
Muhammad
or an only son
renamed
and called
as such
as
Jesus..
never wanting THAT..
but those who choose
to make him tHeir
Quarterback instead
of GOD do.. and yes
this is not just opinion
but scholarly researched
essence of Truth as well..
Until that mistake is erased
from the world
Jesus will
never
sleep
in peace…
yes.. i am
defending the
honor and respect
of the son of MAN Jesus
who states clearly
as reported in
‘that’ revised
book..
many will come
to do much
greater
than
a grain
of sand
that is the
greaTEST
OF ALL
AS THE
MEEK WILL
INHERIT THE
EARTH
AS
GROUND..:)
The message of forgiveness and love is indeed often forgotten in the name of intransigence, sticking to the rules and to traditions, dividing the world into ‘us’ and ‘them’.
This was deep. Struck a chord since I am in a phase of seriously examining my faith – or the lack of it.
Serious examination of one’s beliefs and faith is important. In His word, God says you will find Him when you seek Him with all your heart. I’m glad you found what I wrote helpful. Peace, Linda
I don’t believe god is judgmental, my not being religious is what kept my relationship with him so strong.
I’ve never thought of myself as “religious” per se, at least not in the traditional sense. I do now go to church most Sundays, though it’s because I want to, never because I think I have to. I enjoy the worship and the fellowship, but if I have somewhere else to be I’m not stressed that I’ll miss it (which I will be the next two weeks). For me, relationship is what it is all about. It’s what God wants, too, I believe. Peace, Linda
Thanks for the meaningful message ~
Yes, the peace of Jesus is there for those who seek it!
Good philosophy in this poem!
This is so beautiful!
This is beautiful. Thanks for sharing. Without a doubt He is a God of love!
his grace and love is always what i’m in awe of most…
I think that we have simplified the gospel too far to truly understand its meaning. It begins at creation, and how God created us all – then the fall – then redemption. Without the fall, we dont understand why we need a gospel. Without creation, we dont understand what we are redeemed to. And without redemption – well, theres not much left. Ha.
I heard of a Christian woman once who didn’t like to sing Amazing Grace because she didn’t see herself as a wretch. Some people never will. You have hit the nail on the head with this comment.
I applaud you
I haven’t been living my life only “by my greedy desires” but still did not need to call for Zeus, Buddha, or Yahweh. No repentance, no fear of punishment — no sacrifice needed. So if there is no condemnation in Christ, he should not give a shit that I live well without all that religiosity. Just a simple guy trying to get by in a theology free zone.
Very much relate-able!
Beautifully done