The Daily Word of Righteousness

Rivers of Life

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

Two different gospels. There are at least two gospels of the Lord Jesus Christ being presented today, but only one of them is of God.

The first gospel is very popular, especially in the wealthy democracies. It is as follows:

The Lord Jesus came to meet every need of man. He came to make us happy, to enable us to be successful in every area of life. Through Him we can be healed, gain wisdom, receive power to do as we wish. The Christians are the children of the King and deserve every blessing, every happiness and joy imaginable. The world is ours and through the Lord we can possess it—now!

All suffering, all frustration, all denial of what the individual desires, is of Satan, it is taught. Through the Lord Jesus we can escape pain, and gain our desires, thus leading a "fulfilled life." The people of the world will see how blessed and prosperous we are and desire to know our Lord.

It is a positive presentation of Jesus. It appears that a person would be foolish not to accept what God is offering. We receive all that heart could wish in this world and then go to live in a mansion in the ages to come.

The second gospel is not popular, especially in the wealthy democracies. It is as follows:

The Lord Jesus was a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. He was cast out by His own people and despised by the world. He was a "root out of a dry ground," having no beauty that anyone would desire Him.

When people came to Him, seeking to learn of Him and be discipled by Him, He said, "If you would know Me, if you would be My disciple, you must hate your own life. You must take up your cross and follow Me on the pathway of suffering. I am moving toward an agony of self-denial and then on to crucifixion. Follow Me and you shall receive back in this present life the things you have forsaken, and eternal life in the ages to come. But as long as you are in the world you will have tribulation."

The first gospel promises us every joy now.

The second gospel warns us that we must take up the cross of suffering and denial in this present world if we would enter the Glory of the Lord.

Obviously these are not both the same gospel.

Which is the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ?

You must choose. The choice you make will determine your eternal destiny.

To be continued.