Who is Jesus?
The Good News
God’s story contains the answers to life’s biggest questions. Who am I? Why are we here? Why does the world seem broken? Is there real hope for me? It is vital that we understand the "big picture" of the Bible to find these answers. By knowing and responding to who Jesus is, we can find life’s true meaning. Let’s take a moment to explore God’s story.
God’s story can be understood in four major scenes:
creation
God created everything for His glory. He made the universe with a perfect design and created the first humans, Adam and Eve, in His image and for the purpose of walking in a relationship with Him. The earth was full of perfect peace where everything worked according to God's intention. The world was made for human flourishing, where we could live in joy in the presence of our Maker, worshiping God by loving Him and one another forever. (Genesis 1 & 2, Psalm 139:13-14, John 1:1-4)
FALL
Although God created mankind to live in a perfect relationship with Him, Adam and Eve rejected God's rule over them. We refer to their rebellious choice as "the fall," and because they represented all of humanity, their action affects us too. We have-- through our attitudes and actions-- declared ourselves to be God's enemies by breaking his commands and living life the way that seems right to us. This rebellion results in physical and spiritual death. Every person has sinned and is separated from a relationship with God their creator. We cannot restore our relationship with God on our own. (Genesis 3, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:12)
redemption
Thankfully Jesus entered the story of human history. Through Jesus Christ, God implemented His plan for redeeming His world and rescuing us from our sin. Jesus, though fully God, was born as a baby, lived a perfect life, and then died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin. The good news of God’s story is found in the death and resurrection of Jesus. After appearing to many witnesses, Jesus ascended to His throne in Heaven and actively works in the lives of His people, waiting for the day of His return. Through faith in Christ, we can receive forgiveness for our sin and be restored to a renewed relationship with God. (John 3:16, Romans 5:6-8, 6:23, 10:9-11, Ephesians 2:8-9)
restoration
The story doesn't end with redemption. God has promised to renew the whole world, and the Bible gives us a peek into this glorious future. The restoration of all things will take place in two ways. Christ will return to judge sin and evil, and He will usher in righteousness and peace. God will purge this world of evil once and for all and bring about an eternal Kingdom with Jesus Christ as King. All who have turned from their sins and come to Jesus by faith will live forever with God in a restored creation and renewed relationship. (Colossians 1:11-14, Romans 8:18-25, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Revelation 21:1-4)
Your Story
You can find your place in God’s story of redemption by going to God in prayer right now. Agree with God that you have sinned and deserve punishment for turning away from Him. Ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins and believe that He was your substitute through his death on the cross. Believe that God raised Jesus from the dead and express your desire to follow Him as your Lord and Savior.
If you have trusted in Jesus, want to learn more, or have questions you can submit a response on the form below.
our Story
We would love to come alongside you and help you find your place in God’s story as well as your place at Carmel. We invite you to worship with us in person every Sunday morning at 8:00am, 9:30am, or 11:00am (details here) or online at 9:30am. If you have questions or a prayer need please let us know on the form below. You can find out more about Carmel through our website or connect with us by texting the word GUEST to 704-610-3116.