The gospel has a claim on our lives. When prospectors in the Old West mined or panned for gold, they would “stake a claim,” meaning they would stake off the boundaries of the land they legally claimed or owned to keep claim jumpers at bay if they happened to find gold.
The Bible says that God chose us before he ever created the world. (Ephesians 1:4) In a very real way, Jesus staked his claim on us when he died for us. When we believed the gospel, we agreed to that transaction, and we now belong to him. (1 Corinthians 6:19) Every time the gospel is shared, it requires the hearer to make a decision regarding Christ’s lordship and ownership.
The gospel makes a claim on everyone who hears it, forcing us to respond in some fashion. We can declare allegiance to Jesus, ignore the message, or fight against it.
The Jewish leaders of his day made their decision. Most of them rejected him, his message, and his kingdom. Fulfilling Jesus’ prophetic parable about the wicked tenants, they put the Son of God to death. (Luke 20:9-18) When Peter made his first gospel presentation on Pentecost, his Jewish hearers were pierced to the heart when he accused them of complicity in the treacherous betrayal and regicide of the Messiah. They had played a part in the murder of God’s Chosen One, the Son of David, the coming Judge of the whole earth. On hearing Peter’s words and realizing their guilt, they were desperate to try to set things straight. This was the response for which Peter and God were looking.
We were not in the crowd that yelled, “Crucify him,” but we have been among those who have rejected his claims to Lordship. We too are guilty of rebellion against God’s rule. Just as those who heard Peter’s first sermon begged for a way to get things right, the gospel should stir us to want to be forgiven and reconciled to the coming King and Judge. The glorious good news of the gospel demands a response greater than simply agreeing with its facts. If we are not motivated to do something to get right with God, it is doubtful that we have really understood.
Asking for forgiveness, turning away from a self-directed way of life, and declaring allegiance to God’s King is the response God desires.
If we reject the gospel’s claim on our lives, we will one day encounter the Judge of all the earth and give account for that decision. Indifference is just one more form of rebellion that begs for judgment. How can God excuse our being uninterested in the most important person in the universe and rejecting his gracious offer to be reconciled? But, if we respond properly, knowing and enjoying God for all of eternity opens up to us.
Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. Acts 2:36-41 (ESV)
Prayer
Jesus, up to now I have never truly understood who you are. Now I see that you are the focus of the entire Bible. You are the Lamb of God who gave your life for me. I receive all you died to provide for me. Thank you for forgiving my sins, giving me eternal life, giving me a right standing with God, making me God’s child, and setting me free on the inside so I can serve you. Please baptize me in the Holy Spirit and empower me to be your witness. I surrender my entire life to you, my glorious Lord. Use me as you see fit. I ask especially that you will give me opportunities to share the gospel with others and to mentor those who come to you in repentance and faith. Amen.
