Welcome to this final summary and feedback portion of The Gospel for the Church.
We hope you've enjoyed this study. If it has been a blessing to you, and the gospel has become more dear to you, please let us know by sharing your experience with us in your answers to the questions below.
The Gospel for the Church course was born from a desire to see the church rediscover and return to the power of the cross! Preaching and teaching from the cross should not be relegated to a "salvation message," but rather, the gospel message should be continuously offered as the message of power from God to save, sanctify, set free, and, one day, raise and glorify all who believe.
We've noted throughout this course that all believers have the privilege of sharing the gospel with believers and non-believers alike. We share it with non-believers that they would come to salvation, and with believers to help them grow and mature in sanctification.
As we share this message with others, those that hear become near and dear to our hearts - especially when they receive the "word of the cross" with joy (1 Corinthians 1:18, 1 Thessalonians 1:6).
It should be the aim of all believers that all people would see Jesus dying on the cross for them personally, taking their sin from them and removing it as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12) and that they hear Christ's word of forgiveness for them so that they might believe and turn from sin and live in the joy and worship of their Savior. But how can they see, hear, and believe unless we faithfully preach, teach, and share the good news of Christ's death and resurrection for salvation and sanctification (Romans 10:14)?
Let us summarize this study by reflecting on an event that happened after the resurrection of Jesus:
“Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” John 20:24-25 ESV
What was it that Thomas wanted? "Unless I see... and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe."
Oh, friend, do you hear the cry of those lost in unbelief and those to whom you preach, counsel, or sit next to in church? They want to see Jesus! God must give them spiritual eyes to look at the cross and see Jesus' being wounded for their transgressions and bruised for their iniquity. It is our role to point them to the cross and invite them to see and touch, that is, to experience the power of the cross personally.
Now, notice what happens when people actually see the cross and the wounds of Jesus for them:
“Eight days later His disciples were again inside the house, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, though the doors had been barred, and stood among them and said, "Peace to you." 27 Then He said to Thomas, "Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and put out your hand and place it in My side. Do not be unbelieving, but [stop doubting and] believe." 28 Thomas answered Him, "My Lord and my God!" John 20:26-28 (Amplified Bible - AMP)
Can you imagine this scene? Thomas was standing right before the risen Lord, standing there touching Him. Thomas felt Jesus' pierced hands and wounded side, which proved and testified that Jesus willingly stretched Himself out on the cross, died, and rose back to life for him.
Question 2. What was Thomas’ response when He saw and touched the wounds of Jesus?
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