"If we simply preach the effects of redemption in the human life instead of the revealed, divine truth regarding Jesus Himself, the result is not new birth in those who listen."
It is crucial when sharing the Cross that the hearers hear of the wonderful Finished Work of Jesus Christ, not what He promises, but He Himself.
When Jesus met up with Cleopas and partner on the road to Emmaus, He taught of Himself:
"And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself." (Luke 24:27)
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (cf John 14:6) These attributes are inseparable from Himself.
"Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (John 1:17)
And
"But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
"That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 1:30-31)
If we lack wisdom, Christ Himself supplies it. He is our righteousness, for we are made the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). He makes us holy and redeemed people, thus heirs of God and joint-heirs with Him.
We cannot separate His blessings from the Blessor Himself. Therefore, when we proclaim eternal life, we cannot submit that Jesus gives us Eternal Life, but rather that He gives us Himself!
In proclaiming the Gospel, we are called to proclaim who He is, and thus what He has done for us and in us, to all who are willing to believe.
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