Saving Grace: The Gospel Over End Times Hysteria

Jamie Pantastico writes for Mesa Bible Study

by Jamie Pantastico

On March 23, 2024

In a world often consumed by sensationalism and end-time prophecies, it’s easy for believers to lose sight of their chief calling: to be ambassadors for Christ. Too often, the clamor of headline hysteria overshadows the fundamental message of grace that believers are given to proclaim.

 

Scripture reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:20 that we are ambassadors for Christ, entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. Our primary mission is to share the good news of God’s grace and reconciliation through the finished work of the cross. This message is not exclusive to pastors, evangelists, or theologians—it is the responsibility of every believer, regardless of status or title.

 

At the heart of our ambassadorship is the gospel—the message that God, through Christ, reconciled the world to Himself, not counting our sins against us (2 Corinthians 5:19). This is the amazing message that we have been given to share with the lost world around us: that salvation is freely available through faith alone in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

 

While Bible prophecy certainly has its place and importance, it should not overshadow our primary mission. We must not become so fixated on the 7 years of tribulation, that we neglect the urgent task of sharing the gospel today. We won’t be here anyway! The power of salvation lies not in headlines or speculations about future events that don’t even apply to us, but in the gospel message itself (Romans 1:16).

 

God’s ultimate desire is the salvation of mankind (1 Timothy 2:4), and He calls us to be active participants in His redemptive plan. As ambassadors for Christ, we are called to be steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58). Our labor in sharing the gospel is not in vain—it has eternal significance and impacts the destiny of souls.

 

In a world filled with chaos and uncertainties, let us refocus our attention on our chief calling as ambassadors for Christ. Let us boldly proclaim the gospel of grace, knowing that it is through this message that lives are transformed and souls are saved.

 

Bible reading:

 

2 Corinthians 5:20

“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.”

 

II Corinthians 5:19

‘that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.’

 

Romans 1:16

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”

 

I Timothy 2:4

‘who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. ‘

 

1 Corinthians 15:58

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

 

Thank you for reading.

Please consider sharing this post on social media.

 

Jamie Pantastico

Mesa Bible Study

Faith, Sine Qua Non

“What is Not Properly Understood can “Not” be Properly Applied”

 

 

 

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What Saith the Scripture?

Most problems in interpreting Bible passages arise from neglecting a passage’s context. The guiding principle of sound interpretation is to take a passage literally. Not maintaining this discipline, interpreting Scripture becomes made up, man’s idea, fantasy, and the passage can mean almost anything. The result is erroneous and ridiculous interpretations.

Another important principle to sound Bible interpretation is to read Scripture “in-time”. In other words, we have to read and study the Bible as a progressive revelation. Not getting ahead of God’s revelation.

God’s plan of redemption for mankind wasn’t revealed all at once to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, or any of the other old testament prophets. Not even Peter and the eleven were given the full counsel of God. The Lord revealed to each of the aforementioned what they needed at their particular time in Biblical history. A hermeneutical method that does not approach Scripture as a progressive revelation leads to erroneous interpretations.

To be a good bible student one must maintain a literal, grammatical and historical (in-time) hermeneutic. There has been much too much of man’s theology governing Scripture when it is God’s Word alone that reigns over theology.

 

Z

Who's writing?

Identify the author of the book and passage.

Z

Who is the author writing too?

Who is the audience? Yes, all Scripture is for us but not all of Scripture is directed to us our salvation and doctrine (how to live our daily lives). To say all of Scripture is, is erroneous interpretation.

Z

When was the Book or Passage written?

This is necessary to identify the time and historical context.

Z

What were the circumstances when it was written? (what was going on)

Z

What was going on before and after it was written?

What happen before and after the particular Book or Passage you’re reading?

Z

What is the HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE VERSE?

Where does the Bible verse fit in Biblical history. Use the answers from the list of these questions to identify the “historical context”.

Z

Are there other passages that the Author has written to help expand on the verse your reading?

Z

Utilize the full counsel of God to illuminate the passage

All of Scripture fits perfectly.

 

The Good News

salvation

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. You don’t have to do anything but believe by faith that God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead 3 days later.

THE GOOD NEWS

SALVATION

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. SALVATION IS BY FAITH ALONE & FAITH IS BELIEVING WHAT GOD SAYS.

  1. God declares all mankind sinners and we all fall short of Glory of God. Romans 3:23
  2. The payment for our sin is death. Romans 6:23
  3. But God…because he loved you so much sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to die in your place, for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead three days later. 1 Cor 15:1-42cor 5:21

All God asks is that you believe by faith alone in 1, 2, & 3. That you’re a sinner, separated from God but God sent his Son to die for your sins, was buried & rose again 3 days later.

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9

Do You Believe?

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