The Good News You Need

By Javan Shashaty

If you’re reading this Bible plan, it’s likely you’re a senior in high school about to make the transition into the next phase of your life. There are few transitions in life more exciting and scarier than this one. There’s so much to look forward to and so much to be prepared for. Many young people don’t know where to start. This reading plan will hopefully be a good place to start! In the days ahead, we will discuss seven crucial principles from God’s Word that I pray will guide you as you embark on this new journey!

The first and most important principle is the gospel. The gospel of Jesus Christ has been changing lives for generations. Gospel literally means “good news,” and that’s exactly what it is. But sadly, many have perverted the gospel and come to believe in a God who is only interested in the best version of us. We try and we try and we try to live up to God’s standard of perfection so that maybe—just maybe—He will let us into His eternal paradise in the sky. But that’s not the heart of the gospel at all!

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the truth that Jesus came to live the perfect life you could never live and die the death that you deserved because of your sin. Jesus took the test that you could never pass on your own and got a 100% when He rose again from the grave. Then, He wrote your name at the top of the page. When you put your faith in Jesus, you are declared righteous and forgiven once and for all. That is the gospel!

That kind of radical grace, however, has caused many to falsely believe that Jesus is a genie who just waves His magic wand and forgiveness. “I can go out and sin as much as I want because I know Jesus will forgive me!” That kind of attitude does not reflect a heart that has been changed by the gospel and the Bible strictly warns against it. Titus 2 tells us that grace is actually a teacher. Once we’ve really tasted the grace of God, it teaches us to deny ungodliness. We learn day by day what it means to turn from our sin and turn to Christ.

If you’re honest with yourself, you know what your life is really like. You stumble and fall through life as you try to make sense of the world. News flash: life after high school won’t be much different. You will make mistakes every day and sin against God. But Jesus died and rose again so that you can run back to His love and grace. Rest in this truth today from Romans 8: Nothing will ever be able to separate you from the love of God. NOTHING! When you fall, turn to Jesus and trust that, through His grace, you will learn to navigate this next season of your life. You got this because He is with you!