THIS, OUR GLORIOUS GOSPEL

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Gratitude and Giving
2. The Judgment of God Through Jesus Christ
3. He Took Our Judgment
4. Jesus Drew All Judgment to Himself
5. The Gospel According to Paul
6. As Jesus Is, So Are We
7. God's Final Judgment: Righteousness
8. Resting in God’s Love and Identity

Introduction: Gratitude and Giving

Pastor Leonard begins by expressing deep appreciation for the supporters of their ministry, especially during the summer months when giving often declines. He acknowledges that the ministry continues through the generosity of people who send encouraging words, emails, financial offerings, and mailed checks. Pastor Lori affirms that God provides through His people, and both pastors express their heartfelt thanks before transitioning to the day’s message.

The Judgment of God Through Jesus Christ

Pastor Leonard introduces the key verse for the message: Romans 2:16 — In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

He invites reflection on what it means that God judges the secrets of men “through Jesus Christ.” Pastor Lori responds that it means Jesus is taking the judgment on our behalf. Pastor Leonard expands, explaining that many believers fear judgment because they picture God revealing all their sins publicly. He confesses to once being afraid of the judgment seat of Christ, concerned that everyone—including his wife—would witness his failings.

But Paul’s statement offers a different view. Pastor Leonard emphasizes that the judgment of God is according to the gospel—not according to man’s works or secrets.

He Took Our Judgment

To deepen this understanding, Pastor Lori reads:

2 Corinthians 5:21 — "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."

This verse, Pastor Leonard explains, means God already judged Jesus on our behalf. Because Jesus became sin and was judged, those who believe in Him are now declared righteous. This includes full forgiveness, justification, and holiness—believers are treated “just as if they had never sinned.

Jesus Drew All Judgment to Himself

Next, Pastor Lori reads:

John 12:31-32 — "Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted from the earth, will draw all men unto me."

Pastor Leonard notes that the word "men" is not in the original Greek and is italicized in the King James Bible to indicate translators added it. He clarifies that the correct understanding is: “I will draw all judgment to myself.” This fits perfectly with the earlier verse in 2 Corinthians—Jesus became sin and absorbed judgment on our behalf.

He emphasizes that Jesus being lifted (on the cross) was the moment judgment for the world came upon Him. Satan, the prince of this world, was cast out, and all judgment was drawn to Jesus.

The Gospel According to Paul

Pastor Lori reads:

Romans 4:25 -"Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Jesus was delivered to the cross because of our offenses—our sins—and He was raised from the dead because we were declared righteous. This affirms that God accepted the sacrifice of Jesus as full payment for our sins. Pastor Leonard explains that Paul’s gospel, the gospel he calls “my gospel,” is centered on this truth: our judgment has already been carried out on Jesus.

Therefore, when God judges the secrets of men, He judges them through the lens of Jesus’ finished work. For those who believe, the verdict is: innocent, holy, righteous, and complete.

As Jesus Is, So Are We

Pastor Leonard reads:

1 John 4:17 — "Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world."

This verse reinforces the message of confidence and boldness in judgment. Believers can stand before God without fear because they are judged as Jesus is—righteous and holy. Pastor Leonard connects this truth directly to Paul’s gospel in Romans 2:16, reminding the audience that the believer’s identity is completely tied to Jesus.

God's Final Judgment: Righteousness

Pastor Leonard again reads:

Romans 2:16 — "In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel."

He then declares God’s judgment over believers: “You are holy. You are righteous. You are justified. You are sanctified. You are perfect. You are complete.”

None of this is earned by works but comes solely by faith in Jesus. This is the true meaning of the gospel—the judgment is not future condemnation for sins but a present declaration of righteousness for those in Christ.

Resting in God’s Love and Identity

To conclude, Pastor Lori declares that every believer should stand in front of the mirror and speak the truth:

“You are righteous. You are holy. You are justified. You are loved. Just like Jesus.”

She affirms that we are God's sons and daughters, brothers and sisters of Christ, and fully loved. She urges believers to *rest* in God’s love, which surpasses understanding. She recalls the language of Ephesians—the height, depth, width, and breadth of God’s love—and encourages the listener to receive that love without striving.

We hope this article blessed you. The gospel is truly glorious: because of Jesus Christ, we are judged righteous, loved, and free. Take time today to rest in His love, speak truth over yourself, and share this teaching with someone who needs to hear the good news. God's judgment over you—through Christ—is not fear, but freedom.