The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel. Mark 1:15–16 (NKJV)
As Christians, we often call ourselves “believers,” but what does that mean? I know we’re to believe in Jesus, but even the devil believes in Jesus. What specifically are we supposed to believe?
Well, our verse today says, “Believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:16, NKJV).
It doesn’t say to believe in your favourite preacher. It doesn’t say believe in your spouse or your mother. If you make another person your source of truth, you’re in trouble. You’re to believe the good news of Jesus Christ.
When you make the decision to turn your life over to Jesus, you become a brand new creation. Here’s where things get interesting. You gain the power of God inside of you! He makes you new, spiritually speaking, and empowers you to begin to change every belief within you.
Maybe you’ve never had someone believe in you, and you’ve been working your entire life trying to make something of yourself. You’ve never really felt like anyone loved you unconditionally, just as you are, and you’re tired of trying so hard to earn it. You need to believe in the gospel!
The gospel is the good news that you don’t earn a relationship with God through good behaviour. Do you believe it? Are you receiving the hope and peace that comes with the realization that you are loved, treasured and valued beyond what you can imagine?
Taking the time to really think about the gospel helps you to see how much God loves you. You have great worth—you are loved beyond measure—and nothing stands between you and God’s love for you because His love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8).