The Gospel ~ An Explanation
While there are many deep and complicated things about the Christian faith, the Gospel itself is really very simple.
Why should you care about what the Gospel is? Well, if there is more after this life, then why should you take a chance on risking the eternal consequences? What does it hurt to at least consider it?
First of all, before going into any details, know that the Gospel has nothing to do with church attendance, how much you've given to charity or helped others, or even baptism.
It involves a choice you make -- the most important one there is.
And it is offered to everyone; no restrictions, no strings.
No matter what you have done, God is ready, willing and waiting to save.
"For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You." Psalm 86:5
"Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13
First, the short explanation:
God sent His son Jesus to die and rise again so all people can be saved from sin and death and given life through Him. For the Gospel to have an effect on a person's life, that person has to repent (change to a mindset that understands the truth of who God is and who they are), believe (believe Jesus is who He says He is, God in the flesh who took love to the ultimate level and died to pay for sin and rose again to bring life and salvation), and take a step of faith by acting on the belief, trusting in Jesus as the only way of salvation, trusting in Jesus as their Savior and Lord.
Note: it is a step of faith, and so in other words, the action involves mind, will and emotions, not physical action. It is a choice and a heart attitude toward God, not actions to attempt to earn the salvation, because the salvation is a free gift. Any sort of actions done to please God are not for gaining approval or salvation, rather those come from an overflowing thankfulness to God. Serve God not to earn God's love, but because of the joy that comes from being loved by Him.
And now for the long explanation...
Gospel literally means "good news" and in the Bible it is explained thus by the apostle Paul: Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
So this tells us the Gospel is that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and that he rose again.
What does one do with this Gospel message? That can be summed up in three words: repent, believe, and faith. This is where the simplicity of the message can get muddled, as these little words are jam-packed with meaning, and there are many even in the church who do not fully understand their significance. I used to be one of those people.
Why should you care about what the Gospel is? Well, if there is more after this life, then why should you take a chance on risking the eternal consequences? What does it hurt to at least consider it?
First of all, before going into any details, know that the Gospel has nothing to do with church attendance, how much you've given to charity or helped others, or even baptism.
It involves a choice you make -- the most important one there is.
And it is offered to everyone; no restrictions, no strings.
No matter what you have done, God is ready, willing and waiting to save.
"For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You." Psalm 86:5
"Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13
First, the short explanation:
God sent His son Jesus to die and rise again so all people can be saved from sin and death and given life through Him. For the Gospel to have an effect on a person's life, that person has to repent (change to a mindset that understands the truth of who God is and who they are), believe (believe Jesus is who He says He is, God in the flesh who took love to the ultimate level and died to pay for sin and rose again to bring life and salvation), and take a step of faith by acting on the belief, trusting in Jesus as the only way of salvation, trusting in Jesus as their Savior and Lord.
Note: it is a step of faith, and so in other words, the action involves mind, will and emotions, not physical action. It is a choice and a heart attitude toward God, not actions to attempt to earn the salvation, because the salvation is a free gift. Any sort of actions done to please God are not for gaining approval or salvation, rather those come from an overflowing thankfulness to God. Serve God not to earn God's love, but because of the joy that comes from being loved by Him.
And now for the long explanation...
Gospel literally means "good news" and in the Bible it is explained thus by the apostle Paul: Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
So this tells us the Gospel is that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and that he rose again.
What does one do with this Gospel message? That can be summed up in three words: repent, believe, and faith. This is where the simplicity of the message can get muddled, as these little words are jam-packed with meaning, and there are many even in the church who do not fully understand their significance. I used to be one of those people.
Repentance: The What and the Why
The first building block of the Gospel is repentance.
What does repent mean? Well it is more than just acknowledging that you did something wrong, and deeper than just "I'm sorry."
A person can admit that they messed up, and even apologize, without being repentant. If you're sorry about being caught, sorry about the consequences, but have no intention of making amends or changing, then you have not repented, you're just sorry.
A repentant person, on the other hand, is not only sorry about the consequences, but is determined to have a better outcome in the future. Repent, in fact, means to change your mind. In a biblical context it means to change your mind about Jesus -- to live as He calls, to turn away from sin and toward God.
2 Corinthians 7:10 says, For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.
Worldly grief only regrets the unpleasant results. Godly grief involves being cut to the heart and moved to change. More than an apology, it involves action, coming from a desire to be transformed and made new. If a person is repentant there will be outward evidence of it; lasting, continuing evidence. And as the above verse states, this godly grief is what leads to salvation - because only a truly repentant person even sees the need for salvation and is humble enough to accept it.
Now that the what of repentance is explained, on to the why.
The God explained in the Bible is holy, just, good and perfect. "The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He" (Deuteronomy 32:4); "The Lord is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds" (Psalm 145:17).
God originally created the world to be good, and He loved us enough to give us free will -- the ability to make choices -- instead of being His puppets. But because He gave humans free will, the world is far from good. Humankind has rebelled against God.
As the Bible puts it, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23) and "the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked" (Jeremiah 17:9).
Just observe a group of children and you will see the truth of this. No one had to teach them how to misbehave. But they certainly need a lot of instruction and guidance in good behavior.
Or look at the news. How many positive stories are there? Too few, right?
Look over the 10 commandments. You've broken at least one of them. And if you even broke just one, that's enough to make you guilty. You can be punished in an earthly court for breaking just one law, and God is more just than any court of law on earth.
Because God is perfect He cannot just excuse wrongdoing. And would you really want Him to? In a court of law, a just judge sees to it that crime is punished, right? So why would a good God be any different? There is a penalty for any broken law in our own justice system, so why would we expect God to operate otherwise?
Sin, or breaking the laws God gave, has separated us from God. It has destroyed our ability to have a relationship with Him. Just like when you have wronged a friend, there is a rift. And like in a justice system of a civilized country there is a consequence, a price to pay, for the broken law. Only this rift with God and the payment is much more serious. It has eternal weight.
Jesus said, "Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3 & 5). Repentance is the first key in making things right in our relationship with God. Without repentance there can be no restoration. No salvation.
And this is where belief comes in...
What does repent mean? Well it is more than just acknowledging that you did something wrong, and deeper than just "I'm sorry."
A person can admit that they messed up, and even apologize, without being repentant. If you're sorry about being caught, sorry about the consequences, but have no intention of making amends or changing, then you have not repented, you're just sorry.
A repentant person, on the other hand, is not only sorry about the consequences, but is determined to have a better outcome in the future. Repent, in fact, means to change your mind. In a biblical context it means to change your mind about Jesus -- to live as He calls, to turn away from sin and toward God.
2 Corinthians 7:10 says, For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.
Worldly grief only regrets the unpleasant results. Godly grief involves being cut to the heart and moved to change. More than an apology, it involves action, coming from a desire to be transformed and made new. If a person is repentant there will be outward evidence of it; lasting, continuing evidence. And as the above verse states, this godly grief is what leads to salvation - because only a truly repentant person even sees the need for salvation and is humble enough to accept it.
Now that the what of repentance is explained, on to the why.
The God explained in the Bible is holy, just, good and perfect. "The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He" (Deuteronomy 32:4); "The Lord is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds" (Psalm 145:17).
God originally created the world to be good, and He loved us enough to give us free will -- the ability to make choices -- instead of being His puppets. But because He gave humans free will, the world is far from good. Humankind has rebelled against God.
As the Bible puts it, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23) and "the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked" (Jeremiah 17:9).
Just observe a group of children and you will see the truth of this. No one had to teach them how to misbehave. But they certainly need a lot of instruction and guidance in good behavior.
Or look at the news. How many positive stories are there? Too few, right?
Look over the 10 commandments. You've broken at least one of them. And if you even broke just one, that's enough to make you guilty. You can be punished in an earthly court for breaking just one law, and God is more just than any court of law on earth.
Because God is perfect He cannot just excuse wrongdoing. And would you really want Him to? In a court of law, a just judge sees to it that crime is punished, right? So why would a good God be any different? There is a penalty for any broken law in our own justice system, so why would we expect God to operate otherwise?
Sin, or breaking the laws God gave, has separated us from God. It has destroyed our ability to have a relationship with Him. Just like when you have wronged a friend, there is a rift. And like in a justice system of a civilized country there is a consequence, a price to pay, for the broken law. Only this rift with God and the payment is much more serious. It has eternal weight.
Jesus said, "Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3 & 5). Repentance is the first key in making things right in our relationship with God. Without repentance there can be no restoration. No salvation.
And this is where belief comes in...
What to Believe
John 3:16 -- "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" -- is a very popular verse and has been tossed around quite a bit. The following verse says, "God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." How often is the amazing depth of this really considered?
According to the verses, being saved hinges on believing in Jesus. But believing what exactly? That He existed, that He was a good man, that He taught good principles and morals?
It is true that Jesus was a great moral example, he was good, and he walked the earth. However believing that does not save anyone. You have to believe in what he did on the cross and in the resurrection.
So, what was it that Jesus did on the cross? What did he prove by rising again to life?
Remember repentance? That we all have disobeyed God's commands and therefore are under God's judgement, just like a good judge in an earthly court would punish a crime?
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The wages of sin is death. The payment for disobeying God is death. That is not just ceasing to exist. It is eternal separation from God.
Why would a loving God cast people into hell? Because He is also just -- again, a just judge in a court of law on earth would not let a criminal get away. Besides, a person who does not want anything to do with God on earth will not want to be with Him in heaven either.
But for those who will believe it, God made a way to Him, and to heaven, and He gives it as a free gift. And He gave it through Jesus.
The death of Jesus was the payment. The resurrection was how he defeated death so that eternal life could be given to those who believe.
When Jesus died on the cross, he was paying the price for all sin. He took the judgment that was ours. And by defeating death and rising to life he gave us the right to be blameless in God's eyes.
And that is what you believe in order to be saved -- that Jesus paid the debt in full.
Now, don't even try to fully comprehend this. It is not humanly possible. In fact even the bible refers to it as a mystery.
But notice the "in full" part of that. Just before Jesus died he said, "It is finished" (John 19:30). In the Greek that the New Testament was written in the word is "tetelestai" which was stamped on documents to confirm that a transaction was paid in full.
So in relation to the Gospel, the price for salvation is paid in full. Complete and final. Nothing else is needed. You do not do anything to earn God's forgiveness or entrance into heaven. You simply take belief a step further and have faith.
According to the verses, being saved hinges on believing in Jesus. But believing what exactly? That He existed, that He was a good man, that He taught good principles and morals?
It is true that Jesus was a great moral example, he was good, and he walked the earth. However believing that does not save anyone. You have to believe in what he did on the cross and in the resurrection.
So, what was it that Jesus did on the cross? What did he prove by rising again to life?
Remember repentance? That we all have disobeyed God's commands and therefore are under God's judgement, just like a good judge in an earthly court would punish a crime?
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The wages of sin is death. The payment for disobeying God is death. That is not just ceasing to exist. It is eternal separation from God.
Why would a loving God cast people into hell? Because He is also just -- again, a just judge in a court of law on earth would not let a criminal get away. Besides, a person who does not want anything to do with God on earth will not want to be with Him in heaven either.
But for those who will believe it, God made a way to Him, and to heaven, and He gives it as a free gift. And He gave it through Jesus.
The death of Jesus was the payment. The resurrection was how he defeated death so that eternal life could be given to those who believe.
When Jesus died on the cross, he was paying the price for all sin. He took the judgment that was ours. And by defeating death and rising to life he gave us the right to be blameless in God's eyes.
And that is what you believe in order to be saved -- that Jesus paid the debt in full.
Now, don't even try to fully comprehend this. It is not humanly possible. In fact even the bible refers to it as a mystery.
But notice the "in full" part of that. Just before Jesus died he said, "It is finished" (John 19:30). In the Greek that the New Testament was written in the word is "tetelestai" which was stamped on documents to confirm that a transaction was paid in full.
So in relation to the Gospel, the price for salvation is paid in full. Complete and final. Nothing else is needed. You do not do anything to earn God's forgiveness or entrance into heaven. You simply take belief a step further and have faith.
Faith That Saves
Once you believe the Gospel, you need to act in faith to receive the salvation God offers.
How are believing and having faith different? Basically faith is acting on the belief.
For example, I can believe that the food served to me at a restaurant is safe for consumption. But I could keep on believing that even if I don't eat it. Now if I eat it, then I am acting in faith. I am so convinced in my belief that I am willing to prove it by my actions.
If I acknowledge something to be true, but I do not actually put my confidence in it, then I am believing it but not showing faith.
So how does this work with the Gospel? Take God at His word. Repent and acknowledge that you need God's forgiveness, that you can do nothing to save yourself, and accept Jesus as the sacrifice that was made to atone (pay for) your sin.
Romans 5:1 -- Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
And guess what? You don't have to kneel, or be in a church, or say fancy words for God to hear you. Just tell Him what you've come to realize about the Gospel.
Once you have taken that step of faith, you have peace with God -- you are redeemed and made new, and the Holy Spirit of God resides in you.
The Holy Spirit acts as comforter and counselor. With the Holy Spirit, a believer in Christ can have peace amidst turmoil, joy amidst sorrow, and can overcome addictions and struggles and experience true freedom. The bible becomes more alive, relevant and understandable with the power of the Holy Spirit as well.
And...
You are also assured a place in heaven.
So, not only is God with you to help you through this life, but you have a place reserved in heaven for you! A place with no tears and no pain. A place that is a perfect paradise.
Now, to grow in your newfound faith, it is important to study the Bible and find a good church and a group of Christians to fellowship with. And don't be afraid to be choosey about what church to attend -- in fact you should be. Ask God for discernment and wisdom in finding a biblically based and sound church.
And remember, God does not promise a perfect life on earth -- faith in Him does not cause instant success, a hefty bank account, flawless looks, or anything like that. But He will be with you through everything, and by leaning on Him you are able to have strength and peace. And someday it won't even matter because you will be with Him in paradise.
As the apostle Paul said, "I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:12-13)
How are believing and having faith different? Basically faith is acting on the belief.
For example, I can believe that the food served to me at a restaurant is safe for consumption. But I could keep on believing that even if I don't eat it. Now if I eat it, then I am acting in faith. I am so convinced in my belief that I am willing to prove it by my actions.
If I acknowledge something to be true, but I do not actually put my confidence in it, then I am believing it but not showing faith.
So how does this work with the Gospel? Take God at His word. Repent and acknowledge that you need God's forgiveness, that you can do nothing to save yourself, and accept Jesus as the sacrifice that was made to atone (pay for) your sin.
Romans 5:1 -- Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
And guess what? You don't have to kneel, or be in a church, or say fancy words for God to hear you. Just tell Him what you've come to realize about the Gospel.
Once you have taken that step of faith, you have peace with God -- you are redeemed and made new, and the Holy Spirit of God resides in you.
The Holy Spirit acts as comforter and counselor. With the Holy Spirit, a believer in Christ can have peace amidst turmoil, joy amidst sorrow, and can overcome addictions and struggles and experience true freedom. The bible becomes more alive, relevant and understandable with the power of the Holy Spirit as well.
And...
You are also assured a place in heaven.
So, not only is God with you to help you through this life, but you have a place reserved in heaven for you! A place with no tears and no pain. A place that is a perfect paradise.
Now, to grow in your newfound faith, it is important to study the Bible and find a good church and a group of Christians to fellowship with. And don't be afraid to be choosey about what church to attend -- in fact you should be. Ask God for discernment and wisdom in finding a biblically based and sound church.
And remember, God does not promise a perfect life on earth -- faith in Him does not cause instant success, a hefty bank account, flawless looks, or anything like that. But He will be with you through everything, and by leaning on Him you are able to have strength and peace. And someday it won't even matter because you will be with Him in paradise.
As the apostle Paul said, "I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:12-13)
To recap the Gospel message...
In a nutshell:
* Repent - realize who you are and who God is, admit you have sinned before a holy God, and be willing to take a 180 - turn from that sin and towards God
Acts 3:19 "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord."
* Believe - Believe that Jesus loved you so much that He paid the price, in full, and that only He can save you
Galatians 2:21 -- Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
John 3:36 -- "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."
* Act in faith - Accept the salvation God offers, receiving the Holy Spirit and eternal life, and continue to grow in your faith
Romans 10:9-10 -- 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.
Ephesians 1:13-14 -- In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of His glory.
In a nutshell:
* Repent - realize who you are and who God is, admit you have sinned before a holy God, and be willing to take a 180 - turn from that sin and towards God
Acts 3:19 "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord."
* Believe - Believe that Jesus loved you so much that He paid the price, in full, and that only He can save you
Galatians 2:21 -- Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
John 3:36 -- "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."
* Act in faith - Accept the salvation God offers, receiving the Holy Spirit and eternal life, and continue to grow in your faith
Romans 10:9-10 -- 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.
Ephesians 1:13-14 -- In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of His glory.
Some additional verses for encouragement:
2 Corinthians 5:17 -- Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2 Corinthians 4:7-9 -- But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.
1 John 5:13 -- These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.
1 Peter 1:3-5 -- Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Psalm 86:5 -- For Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee.
2 Corinthians 12:9 -- And He said unto me, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Philippians 4:6-7 -- Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 12:1-2 -- Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
2 Peter 1:3-7-- His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
2 Corinthians 5:17 -- Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2 Corinthians 4:7-9 -- But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.
1 John 5:13 -- These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.
1 Peter 1:3-5 -- Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Psalm 86:5 -- For Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee.
2 Corinthians 12:9 -- And He said unto me, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Philippians 4:6-7 -- Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 12:1-2 -- Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
2 Peter 1:3-7-- His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.