Julie Ball
Application Paper
THEO 104
August 17, 2015
Introduction
There are several important topics throughout the course that can be applied to
help understand exactly what it means to be a Christian. Each and every topic discussed
throughout the course during the semester can be used to understand Christianity itself
and every topic should be applied into any Christian’s everyday life. Two topics
specifically important that are described in multiple instances throughout the course are
the gospel and sin nature. Out of all the topics presented throughout the course, these two
are worthy of analyzing.
Gospel
Theological Definition
What exactly is the gospel? When Christians refer to the gospel they are referring
to the good news that Jesus Christ has died to pay the penalty for the sins of human
beings in order to save them. Hampton Keathley states, “The gospel is the sum total of
saving truth as God has communicated it to lost humanity as it is revealed in the person
of His Son and in the Holy Scriptures, the Bible” (Keathley). The word “gospel” is used
almost one hundred times throughout the Bible and demonstrates the emphasis
Christianity puts on the concept due to the glorious news of salvation. These ideas show
just how important this concept is to Christians.
Biblical Foundation
The Biblical foundation of the gospel is quite simple. It is revolved around the
resurrection of Jesus Christ in order to save humans from their sins. There are five
concluding observations on the foundation of the gospel. These observations include:
divine not human, required not optional, Christological not merely theological, no other
gospel, and no other name but Jesus (Kostenberger). With that being said, the gospel is
built upon a divine foundation and is required to be practiced in order for Christians to be
saved upon death. Also, only one gospel must be practiced and taught while none other
than Jesus Christ is worshiped.
Practical Application
It is extremely important to understand just how the gospel is applied in everyday
life. The Bible states, “For our gospel came not to you in word only, but also in power,
and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance” (1 Thessalonians 1:5-10). This verse
describes just how important the gospel is and how it is presented to humans. In order for
the gospel to be effective a Christian must understand a conviction of sin, an
acquaintance with the character of God’s holy law, and a belief in the Lord Jesus Christ
(Allen). A Christian must understand their sin while recognizing the holiness of God’s
word as well as expressing an absolute belief and trust in him to practice the gospel
effectively and be saved for his sins upon death.
Sin Nature
Theological Definition
As far as sin nature is concerned, the meaning is simply that all humans sin. Each
and every human being is born with the nature of sin and every person will sin multiple
times in his or her life without avoidance. While all humans are born sinners the types of
sinners are broken down into three major categories: sinners by representation, sinners by
nature, and sinners by practice (Reagan). Regardless of what type of sin is done and who
the person is, all humans possess a sin nature and will sin without the ability to avoid the
sinful nature.
Biblical Foundation
The Bible states simply and very straightforward that all humans are sinners. The
Bible says, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me”
(Psalm 51:5). This statement signifies that each and every person is born with the nature
of sin and cannot avoid the sinful nature regardless of what is attempted. The only one
born without a sinful nature is Jesus Christ but all human beings commit sins throughout
their entire life regardless. The Bible also states, “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of
a child” (Proverbs 22:15). This verse is just another example to show that sinful nature of
human beings is discussed throughout the entire Bible for a better understanding of the
natural born trait.
Practical Application
When applying the knowledge of sin nature, Christians must first accept the fact
that they are a sinner. Without accepting one’s own sins they cannot ask for forgiveness.
Along with accepting one’s own sin, they must also accept Jesus Christ as their savior
and accept God’s holy teachings as their own law and guidelines while abiding by the
Holy Law. Once these aspects are accepted, a Christian may ask for forgiveness for their
sins and be saved by the Lord upon their own death. Without accepted one’s own sin
nature and asking for forgiveness from their own sins, they will not be able to live their
everlasting life in Heaven (Allen).
Conclusion
Gospel and sin nature are just two of the many significant topics discussed
throughout the entire course. These two topics are extremely significant because without
accepting both the gospel and one’s own sin nature the Bible cannot be fully understood.
Both of the topics can easily be applied into everyday life if understood properly and are
both necessary for a Christian’s salvation.
Works Cited
Allen, H. "The Practical Application of the Gospel." Bible Hub. N.p., 2011. Web.
"John 1, King James Version (KJV)." John 1, King James Version (KJV). N.p., n.d. Web.
13 Aug. 2015.
Keathley, Hampton. "What Is the Gospel?" Bible.org. N.p., n.d. Web.
Kostenberger, Andreas. "What Is the Gospel? 5 Observations." Biblical Foundations.
N.p., 3 Feb. 2010. Web.
Reagan, David. "Learn The Bible." Sin Nature. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Aug. 2015.
