Those of us who love the word “Gospel,” and attend gospel-centered churches have mostly positive feelings about the word. God’s grace, His love, and mercy all come to mind when we think of the Gospel. This is right and good. After all, the word itself means, “good news!” However, we often forget why we need such good news, we downplay the reason for such extravagant grace. Namely, our sinful condition before a holy God. When Peter preached the gospel for the first time on Pentecost, it wasn’t exactly positive and encouraging feel-good material. Notice what precedes the good news about Jesus.

“Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:36-37 – emphasis added)

Peter’s example shows us how the bad news is so necessary for the good news to hit home. In fact, our sinful condition and wretchedness before God makes the Gospel shine even brighter. Not only did our God come back from the dead, he brings dead men to life and makes living hearts from stone.

We are introducing the song, “Lift Up Your Eyes In Anticipation,” this week. This song reminds us of the bad news. It allows us to take a hard look at the reality of sin in our life and its consequences. The second verse and chorus really drive the point home.

The King of Heaven, who can approach Him?
Forever He is holy
He won’t accept our imperfections.
Our sin requires blood.

Every sin must be punished
All our shame exposed to light
All rebellion brought to justice.
On the head of Jesus Christ.

The last line shines brightly against the dark truth of our sin, “All rebellion brought to justice on the head of Jesus Christ.”

God took all the punishment that we deserved on his own head; He crushed his own Son for us. Hallelujah! So as we contemplate the goodness and joy of the Gospel and make it the center of our lives, let’s remember the cost. Let us never forget our blood bought grace. God took all our sins in his body on the cross and gave us life and freedom. When we remember the bad news and good news we begin to see the gospel as, “Love far beyond all comprehension.”

Listen to the song and read the full lyrics here.