 | CreationGod is the loving ruler of the world. He made the world. He made us rulers of the world under him. “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” (Revelation chapter 4, verse 11) |
 | SinWe all reject the ruler -God- by trying to run life our own way without him. But we fail to rule ourselves or society or the world. “There is no-one righteous, not even one; there is no-one who understands, no-one who seeks God. All have turned away.” (Romans chapter 3, verses 10-12) |
 | JudgementGod won’t let us rebel forever. God’s punishment for rebellion is death and judgement. “Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” (Hebrews chapter 9, verse 27) |
 | AtonementBecause of his love, God sent his son into the world: the man Jesus Christ. Jesus always lived under God’s rule. Yet by dying in our place he took our punishment and brought forgiveness. “Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” (1 Peter chapter 3, verse 18) |
 | ResurrectionGod raised Jesus again as the ruler of the world. Jesus has conquered death, now gives new life and will return to judge. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter chapter 1, verse 3) |
 | Two ways to liveOur way: Reject God’s rule. Try to run life our own way. Results: Condemned by God. Facing death and judgement. OR God’s new way: Submit to Jesus as our ruler. Rely on Jesus’ death and resurrection. Results: Forgiven by God. Given eternal life. “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.” (John chapter 3, verse 36) |
