The Bad News First

Do you ever cringe when someone begins a greeting with “I have some bad news, and some good news—which do you want first?” You may want the good news first to help cushion the blow. Maybe waiting for the bad news only increases the feeling of dread. Well, when it comes to the news that I have for you, you really need the bad news first! And it is really bad.

You see, the bad news is that you, and everyone else, is a sinner who’s rebelled against God. The punishment for sin is death and eternal separation from God. Now, that’s really bad news! The Bible leaves no room for “I hope I did enough good things to get into heaven” or “I’m a good person—God will let me into heaven.” Scripture is clear: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). We are all sinners, deserving death and hell because of our sin against a holy God, our Creator.

We are all sinners, deserving death and hell because of our sin against a holy God, our Creator.

What makes it worse is that death is inescapable. Ten out of ten people will die. No one knows how many days are appointed for them by God. You are then left with the question, “If you died today, what would happen?”

Hebrews 9:27 says that after we die “comes judgment.” We are not just physical bodies. We are created in the image of God and therefore have souls that will live forever. Scripture reveals that there are two destinations for these eternal souls—with Christ forever in heaven or apart from Christ forever in hell (Romans 2:6–8). When you stand before the righteous Judge, what will be the verdict?

But as bad as that news is, the good news is even better! In Matthew 28, Jesus commissions his disciples to spread the gospel, or good news, to all the earth. Ironically, you need to start with the bad news first. If you do truly understand you are a sinner and can’t save yourself, then here’s the good news.

Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth and became sin for you. He died in your place—took your penalty! That penalty which you rightly deserved from the righteous Judge, he took on himself. If you turn from your sin and trust in him, you’re forgiven and given eternal life!