The Gospel in a Single Sentence

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"A certain nobleman went to a distant country to receive a kingdom for himself, and then return.” (Luke 19:12).

Jesus began a story with this brief sentence; a sentence, which in its brevity spans the entire fullness of the Gospel. Let me explain. The word certain means “unique and distinct”, as in “only begotten Son.” There has never been, nor will there ever be any other man like Jesus of Nazareth. He was born of a Virgin, without sin in any way. This is certain.

The Bible says, “God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Jesus is God’s only Son. Therefore, Jesus is man’s only Savior. As one preacher said, "Christ is not one of many ways to God, nor is he the best of several ways. He is the only way." Jesus Himself said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes to the Father but by Me." Christ is the way unchanging; He is the truth infallible; He is the life everlasting. Jesus is the way that you might be saved. He is the truth that you might be sure. He is the life that you might be satisfied.

The word nobleman speaks of the sinless life this certain man lived among us. He was tempted in all points like us, yet without sin. Never once — in thought, word, or deed — did Jesus ever sin. This uniquely qualifies Him to be the perfect sacrifice for sinners. Having no sins of His own to die for, His death on the cross now covers all of our sins!

His death, burial, resurrection and ascension into heaven are all included in the words “went to a distant country” -- for that is how the Nobleman passed from this earth into Heaven.

Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you.” He is there in heaven even now doing just that. And while there He “ever lives to make intercession” (Heb.7:25). In other words, He loves to pray for you as He sits at His Father’s right hand. Let me ask you, when was the last time you asked Jesus to pray for you? Why not ask Him now!

Jesus, the Nobleman, went to a far country “to receive a kingdom for himself.” This is clearly referring to the exaltation of Jesus Christ as Lord. For “God has given Him a name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father” (see Phil.2:9-11).

And, last but not least, the phrase “and then return” assures us of the hope of all Ages—the Second Coming of Christ!

The gospel in a single sentence — "A certain nobleman went to a distant country to receive a kingdom for himself, and then return.” Commit this sentence to memory and use it as a mental outline for sharing your faith with your friends and family members.

Here, in the simplest of words, is the Gospel that we preach. Jesus was born without sin, and He lived without sinning. When He died on the cross, having no sins of His own to pay for, He paid the price for our sins. He was buried, and on the third day God raised Him from the dead—since Death had no rightful claim upon a sinless man. He was then taken into heaven and declared to be the Lord of all, the evidence of which is the Holy Spirit poured forth in our world establishing the influence of Christ’s Kingdom in the hearts and lives of men and women from every tribe and nation. One day, at a time known only to God, Christ will return to this earth and abolish sin and death by creating a new heaven and a new earth, filled with the glory of God.

That’s it. So simple even a child can understand it. Those who believe this and turn from their sins, trusting Christ for salvation, will be born again by the Spirit of God and brought into God’s purpose for their lives here on earth.
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