8 Gospel Blessings

"The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the gospel."

This fundamental message of Jesus had a dual focus: (1) Proclaming the good news of the kingdom of God and (2) calling for the response of repentance and faith. One could view his "Sermon on the Mount," as unpacking this basic message. If this is true, we should hear the beatitudes as (1) eight proclamations of kingdom-blessings and (2) eight explanations of repentance and faith.

8 PROCLAMATIONS OF KINGDOM-BLESSINGS (GOSPEL-BLESSINGS)
"The kingdom of God is at hand" which means...
You can inherit the kingdom of heaven.
You can be comforted.
You can inherit the earth.
You can be satisfied.
You can receive mercy.
You can see God.
You can be called a son of God.
You can inherit the kingdom of heaven.

8 EXPLANATIONS OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH (GOSPEL-RESPONSE)
"Repent and believe the gospel" which looks like...
being poor in spirit
mourning
being meek
hungering and thirsting for righteousness
being merciful
being pure in heart
making peace
rejoicing when persecuted for righteousness' sake

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us IN CHRIST with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places." Ephesians 1:3-14

Listen to the sermon on Matthew 5:1-12 here.