The gospel is very satisfying to the mind because it presents a very powerful case for knowing there really is life beyond the grave (1 Corinthians 15:1-58). Since Jesus was really executed and really arose the third day, it is very satisfying to have confidence that He died for our sins, giving us a basis for a clearing of a bad conscience regarding our sins of the past, with a new purpose for living, and a wonderful hope for the future. If the poor have the gospel, they can be very rich within (Matthew 11:5; Luke 7:22; Romans 10:15). There is good news of good things in the gospel of Christ. There is light inside that comes from the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:4), and in fact it is “marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). The gospel of Christ is “the word of truth” (Ephesians 1:13) and truth is freeing and satisfyingly dependable.
Think about having a clear conscience because our sins of the past will not be brought up in our judgment before God. The weight of the past need not burden us because Jesus died for our sins. “Remission of sins” through His blood is mentally satisfying (Ephesians 1:3, 7; Luke 24:46-47). I can regret my past, but I don’t have to carry the weight of guilt into my today and my tomorrow. A “purged” conscience is a very satisfying asset (Hebrews 9:14). It is called “the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15).
Isaiah 53 tells why He allowed the mob to take Him, scourge, and crucify Him. He was bruised for our iniquity and the chastisement was so we could have peace. My past is not going to haunt me forever, and my present is at peace. My future is out of this world exciting to contemplate. I don’t have to carry a hopeless outlook (Romans 8:18-26). Apart from the gospel I had no adequate means of removing guilt, thus a weight on the conscience that I had to suppress as best I could. Apart from the gospel I had no purpose for living. It was aimless living (1 Peter 1:18). Apart from the gospel I had no hope. Now I have a wonderful hope! That is very satisfying.
If you can grasp these things you should be able to see how satisfying it is to know the truth of Jesus (John 8:30-32), and that He is offering us eternal life (John 3:16). Immortality is brought to light through the gospel of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 1:10). A good conscience, peace within, and a wonderful future ahead, all are very satisfying truths offered only in the marvelous gospel of Jesus Christ. Wisely take advantage of studying the evidence offered in the gospel. You will regret it if you don’t, and you will be extremely glad if you do.
Terry W. Benton