A simple explanation of the good news
Wondering how to know Jesus? This simple Three Circles presentation explains the good news. We see beauty in this world. We also know its pain. The gospel helps us understand both—and shows us how we can know God personally through Jesus Christ.
1. God made us to know Him
God created a good world and made us in His image. We were made to love Him, walk with Him, and love one another. Our lives have purpose because our Creator knows us.
Read Genesis 1:27–31 and Psalm 19:1.
Our sin turns us away from God’s design. ↓
2. Sin separates us from God
Each of us has chosen our own way instead of God’s. The Bible calls this sin. Our wrong actions, attitudes, and failures to do right leave us guilty before a holy God. Sin brings death and separation from Him.
We feel the brokenness around us and within us. We may try to escape through success, relationships, pleasure, or simply trying harder. None of those can forgive our sins or restore our relationship with God. We need a Savior.
Not every hardship is the result of a particular sin you committed. All of us live in a fallen world, and all of us need God’s grace.
Read Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23.
God has not left us without hope. ↓
3. Jesus brings us back to God
God loves us. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, came to us and lived without sin. He died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose bodily from the dead. He alone can forgive us and restore us to a right relationship with God.
Salvation is God’s gift of grace. We cannot earn it through good deeds, church membership, or baptism. We receive it through faith in Jesus Christ.
Read Romans 5:8, 1 Corinthians 15:3–4, John 14:6, and Ephesians 2:8–9.
Repent and believe
God calls you to turn from sin and trust Jesus as your Savior and Lord. Repentance means turning toward God rather than continuing to go your own way. Faith means relying on Jesus and what He has done for your salvation.
You can speak to God honestly now. Acknowledge your sin, ask His forgiveness, and express your trust in Jesus. Special words or a repeated prayer cannot save you; Jesus saves those who trust Him.
Read Mark 1:15, Acts 20:21, and Romans 10:9–13.
See how it fits together
The return arrow: through Jesus, we begin to recover and pursue God’s design.
Begin walking with Jesus
Following Jesus begins a new life of growing in His grace. Read the Bible, pray, and connect with a church that teaches God’s Word. Follow Him in believer’s baptism and share what He has done for you.
Knowing Jesus does not mean every hardship disappears. It means you belong to Him and can learn to follow Him with the help of His Spirit and His people.
Read Ephesians 2:10, Philippians 2:13, and Matthew 28:19–20.
Talk with Brother Phil
Have questions? Have you trusted Jesus and want help with your next step? We would love to listen, pray with you, and open God’s Word with you.
Brother Phil works a full-time job Monday through Friday until 3 p.m., so he may not be able to answer a phone call during the workday. A text, email, or message through our contact form is the best way to reach him. He will respond as soon as he is able.
Text (256) 422-0562, email duckspringsbaptist@gmail.com, or send a message through our contact form.
This explanation uses the Three Circles gospel conversation framework. Explore Three Circles resources from the North American Mission Board or How to Become a Christian from the Southern Baptist Convention.