Luke 3:18–20 (NRSV)
18 So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people. 19 But Herod the ruler, who had been rebuked by him because of Herodias, his brother’s wife, and because of all the evil things that Herod had done, 20 added to them all by shutting up John in prison.
John was the bearer of good news and bad news. He spoke the truth that either drew people to God or angered people because he identified their sins. The gospel message we share accomplished the same things. It is good news because it proclaims that our sins can be forgiven through the death of Jesus on the cross where his blood was shed for the remission of sins. The good news is that we can be forgiven and restored in our broken relationship with God the Father. The bad news is that unless there is confession of sin and the need for a Savior, we will never enter into right relationship with God, and the consequence is eternal separation and condemnation to hell. Both messages must be preached in order for people to truly understand the consequences of their decision to accept or reject the message of the gospel. John was sent to prison and later was decapitated for his stand for truth and uncompromisingly confronting sinful behavior. His message was welcomed by people who knew their spiritual condition but was rejected by those who did not want to hear the truth.
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