Everyone's heard the jokes that start out, "I have some good news and some bad news for you." That could also serve as an introduction to the message of the Bible. The trouble is, no one wants to hear the bad news, but the good news doesn't seem like much without it.

The bad news of the Bible is that we have allsinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Sin is not merely failing to be good enough. It is an out and out rebellion against the divine majesty. God takes that very seriously.

The good news is that we don't get what we really deserve. God is not in the business of punishing sin. He does punish sin, but that's not what he is about. His ultimate intention is not punishment, but restoration. He wants to have fellowship with us, but he wants us to be perfect.