One of my favorite documents from the early church is “To Diognetus,” written sometime in the second century. We don’t know the identity of the author, although he was obviously a dedicated Christian and a good communicator. Furthermore, the little document he wrote is a gem, one of my favorites.

The author is trying to persuade Diognetus to become a Christian. The entire discourse is marvelous, but at one point the author narrows his focus and offers what today we might call a “gospel presentation.” This is where he explains to Diognetus how to become a Christian.

I’ve translated this section from its Greek original.[1] Here is what Diognetus—and all of us — need to know if we want to enter into faith in Christ.

But when our unrighteousness was fulfilled, and it had become entirely obvious that its wages — punishment and death — were to be expected, God’s appointed time to demonstrate his goodness and power arrived at last. Oh, the amazing kindness and love of God! He did not hate us, or reject us, or hold a grudge against us. Rather, he was patient and forbearing. In his mercy he himself took our sins. He gave up his own Son as a ransom for us, the holy for the lawless, the innocent for the guilty, the righteous for the unrighteous, the incorruptible for the corruptible, the immortal for the mortal. What else could cover our sins except his righteousness? In whom could we, the lawless and the ungodly, be made righteous except in the Son of God alone? (9.2-4)

Here is a summary of the main points of this gospel presentation:

  • We were sinners.

  • We should have received punishment and death as the wages for our sinfulness.

  • God was patient until just the right moment.

  • He sent his own Son (Jesus) as a replacement for our sin.

  • It was all based upon God’s kindness and mercy.

  • Jesus was holy, innocent, and righteous, so had the right to take our punishment.

  • Jesus’s righteousness covered our sins.

  • Sinners can be made righteous through the Son of God alone.

Then the author urged Diognetus to put his faith in Jesus.

So let me ask you the same questions that the author of this ancient document was asking Diognetus. Have you confessed to God that you are sinful? Have you believed the truth that only through Jesus — the sinless, innocent, and righteous one — you can be forgiven of your sins and made righteous? Have you received God’s kindness and mercy displayed particularly through Jesus taking the punishment we deserved?

There is more to say about entering into a true relationship with God through Jesus than this early Christian explained in the paragraph above. But if you want to know how to become a Christian, this is a wonderful place to start.

Notes

[1] This translation from the Greek original was published in my book The Apostolic Fathers: A Narrative Introduction, page 94.

This post and other resources are available at Kindle Afresh: The Blog and Website of Kenneth Berding.