Without the Pentecost, the gospel is not really "Good News." Many people actually experience Christianity as bad news. The Ten Commandments were impossible for even King David to keep. Though Christians are justified by grace through faith and receive friendship with God as a pure gift, they are still called to live the gospel lifestyle, as portrayed by the Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount. Trying to do this on will-power alone is a pure recipe for guilt and frustration.
