Are we sharing the entire gospel or do we stop short, making the good news merely a choice that many will walk away from because they failed to see any value? Take a moment to review the components of the gospel. Are you missing any steps as you share the good news?
Why do we need the gospel?
– To save us all from the wrath of God. The word wrath sounds harsh, especially if we are willing to minimalize God as one who only loves. Yes, God loves. To go even further, God is love. But God hates and punishes evil.
“As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous— not even one.” Romans 3:10 NLT
Therefore,
“They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power.” 2 Thessalonians 1:9 NLT
As much as God is love, he is also just. We were all born subject to His wrath and without excuse. You say you are moral? Not enough. Religious? Doesn’t matter. You don’t care? Still guilty. God alone is righteous and he has created a place called Hell for those who refuse the gospel news. There is no love or mercy in Hell.
What is the gospel?
The gospel is the good news about what God did. He provided us an escape from his wrath by offering the gift of His son, Jesus.
“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Romans 5:8 NLT
Sin had to be punished. God sent Jesus to become the sacrifice for our sin. The perfect son of God overcame death and now wants us to share in his victory by offering us right standing with God.
There’s more to the gospel.
Most noteworthy, it isn’t enough to tell others about the good news that offers new life, sustains that life here on earth and promises eternal life after we leave this world. The gospel requires action and it is our duty to encourage people to fully respond. It’s the first step to discipleship.
What is the proper response to the gospel?
First, responding to the gospel means understanding God’s grace. It’s necessary to realize that we are wretched. We deserve a guilty verdict and need intervention. God is gracious. He alone can rescue us and willingly offers his free gift.
Responding also means trusting Jesus to save us by faith. Faith and faith alone. Good works might earn us applause from others but those same works will not earn us right standing with God.
There’s more, though. Just responding to the steps mentioned is selfish and incomplete.
Responding fully to the gospel.
Maybe the most neglected aspect of the gospel message is not the believing – it’s obeying the call to repent and turn.
“From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” Matthew 4:17 NLT
Responding to God’s gift requires repenting and turning from our evil ways It is a call to lay aside our rebellious nature and walk in obedience. It is a commitment to live as He directs. Will we fail? Yes, many times, However, our failures do not negate God’s promise of salvation. They only serve to remind us of our need for a savior.
Telling the entire gospel.
Christians have the responsibility to tell the entire message – belief and obedience. A person must be willing to make Jesus the Lord of their life.
“Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.” Romans 1:5 NLT
In conclusion, use the authority given you as a follower of Christ to share the gospel. Don’t neglect your duty to give God glory. Then be sure to disciple those who respond to not only believe the gospel but to obey it so that God will be glorified.
Have you been sharing the full gospel?
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Learn more about God’s grace in GRACE WARRIOR – Bathed in Mercy, Clothed in Grace