The importance of the Gospel

In light of many denominations, it is a universal understanding among congregations that their doctrines and practices are based on the teachings of the Bible, the scriptures. The foundation of every doctrine claimed by each is such that, sometimes, it becomes a source of misunderstanding and debate.

However, for the majority of these religious denominations, one important part of their doctrine is the belief that the gospel is essential to salvation and that the gospel pertains to the good news about Christ. This is good.

Any believer then, when predisposed to talk about the religious matters, will agree on the importance of the gospel to faith. Moreover, sharing our faith, and sharing the gospel need not delve into complex religious doctrines. One does not need to get into a debate about religious beliefs, because for one, every religious group believes in a set of doctrines, and two, and most importantly, the scriptures provides the single power that we can use to share and call anyone to our belief, and that power is the gospel.

The Gospel is the sole power of God unto salvation. This is clearly outlined in the book of Romans which says:

“[16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes,

to the Jew first and also to the Greek. [17] For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written,

“BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.” (Rom 1:16-17 NASB)â€

It says here that the gospel IS the power of God for salvation. It is not presented in a comparative form, it is THE singular power of God to salvation. In other words, the gospel is essential to salvation. It is the only way. It is therefore crucial that one knows, studies and understands the gospel. It is the one essential ingredient to faith. Belief and acceptance of the gospel are essential to salvation. Faith is essential to salvation. As what Hebrews 11:6 says

“[6] And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is

and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. (Hbr 11:6 NASB)â€

It is clearly outlined here that the only means to salvation is through faith. That faith that comes from belief that comes from seeking God. In context this means belief in the gospel. To please God and attain salvation, one must have faith and the Gospel compels that faith.

The gospel being the power of God unto salvation is then the only one we need to share and use to call on fellows that we aim to be converted to the church of Christ. A missionary or preacher may present such passages as those in Psalms 2: 12

“…How blessed are all who take refuge in Him! (Psa 2:1-12 NASB)â€,

Or those on Psalms 3: 8

“ [8] Salvation belongs to the LORD…(Psa 3:1-8 NASB)â€

However, these passages, with understanding and complete study of the gospel, reinforces that salvation is only through faith, faith compelled by the gospel.

 

How do we get faith?

In the book of Romans, it is written that faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of God.

“[17] So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. (Rom 10:17 NASB)â€

The implication of this passage could not be clearer. Without the word of Christ there is no faith. The sequence to faith must come from hearing and hearing from the word of Christ. The word of Christ is the gospel.

So what is the gospel? Apostle Paul starts in 1 Corinthians 15 with the phrase, “Now I make known to you… the gospel which I preached to you…†(1 Corinthians 15:1 NASB) and he continues on with the story of the birth, the death and the resurrection of Christ and its implications. This is the gospel.

It is only through the word of Christ that one can attain salvation. The gospel is the only power to salvation. As it is written:

[14] It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2Th 2:14 NASB)

Furthermore it is important to note in 2 Thessalonians 1: 6-8 it says:

[6] For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, [7] and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, [8] dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. (2Th 1:6-8 NASB)

            The components of the Gospel will be given in the next podcast episode. This study will start on the letters of Paul to the church of Corinth, specifically in 1 Corinthians 15, on the birth, death and resurrection of Christ.

In verse 8, it can be seen that two classes of people are to receive the retribution of God, those who do not know Him, and those who do not obey the gospel of Christ. So aside from knowing the gospel, obedience is also a requirement. But how do we obey if we do not know what the gospel is? Here the importance of the gospel in the Christian life, to spiritual growth, is reinforced.

As is reiterated in this whole podcast episode, the gospel is the sole power of God for salvation. It is through faith by hearing and hearing by the words of Christ that salvation is made possible.

 

For next week        

The letter of Paul to the church of Christ in Corinth concerns what the gospel is. The components of the gospel will be given emphasis in the next episode of this online Bible study. As a guide for the next episode, study of 1 Corinthians 15 and passages in the book of Isaiah is encouraged.

More episodes in the coming weeks.