Articles
Obedience To The Gospel
Obedience To The Gospel
Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel (good news) of Christ, for it is God’s power working unto salvation [for deliverance from eternal death] to everyone who believes with a personal trust and a confident surrender and firm reliance, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, says, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.” Why was Paul not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ? It was because Paul knew it was the power of God unto salvation. In other words, God invested His power to save man in the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we want to be saved by God, then we must respond in obedience to the gospel before it is eternally and everlasting too late!
The gospel is not a new subject; neither does the gospel become old and obsolete with age. Men in every generation have heard of it and yet it is as new as tomorrow in the eyes of those who heard it for the first time in its pure and unadulterated form.
What is the gospel? Gospel is defined as, “The announcement of the salvation of mankind through Jesus Christ.” The word “gospel” carries with it many adjectives, which describes its nature and purpose throughout the New Testament scriptures. In Ephesians 6:15, it is called the “gospel of peace.” In 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, it is called the “glorious gospel.” In Matthew 24:14, it is described as a “universal gospel.” Also, in Revelation 14:6, it is called an “everlasting gospel.” We must understand the heart of the gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). We must understand everything written in the Bible revolves around the heart of the gospel, which is good news. The gospel denounces sin because the death of Christ atones for sin (Romans 5:10-11). The gospel declares hope because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:3). As we study this subject of the gospel and the importance of obedience to it, there are 4 things we need to know about it. We must know about its purposes, its power, its demands, and its promises.
What Is The Purpose Of The Gospel?
What is the object toward which the gospel strives? The purpose of the gospel is to save the lost (1 Peter 1:22-25). The purpose of the gospel is to abolish death and bring life and immortality to light (2 Timothy 1:8-10). The purpose of the gospel is to prepare us for the judgment (1 Peter 4:16-19). The gospel has not failed in accomplishing this goal. However, it is our responsibility to be obedient to it, so the purpose of this gospel can come to pass. Our obedience to the gospel message will save our souls, make real for us the immortality of our souls, and prepare us to meet our God in the final round up of human affairs.
What Is The Power Of The Gospel?
The power of the gospel has to do with the gospel’s ability to perform effectively. The power of the gospel is to save men from their sins (Romans 1:16). This power is displayed through the preaching of the gospel (1 Corinthians 1:18). The power of the gospel is manifested in living a holy life (2 Corinthians 4:8-11). The power of the gospel will move men, for no one can remain neutral when they hear it (1 Thessalonians 1:5-6). When we are obedient to the gospel call, then the gospel will not fail in separating us from our past sins, but first the gospel must be preached unto us. It is made real by us living a righteous life. We must remember on this time side of life, we might be the only Bible some people will ever read. If we walk right, talk right, live right, and pray right, then the gospel will do its perfect work and move men one way or the other. Either man will move toward God or further away from God, but at least the gospel makes clear who is on the Lord’s side. Only God has this kind of power and He has invested it in the gospel.
What Is The Demand Of The Gospel?
The gospel is God’s method of urgently calling us to respond in obedience to Him. This is not a passive suggestion, but an aggressive plea. The demand of the gospel is that we come to Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30). The demand of the gospel is that we go, teach, and baptize by the authority of the Lord (Matthew 28:19). The demand of the gospel is that we preach the gospel: 1) In the lives we live (1 John 3:16-17), 2) In our conversation (Philippians 1:27-28), 3) In the company we keep (1 Corinthians 5:7-11), and 4) In our activities (1 Corinthians 10:31). The gospel is not limited to the sinner, but also to the saint. It is crucial we come to the Lord. It is critical we evangelize the lost. It is mandatory we live holy and consecrated lives. The gospel demands we are obedient to God’s word, will, and way all the time.
What Is The Promise Of The Gospel?
Wherever God has a purpose and a demand, rest assure, He also has a promise. God also has the power to fulfill all His promises. When God makes a vow, He will keep it every time. Let us first of all understand His promises are great and precious (2 Peter 1:3-4). Through the gospel, God promises to provide us grace sufficient for every situation (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Through the gospel, God promises divine care and comfort (John 14:18). Through the gospel, God promises to provide all of our needs (Philippians 4:19). Through the gospel, God promises us divine companionship (John 15:12-15). Through the gospel, God promises the forgiveness of sins (Acts 13:38-39). Through the gospel, God promises us adoption into His family (Galatians 4:3-5). Through the gospel, God promises us eternal life (John 3:16 & John 10:27-28). Through the gospel, God promises us a resurrection unto life to be with Christ forevermore (Philippians 3:8-11). God’s promises to the obedient are not only good now, but it also provides eternal security to our souls forevermore. This is definitely good news.
Knowing now the purpose of the gospel, the power of the gospel, and the demands of the gospel, are we willing to submit in obedience to the gospel that we may receive the promises of the gospel? God is asking us on today to make the same decision Moses called upon Israel to make in Deuteronomy 30:19-20, “I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live and may love the Lord your God, obey His voice, and cling to Him. For He is your life and the length of your days, that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Life or death; blessing or cursing; companionship or condemnation; hope or hopelessness all hang in the balance and our eternal destiny is all predicated upon whether or not we obey the gospel of Jesus Christ.
