The Irrefutable Foundation of the Gospel

“Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:1-2). We live in an age of remarkable theological and biblical confusion. Unfortunately, this confusion has found its way into the Church. One study after another has revealed theological and biblical ignorance within the local church. Where there is such confusion and ignorance, heresy is inevitable. The gospel is not exempt. Throughout the centuries there have been heretical teachings concerning the gospel. There has been (and continues to be) an attempt to reduce Christianity to a pattern of behavior and symbols. However, the Church must declare Jesus is who scripture says He is.

Most Christians today want to be flexible in orthodoxy, that is, what they believe. Today, most church members who profess Jesus Christ are more concerned with, “How do you see it,” rather than, “What does the Bible say?” Unfortunately, this is often times the case with the gospel. Paul says the gospel (which means good news) is a reality. In his letter to the Corinthian believers, Paul leaves no room for negotiation. In verses 1 and 2 he says this about the gospel – It is that which I preached to you. It is that which you received and in which you stand. Finally, this gospel is that by which you are saved. It is important we understand exactly what this “gospel” is Paul speaks of.  The reality of the gospel is that “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:3). Why did He die? He died for our redemption. This is the central and non-negotiable understanding of the death of Christ. He was and is our substitute. Through His substitutionary death, God has brought salvation to all those who believe. The simple yet profound gospel message is this: “That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:3-4). This is the Word of the Lord!

The Scriptures – This was Paul’s authority by which he proclaimed the gospel! So it is not a matter of “How do you see it?” The question is, “What does God’s Word say?” Our claims must be in Scripture alone! Tradition will fail us. Opinions will change. However, Scripture will remain! All Scripture is a testimony to Jesus Christ. God has revealed Himself in Scripture. It is all, “according to the Scriptures.” To deny the gospel is to believe in vain. Christianity stands or falls on the claims of the gospel.  So, if God is who He says He is in the Scripture, and Christ too, then this gospel, “by which also you are saved,” that is, “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,” is irrefutable and non-negotiable! Furthermore, if God is who He says He is, and Christ too, then our only hope for the forgiveness of sins and gift of eternal life is found in Christ alone. Salvation is the deliverance and preservation from all spiritual dangers and the bestowal of all spiritual blessings. Such salvation is found in Christ alone! He is our redeemer!