Why the Gospel?

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them” (Romans 1:18-19). I would imagine most Christians know the basic definition of the Gospel—the good news about Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Paul defined the Gospel in his first letter to the Corinthian believers when he wrote, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, 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). But I wonder how many Christians would be able to articulate the primary reason behind the Gospel. In other words, why did God give us the Gospel? Most, I am sure, would answer with some reference to the love of God. John 3:16 reminds us, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” However, Paul reminds us of the primary reason for the Gospel. In his letter to the Romans—a letter that has been rightly hailed as the Constitution of Christianity—he declares the revelation of the wrath of God is the primary reason for the Gospel. In other words, Paul underscores the utter sinfulness of mankind, the fact all are without excuse and deserving judgment, and how desperately we all need the righteousness that only God can provide. So perhaps we should begin our Gospel presentations with God’s wrath rather than God’s love. After all, the Bible does say those who have not believed the Gospel, “[have] been judged already” (John 3:18). Could you imagine sharing the Gospel with someone by saying, “Did you know God’s wrath is right now being revealed against your ungodliness?” Think about it? How can we convince others they need to be saved unless we first answer the question saved from what?

Once we answer the question, “saved from what,” only then are we ready to present the Gospel. The Gospel, according to Paul, is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16). The Greek word for “power” here is “dynamis,” from which we get an English word, “dynamite.” The word means inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature. The power of the Gospel is what God uses to deliver people from His wrath. It rescues people from the ultimate penalty of their sin—eternal separation from God and eternal punishment. Clearly, to believe the Gospel is to be rescued from all spiritual dangers. It is no wonder the Bible presents the proclamation of the Gospel as the obligation of all believers. In fact, Paul reminds us we are not only obligated to proclaim the Gospel but should all be eager to share the Gospel with every person (see Rom. 1:14-15). Such a message seems foolish to the world. “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18). But it is this foolish message that has the inherent power to produce the righteousness of God within a person’s heart. It is this foolish message that once embraced by faith results in “salvation to everyone who believes.” This is the Word of the Lord!

Saving faith consists of three fundamentals. First of all there is the mind—what we might call mental assent to the Gospel. In other words, one hears and understands the Gospel and the truth about Jesus Christ. This is the witness of Ephesians 1:13. Secondly, there is the emotional aspect. It is here one embraces the truthfulness of the Gospel with sorrow over sin and joy over God’s mercy and grace—“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing” (Rom. 15:13). Finally, there is volition which speaks of the will or desire. It is here that one submits his or her will to Christ and trusts in Him alone as the only hope of salvation thus resulting not only in salvation but also in genuine repentance and authentic obedience of the one being saved. Paul wrote, “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord” (Rom. 10:9). This is not a simple acknowledgement that He is God and the Lord of all. Even the demons acknowledge as much. This is the deep personal conviction—without reservation—that Jesus is Lord. Since Jesus is Lord, the saved person endeavors to bring every aspect of his or her life under His Lordship. Therefore, when one believes the Gospel sin is repented of, Christ alone is trusted for salvation and faith is evidenced through submission to Him as Lord. “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).