DO YOU KNOW
THE GOSPEL?
By: Todd Bryant
"…. But there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." (Gal. 1:7-9)
After reading the above passage, I would have to say that the gospel message we promote is of the utmost importance. Paul said that the Lord called us by our gospel (II Ths. 2:14). That gospel is the same gospel Paul was referring to when lie wrote the epistle to the Gallatin saints. Therefore, if the Lord saves his people through the very gospel message Paul preached and Paul said for other men who spread a false gospel to be accursed, the gospel news we give die lost man becomes utterly important.
"But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and to file (Greeks foolishness: But unto them, which are called both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God." (I Cor. 1:2 .14) This is the basis of the gospel. If you are sitting under preaching that is leaving this out of the message, they aren't preaching the gospel of Christ. Many preachers say "Let God into your life. Accept Christ. Let God be your co-pilot" Brethren, Christ is my pilot and I didn't let him do anything. He is God and "... he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth." (Dan. 4:35) He must be exalted and he is by true gospel preaching. Paul never told anybody to accept Christ, or, to let Christ be part of their life. He simply preached the gospel and "the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved". (Acts 2:47)
Our Lord told us to "Preach the gospel to every creature." (Mrk. 16:15). He didn't tell us to save them. We can't make a single person born again. You see, brethren, "With men this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible." (Mat. 19:26) The proper gospel message is boldly proclaimed with the results left up to God.
Acts 13:49 states: "And when the Gentiles heard this (the gospel), they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed." You see, the gospel message was put out and the ones God had ordained to eternal life believed it. This, is why we are saved by the Sovereign Grace of an Almighty God.
With these thoughts in mind, I don't hesitate to say sinner if you are burdened down with sin--if you are weak and heavy laden, cast your burden on the only sacrifice for our sins. The Lord Jesus Christ, who was God in the flesh, came to this earth and walked among men. He committed no sin. He lived a perfect life. He was tempted in every way we are, yet he was without sin (Heb. 4:15). However, God requires a perfect sacrifice. Therefore, my Lord had to die. l wasn't worthy to pay for my sin. I needed a perfect Lamb of God to do it for me. Without Him, I would be on a one-way course to the deepest parts of hell. Yet, with Him, I am at peace. He was crucified on the cross for our sins. He laid down his life for the sheep (Jhn 10: 15). 1 was a lost sheep, but he found me and brought me into file fold.
How do I know God recognized his sacrifice as sufficient, one might ask. This is taught in almost every book in the Bible. The answer is because lie raised him up from the dead. He rose again after three days. He was a perfect sacrifice. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shall be saved." (Acts 16:31) If you trust in him for your salvation, you are trusting in one who is worth trusting. If you are trusting in your church, your preacher, the life you live, your baptism, or anything, save the blood of Christ, you aren't trusting in the gospel Paul taught. You are trusting in works (Eph 2:8-9). We are saved by faith in Christ and faith alone. This is a faith imparted to us by the Holy Spirit through the use of a gospel message. It must be a gospel message.
If you are supporting a gospel other than the gospel of Christ, I tell you to find another place to worship. Find a place that preaches the gospel the Bible talks about. If you truly love the Lord, follow his word, heed to his commands, and proclaim his gospel in truth.
I leave you with this thought in mind from the 53rd chapter of Isaiah. "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

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