In this session, I want us to better appreciate the simplicity and power of the gospel. There is no sophistry or complication in the news.
It is news, not some commandment. It is a notification, not instructions! For example, "the Government of Nigeria has declared a curfew in some parts of the city", that is a notification. "This is to notify all members of this organisation that due to the ongoing administrative restructuring, there shall be a 50% cut in the salary of all staff. Also there will be no more free lunch. All administrative privileges of senior staff such as official car etc., are hereby suspended". That is news; but what a sad one! "The reader of this article has been awarded a present of $90,000,000", this one is a notification, and a good news! But the gospel is better than this one!
We shall briefly look at some examples of preached gospel over the ages in the bible, and you will see if there was complicated or sad news in any.
For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard [it]. (Hebrews 4:2)
And what was the gospel (good news)?
…enter into my rest. (Hebrews 3:11 KJV)
Abraham gospel
And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, [saying], IN THEE SHALL ALL NATIONS BE BLESSED. (Galatians 3:8)
Paul explains it as,
That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the GOSPEL OF GOD, THAT THE OFFERING UP OF THE GENTILES MIGHT BE ACCEPTABLE, BEING SANCTIFIED BY THE HOLY GHOST. (Romans 15:16)
Gentiles are going to be acceptable not by works, but by grace through the sanctification of the Spirit.Angel to some men
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger… on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:10-14)
God said it. I believe it. That settles it.
Every needed work of pleasing God is further fashioned out from the heart of the receiver. The word in his heart will further grow and produce righteousness and a changed blessed life, thirtyfold, hundredfold… but he must first receive the news. This is the power of the gospel. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). In it is the RIGHTEOUSNESS of God REVEALED from faith to faith (Romans 1:17).
Therefore the gospel is both good and powerful. It is sweet to the ear, yet, righteousness producing.
Stay blessed for next sessions!
