Articles
What Should You Do with the Gospel?
The gospel is the good news of salvation in Jesus, who died for our sins and rose to be our Lord (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). What should you do with it?
Hear it. “Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe” (Acts 15:7). Take the time to learn all about Jesus’ offer.
Believe it. 2,000 years ago Jesus preached, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). The same timeless invitation to salvation that He preached then is still available today.
Obey it. The gospel is more than facts to be believed; it is also commands to be obeyed, beginning with repentance and baptism. Merciful Jesus will one day return as a judge “dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 1:8).
Live it. “Only conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ . . .” (Philippians 1:27). Join Paul in living “so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:27). That is vital because we also must. . .
Preach it. Jesus parting instruction was, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). Everyone needs to hear the good news of salvation.
Don’t be ashamed of it. There always have been and always will be mockers. Don’t let them affect you. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).
Defend it. “. . . I am set for the defence of the gospel” (Philippians 1:17, NKJB). It is necessary to defend it, not only because some reject it altogether, but also because “there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ” (Galatians 1:7).
Hold it fast. “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). The same devil who tries to blind people so they can’t see the light of the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:4) wants to persuade those who have embraced it to let go. Don’t do it! Hold fast until the end.
